Louisiana Drivers: Get Your License Back With OMV Debt Forgiveness Program

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has started a new program based on a recently passed law that allows drivers with a huge debt to the OMV to get those fees reduced, but you have to act quickly. If you have lost your license, this is the time to get help.

OMV Commissioner Dan Casey says too many people in our state can't pay the fees associated with the original reason they had their license revoked. This program aims to eliminate the fees owed to the Office of Debt Recovery to help people get to driving again.

The debts and interest have been removed, but they ask people to move to improve the situation.

What Should You Do To Get The Fees Dismissed And Get Your License Back?

People with OMV issues must act quickly to devise a plan with officials. If you know you owe fees associated with a vehicle problem, visit expresslane.org/ContactUs. Casey says you then select "Installment Agreement or Reinstatement Return Call." Save this phone number so you know who is calling you: 1-225-925-6146.

The hours of operation for this program will be Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.

To start this process, you must have all the information to call this number and contact officials by December 31, 2024. If you don't, all fees will be considered delinquent debt.

How Do You Know What You Owe?

If you are unsure if you have fees or the amount applied, go to expresslane.org/DLstatus first. Casey says the most important thing is to make the call because they won't be able to work with everyone without a license. After all, they can't afford penalties and interest.

Act 629 will lead to a reorganization of the program and, in Dan Casey's words,

The new law ensures that fees owed to OMV do not become an insurmountable obstacle and allows our agency to support drivers more effectively.

The following is information you may need, depending on your problem, with the OMV:

1.     FixMyFlags.com – OMV now offers immediate online payment for outstanding insurance cancellations and notice of violation flags with compliance on file with our office.

2.     OMV Field Offices - Reinstatement transactions are available at select OMV field offices by appointment only. Visit www.expresslane.org/Reinstatement to view a list of offices that offer reinstatement services. Customers can schedule an appointment at www.expresslane.org/appointments.

3.     Public Tag Agents (PTAs) - Visit www.expresslane.org for a list of PTAs that can perform reinstatement transactions.

4.     OMV Call Center - Call (225) 925-6146 and choose option three. The OMV call center is open for incoming calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If an OMV representative is unavailable to answer the call, residents must provide all of the required information stated in the voice message to be placed on a callback list.