ID/Driver's License
Driver's License and State ID Information
The Center for International Education strongly recommends that students carry some form of picture identification with them at all times. While the Loyola University student ID will often be sufficient for on-campus activities, a U.S. government-issued identification card can be a more practical option than carrying your original passport away from campus.
What documents do I need to apply for a driver's license?
You must submit originals of the following documents as part of your driver's license application:
- your passport with your student visa sticker
- your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 exchange visitors)
- your most recent I-94, which you can look up online here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
- NOTE: Non-immigrants must show upon application for a new Louisiana license or identification card that there are AT LEAST 180 DAYS left on their I-94 or Employment Authorization Document. Applicants with less than 180 days remaining shall be denied a Louisiana license or identification card.
- your Social Security Number, if you have one
- If you do NOT have a Social Security Number, then you need an official letter from the Social Security Administration specifying that no number has been assigned to you OR that you are not eligible for issuance of a Social Security Number. CIE can make you a letter to assist with this.
- your Loyola student ID
- your Loyola student bill receipt for the current semester showing a ZERO BALANCE. Student Financial Services can give you an official copy; their office is located in Thomas Hall, Room 302. You can also print out a copy from your LORA Self-Service.
- your valid out-of-country driver’s license, if you have one
- your letter of support from CIE
Do I have to take a test to get a driver’s license?
Yes. You will have to take three driving tests: the Road Signs Test, the Road Rules Test, and the general driving test. You must score at least 80% on each test to pass.
How can I study for the driving test?
You can study using the Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Handbook. There is no practice test available.
Do I have to take a driver’s education class?
Yes. Unless you can present a valid out-of-state driver's license, or a valid out-of-country driver's license from a country with a reciprocal agreement, all first-time applicants must present a certificate of completion of a (6) hour pre-licensing course from an approved driving school. The Louisiana OMV has a list of approved driving schools by city that you can browse. The driver's education class is in addition to the required tests mentioned above.
Will the OMV give me a car so I can take my driving test?
No. You must bring your own vehicle (or a friend's) for your driving test. The car you take to the exam must be insured, and you must bring your proof of insurance with you to the exam. The vehicle must also have a current safety inspection sticker, current license plate validation sticker, and current certification of registration.
Where can I find more information?
All information is subject to change. You can find more information about Driver's Education and Testing, and about Licenses for Non-U.S. Residents, at the links provided. For complete information please go the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website at https://expresslane.la.gov/omv.
External link
What documents do I need to apply for a state ID?
You must submit originals of the following documents as part of your application for a Louisiana State ID:
- your passport with your student visa sticker
- your I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 exchange visitors)
- your most recent I-94, which you can look up online here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
- NOTE: Non-immigrants must show upon application for a new Louisiana license or identification card that there are AT LEAST 180 DAYS left on their I-94 or Employment Authorization Document. Applicants with less than 180 days remaining shall be denied a Louisiana license or identification card.
- your Loyola student ID
- a local utility bill in your name, OR your most recent Loyola student bill. Student Financial Services can give you an official copy of your bill; their office is located in Thomas Hall, Room 302. You can also print out a copy from your LORA Self-Service.
- your letter of support from CIE
What documents do I need for a REAL ID?
In addition to the documents above, you will also need to provide:
- your Social Security Number, if you have one
- If you do NOT have a Social Security Number, then you need an official letter from the Social Security Administration specifying that no number has been assigned to you OR that you are not eligible for issuance of a Social Security Number. CIE can make you a letter to assist with this.
- two different documents that establish residency in Louisiana. These documents must have your name and show a Louisiana street address. Examples include:
- a utility bill in your name dated within the past 60 days
- a bank or credit card statement within the past 60 days
- your Loyola transcript, issued within the past 60 days
- a current, valid rental or dorm contract/agreement, and/or rent payment receipts
Where can I find more information?
All information is subject to change. You can find more information about REAL ID Requirements, Acceptable Residency Documents for REAL ID, and about Licenses for Non-U.S. Residents, at the links provided. For complete information please go the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website at https://expresslane.la.gov/omv.
External link
My passport has my picture in it. Can I use that as identification around town?
You can use your passport, but it is risky to carry this with you around New Orleans. It is recommended that you keep your original passport and other immigration documents in a secure place and only carry copies with you when you are in the New Orleans area. A lost or stolen passport will be much more difficult to replace than a lost or stolen Louisiana ID card or driver’s license.
Is it necessary to get either a driver’s license or state ID card?
A picture ID is often required to enter local bars and clubs. The staff may be reluctant or refuse to accept your passport or other picture ID because they are trained to identify “fake” Louisiana IDs and may not be able to recognize the authenticity of your passport or other picture ID.
