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How to get a driver's license in Louisiana as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Louisiana needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
30 days after establishing domicile (stated for out-of-state license transfers)
License exchange without tests
5 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
SSN is collected and verified for all Louisiana licenses.

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 30 days after establishing domicile (stated for out-of-state license transfers).

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Germany
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • South Korea
  • Republic of Ireland

Legal presence required; must pass vision test and keep the foreign license valid as long as the Louisiana license. Taiwan translations must be authenticated by TECO Houston or an OMV-accepted translator. Ireland effective 08/01/2026. Class D/E only, not CDL. Some H-2A visa holders from other countries may also qualify.

If your country is not on the list

Other foreign license holders must show proof of driver education and pass knowledge, vision and road skills tests.

All first-time applicants presenting a foreign driver's license from a country that does not have a reciprocal agreement expresslane.la.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Current passport with DHS status documentation
  • I-20 (F-1 students, with school ID and fee bill)

License validity: License expires with your authorized stay; at least 30 days must remain at issuance.

You must present your current passport with documentation from Homeland Security indicating your status in the United States. expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov

Social Security number

SSN is collected and verified for all Louisiana licenses.

Social Security Number (must be collected on all drivers' licenses issued in this state) expresslane.la.gov

Proof of residency

Proof of Louisiana residency required; number of documents not confirmed.

Proof of residency expresslane.la.gov

Step by step

  1. Bring your passport and DHS status documents, SSN, and proof of Louisiana residency (originals only).
  2. Complete driver education: 6-hour pre-licensing classroom course plus 8 hours behind-the-wheel (age 18+).
  3. Pass the vision test (20/40 in one or both eyes).
  4. Pass the 40-question knowledge test with at least 80%.
  5. Pass the road skills test with a licensed third-party provider.
  6. Get your Class E license at an OMV office; it expires with your authorized stay.
  7. Germany, Switzerland, Taiwan, South Korea and Ireland license holders skip driver education and knowledge/road tests (vision test only).

Fees

Basic license fee $32.25, plus a $6 service fee at some offices.

$32.25 - the basic license fee. expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.