Replacing Lost Permit:
Louisiana Lost or Stolen Permit Replacement: Options, Fees and Eligibility (2026)
Replacing a lost Louisiana Class E learner's permit or Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) has three options. Apply online, at an OMV office, or through a Public Tag Agent. The replacement keeps your original expiration date and driving restrictions.
Ways to Replace a Lost Louisiana Learner's Permit
The correct replacement path depends on age, address, and online eligibility. Do not assume every permit holder can order a duplicate online.
| Situation | Replacement Path |
|---|---|
| Applicant under 18 | Use an in-person duplicate transaction. Louisiana OMV does not allow an online duplicate driver's license for applicants under 18. |
| Applicant age 18+ | An online duplicate may be available if the applicant meets OMV's eligibility rules and the record information is current. |
| Address also needs to change | Use an in-person transaction. Credential address changes cannot be completed through the online duplicate process. |
| Temporarily outside Louisiana | Check OMV eligibility before relying on the online option, especially if the address or record needs to change. |
The standard duplicate fee and any service or electronic charge depend on the transaction method. For LA Wallet access after replacement, use the Digital Permit guide.
Do You Need a Police Report for a Stolen Louisiana Learner's Permit?
A police report is not listed as a requirement for every standard duplicate transaction. However, OMV's photo-retake policy says a stolen credential may be replaced at no charge when a police report states that it was stolen. If theft is involved, keeping the report can therefore matter even when you could otherwise request a normal duplicate. See OMV Policy 26.00.
What Happens If You Find Your Old Permit After Getting a Replacement?
Use the most recently issued credential, not the older card you later found. Louisiana's online and LA Wallet systems work from the current credential record, and LA Wallet specifically supports only the most recently issued license or ID. Keep the replacement as your active credential. See LA Wallet guidance.
How Do You Replace a Damaged Louisiana Learner's Permit?
Use the duplicate process. OMV defines a duplicate credential transaction as the process used when a current Louisiana license or ID is lost, stolen, or mutilated. The exact path still depends on age and online eligibility. See OMV Policy 20.00.
Louisiana OMV Documents for a Duplicate Learner's Permit
For an in-person duplicate, bring the identity, minor-applicant, and address documents that apply to your situation. A REAL ID transaction can require additional residency documentation.
Use the Required Documents guide for the complete checklist rather than duplicating it here.
Does Replacing a Lost REAL ID Learner's Permit Change Its REAL ID Status?
A duplicate does not turn a non-REAL-ID credential into a REAL ID. Louisiana's duplicate-request terms say a duplicate of a credential that is not currently REAL ID compliant will still display "Not for Federal Identification"; upgrading to REAL ID requires an in-person transaction. If the lost credential was already REAL ID compliant, request a duplicate of the current credential rather than starting a new REAL ID application unless OMV tells you updated documents are required. See Louisiana OMV duplicate terms.
Can You Drive in Louisiana While Replacing a Lost Permit?
Louisiana law recognizes a valid digitized driver's license. A driver should not be described as automatically illegal in Louisiana simply because the physical card is missing when a valid digitized credential can be presented.
That does not mean every situation or every other state must accept the digital version. Use the dedicated Digital Permit guide for LA Wallet acceptance and the Forgot Permit While Driving guide for the separate driving-without-the-physical-card question.
How Long Does Louisiana Permit Replacement Take?
Processing time depends on the replacement method. For mailing and card-delivery timing, use the dedicated Louisiana Processing Time guide rather than repeating delivery estimates here.
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