Do I really need to get a driver’s license?
If you plan to drive a car or purchase one while you are here at Loyola, you need to apply for a LA driver’s license. If you do not plan to drive in the U.S., getting a LA state ID would be a better option for you. For more information on getting a state ID click on the tab at the top of the page.
According to Louisiana OMV policy, applicants must have at least 180 days left in status in order to apply for a Louisiana license for the first time ("initial issuance")
In order to be eligible to renew an existing Louisiana license a non-immigrant must have at least 30 days left in status.
I have an International Driving Permit. Do I still need to get a Louisiana driver’s license?
Yes, if you plan to own a car or if you will be in New Orleans for more than a year (your international driving permit is only valid for one year after your arrival). **You are only allowed to drive with the license from your home country for 3 months. If you will be in New Orleans longer than three months and you plan to rent a car or drive, you should get an International Driving Permit before you leave your home country.** If you will be in New Orleans for more than one year, you should plan to apply for a Louisiana driver's license before your international driving permit expires.
NEW REGULATION: As of March 23, 2015, internationals with a license from their home country will still need to take an approved driver’s education course to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license. International driver’s licenses are not acceptable to waive the driver's education course requirement or as a form of identification. You will have to submit a certificate of completion of a driver’s education course before you will be allowed to take the vision, road and written tests.
I have a driver’s license from my home country. Do I still need to get a Louisiana driver’s license?
Yes, if you will be here for more than one year, or even sooner if you did not come to the U.S. with an international driving permit. Full-time students living in Louisiana but maintaining out-of-country permanent residency do not have to obtain a Louisiana license during their first three months here as long as full-time student status is in effect and your driver's license is valid. To prove this, you need to carry copies of your passport, I-20 and I-94 as well as your Loyola student ID with you. After three months, you need to get a LA driver’s license.
Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) to get a driver’s license?
No. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles requires that all applicants submit either a social security number or an official letter from the Social Security Administration specifying that no number has been assigned OR the applicant is not eligible for issuance of a Social Security Number. Failure to provide the above-stated proof will result in a denial of issuance of a driver’s license.
How can I apply for a Social Security Number?
In order to apply for a SSN you must show proof of employment or an explicit job offer in addition to your original immigration documents and a letter from CIE. For more information, please refer to the Social Security Number section of the CIE website.
Where can I get a driver’s license?
The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) locations and hours of operation (in Orleans Parish) are as follows:
Harvey
2150 Westbank Expwy.
Harvey, LA 70058
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
No Outside Driving Tests from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Kenner
421 Williams Blvd.
Kenner, LA 70062
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
No Outside Driving Tests from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
New Orleans (Lakeview)
100 Veterans Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70124
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
No Outside Driving Tests from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
For information about other locations, visit https://local.dmv.org/louisiana/dmv-office-locations.php
How much does it cost?
Driver’s licenses currently cost $39.50 (cash only) and are valid for 4 years.
The Center for International Education strongly recommends that students carry some form of picture identification with them at all times. While the Loyola University student ID will often be sufficient for on-campus activities, a U.S. government-issued identification card can be a more practical option than carrying your original passport away from campus.
My passport has my picture in it. Can I use that as identification around town?
You can use your passport, but it is risky to carry this with you around New Orleans. It is recommended that you keep your original passport and other immigration documents in a secure place and only carry copies with you when you are in the New Orleans area. A lost or stolen passport will be much more difficult to replace than a lost or stolen Louisiana ID card.
Is it necessary to get either a driver’s license or state ID card?
While it is not necessary to do so, a picture ID is often required to enter local bars and clubs. The staff may be reluctant or refuse to accept your passport or other picture ID because they are trained to identify “fake” Louisiana IDs and may not be able to recognize the authenticity of your passport or other picture ID.
What’s the difference between a Driver’s license and a state ID?
They look the same, but if you do not plan to drive car in the U.S., you do not need a LA drivers’ license. Getting a LA state ID would be a better option for you.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a state ID?
No.
Where can I get a state ID?
Nearby Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) locations and hours of operation are as follows:
Harvey
2150 Westbank Expwy.
Harvey, LA 70058
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
No Outside Driving Tests from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Kenner
421 Williams Blvd.
Kenner, LA 70062
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
No Outside Driving Tests from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
New Orleans (Lakeview)
100 Veterans Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70124
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
No Outside Driving Tests from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
For information about other locations, visit https://local.dmv.org/louisiana/dmv-office-locations.php
How much does it cost?
State IDs currently cost $21.00 plus a local fee of up to $4.50 (cash only) and are valid for 4 years.