What to Bring to the Louisiana DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Make an appointment online at expresslane.org to skip the long lines
- →Double-check that all your documents are originals, not copies
- →Have your parent or guardian ready to go with you
- →Bring a valid photo ID for your parent/guardian
- →Study the Louisiana Driver's Manual beforehand
- →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in
- →Verify your address matches exactly on all your residency documents
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (with raised seal)
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-94
You must bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted for the primary identity proof.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card (original)
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Pay stub with full SSN
- ✓Military ID with SSN
Louisiana requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or pay stub showing the full number. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must bring a letter from the SSA stating ineligibility.
Proof of Louisiana Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) issued within the last 60 days
- ✓Bank statement with current address
- ✓Parent's lease or mortgage statement
- ✓School report card or transcript with current address
- ✓Insurance policy document
For a standard license, one proof is usually enough, but for REAL ID compliance, you typically need two different documents showing your Louisiana address.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Form DS-200 (Application for Operator's License) must be signed by a parent/guardian
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must appear in person with you at the OMV
- ✓Parent must present their own valid ID
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign, or a court order may be needed
- ✓Notarization is generally not required if the parent appears in person
If you are in foster care, the caseworker or designated guardian must sign the consent form and appear with you.
Proof of Driver's Education
- ✓Certificate of Completion from a state-approved Driver Education course
- ✓Certificate of Completion from a high school driver education program
In Louisiana, teens under 17 must complete a state-approved driver education course before applying for a learner's permit. If you are 17 or older, this is not required.
Fees & Payment
$32.25
This fee covers the learner's permit application. If you fail the vision or written test, there may be additional re-testing fees.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Form DS-200 (Application for Operator's License)
Available at: Available at any OMV office or downloadable from expresslane.org
Do not sign this form until you are standing in front of the OMV clerk; they need to witness your signature.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (use it only for emergencies or study, but silence it during the test)
- ✗Large backpacks or bags (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings (they cannot sit in the waiting area for you)
- ✗Pets (service animals only)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating inside the testing area)
- ✗Photocopies of your documents (bring originals only)
- ✗Your own pen (use the one provided by the clerk)
At the Office
- →The written test is computer-based and multiple choice
- →You must pass a vision screening before taking the written test
- →If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you will get an interim paper permit immediately
- →Your official plastic permit card will be mailed to your home address within 2-3 weeks
Official Office of Motor Vehicles info: www.expresslane.org
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