What’s the Status of My Driver’s License?

Still dealing with a suspended driver’s license?

When your ability to drive is taken away, it can be really damaging to your life. Not only do you feel trapped and dependent on others to get you around, but you may struggle to find or keep employment without a valid driver’s license. 

Not to mention the impact on your social life…

If your license was recently suspended or if you simply want to check the status of your Louisiana driver’s license, you’ve come to the right place.

Contact a top-rated New Orleans traffic lawyer today to help fight traffic violations like speeding tickets and other negative impacts on your driving history.

Infractions That Impact Your Driver’s License Status

There are many reasons your license may be suspended in the Bayou State, including:

• Felony convictions involving a vehicle
• Reckless driving
• Being involved in a fatal car accident
• Not stopping for a school bus
• DUI offenses
• Not paying fines for minor traffic violations
• Third and subsequent littering tickets

Consequences of Driving With a Suspended License in Louisiana

Driving with a driver’s license that is no longer valid in Louisiana is against the law and can result in a misdemeanor conviction. If stopped by police, you may face up to $500 in fines and up to six months in jail for the simple offense of driving while your license is suspended or otherwise invalid.

The penalties for driving with a suspended license are even more serious if you’re involved in a car accident, particularly if severe bodily injury or a fatality occurs. Not only would the penalties for driving without a valid license apply, but you may be subject to the financial responsibility of compensating the injured parties.

How Do I Check the Status of My Driver’s License?

Since the penalties for driving without a valid driver’s license can be severe, it’s important to know the status of your driver’s license at all times. 

There are a few ways you can check the status of your driver’s license in the Bayou State using the last four digits of your social security number and driver’s license number.

Through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Call Center

Last year, the state’s DMV office—the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)—extended its call center hours to meet the needs of Louisiana drivers looking for driver’s license reinstatement services. 

The call center now closes at 6:30 p.m. every weeknight, with reinstatement services available from 4–6:30 p.m.

To get your license status or work toward reinstating your license, call (225) 925-6146 and select Option 3.

On the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Website

You can also check the status of your driver’s license—including any flags on your driving record, disqualifications or blocks for reinstatement, and any current suspensions—by visiting the Driver License Status Inquiry page of the OMV website.

In Person at a Louisiana Public Tag Agency

Suppose you’d rather deal with your license status or reinstatement in person. In that case, you can visit one of Louisiana’s many Public Tag Agencies (PTAs) authorized to perform a limited number of license reinstatement services.

Make sure you take your driver’s license number and social security number with you.

Dealing With Traffic Violations? Call an Experienced Louisiana Traffic Lawyer

In some cases, handling traffic offenses can be stressful, exhausting, and even damaging to your future. Certain violations can result in license suspension—limiting your mobility and freedom to work and live your life. Other infractions—like paying fines, court fees, or higher insurance premiums—could negatively affect your financial situation.

Your driving record is important. If you’re facing traffic violations that are difficult to handle, you need the legal aid of a Louisiana traffic lawyer. 

Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, and we’ll discuss your options.