Louisiana driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Louisiana requires proof of identity, lawful status, residency, and (where eligible) a Social Security number for a driver license or state ID, and it has no program for undocumented residents. But lawfully-present non-citizens can get a Louisiana Class E driver license or a Class I identification card — the OMV decides eligibility status-by-status under its Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Issuance policy, and several common visa types are excluded.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented DL access: NO — lawful status required for every applicant
  • Lawfully-present non-citizens: YES — green card, asylee, refugee, parolee, DACA, and most work visas qualify
  • Not eligible: K-1 fiancé(e), Visa Waiver (WT/WB), and Border Crossing Card holders; B-1/B-2 visitors only with an EAD
  • Credential for temporary status: “Limited-Term” — expires on your last day of legal presence
  • State ID (Class I) fee: about $27–$35 (free for age 60+) · Driver license (Class E) fee: $32.25–$40.25
  • REAL ID and standard versions cost the same
  • Agency: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)
  • Website: expresslane.la.gov/omv · Office locator: offices.omv.la.gov
  • Phone: (225) 925-6146

Which immigration statuses qualify in Louisiana

Louisiana OMV Policy 6.02 issues a license or ID by immigration status:

  • Qualify (with the right document — I-94, I-129/I-797 Notice of Action, or Employment Authorization Document): permanent residents (green card / I-551), asylees, refugees, parolees, DACA recipients, and H and L work-visa holders. F-1 students qualify if employed (I-94 + I-20 or EAD).
  • Do NOT qualify: K-1 fiancé(e)s of US citizens (No Issuance — until married and status changed, then apply with passport, marriage certificate, and I-797); B-1 business visitors (unless an EAD has been issued); B-2 tourists (unless an EAD plus an I-797 changing status); Visa Waiver Program visitors (WT pleasure / WB business); and Border Crossing Card holders.

The “Limited-Term” credential and the 180-day rule

For a temporary (non-immigrant) status holder, Louisiana issues a Limited-Term license or ID: when you have less than six years of legal presence remaining, the card carries a variable expiration date set to your last day of legal presence. On a first application you must have at least 180 days of legal presence left on your I-94 or EAD (60 days for H-2A agricultural workers), or the application is denied. Asylees receive a Limited-Term credential valid six years from issuance.

The Social Security number rule

Louisiana requires a Social Security number where you are eligible for one. If you have alien status and are ineligible for an SSN, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are “ineligible” or “have not been issued” a number (OMV Policy 41.00). The OMV does not accept photocopies of required documents.

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs. A REAL ID-compliant card (gold star) can be used to board domestic flights (enforced since May 7, 2025), enter federal buildings, and access secure federal facilities. Louisiana offers both REAL ID and standard (non-compliant) credentials, and a REAL ID costs the same as a non-compliant one. REAL ID requires proof of identity, lawful status, your SSN (or ineligibility letter), and two original documents showing your name and Louisiana street address.

How to apply in Louisiana

  1. Confirm your status qualifies (see the list above — K-1, visa-waiver, and B-1/B-2 without an EAD do not).
  2. Book an OMV appointment at la.omvappointments.com and find your office at offices.omv.la.gov.
  3. Bring originals (no photocopies) — identity + lawful-status document + SSN (or SSA ineligibility letter) + proof of Louisiana residency.
  4. Pass the tests (vision, knowledge, road) for a first license; translators are allowed for the written test except CDL.
  5. Pay the fee — about $27–$35 for a Class I ID, $32.25–$40.25 for a Class E license.

If you are undocumented or cannot get an SSN

Louisiana has no driver-privilege card for undocumented residents. Practical alternatives:

  • Use your foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with an EAD), and federal flights.
  • Get a matrícula consular from your home-country consulate (see Consulates in Louisiana).
  • Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained in your home country before travel.
  • Open an ITIN-friendly bank account to bank without an SSN.
  • Consider an AB60-equivalent state if you must drive regularly (CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, HI, IL, MD, MA, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OR, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA).

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: Louisiana OMV — ID Cards, New Licenses, and OMV Policy 6.02 (Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Issuance).

General procedural information. OMV policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.