Expired Registration in Louisiana

Motor vehicle registration in Louisiana is mandatory for all vehicles operated on public roadways. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, a division of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, administers all vehicle registration programs and procedures throughout the state. The Louisiana State Police, along with local law enforcement agencies, enforce compliance with registration statutes on Louisiana's highways.

State Code Provisions in Louisiana

Louisiana's vehicle registration framework operates under Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, which governs revenue and taxation matters, including motor vehicle registration and licensing. RS 47:508 establishes registration expiration dates and renewal periods for different vehicle categories, while RS 47:536 prescribes violations of registration provisions, establishing criminal penalties for operating unregistered vehicles or vehicles without proper display of current registration plates.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Louisiana

Registration Renewal System

Louisiana implements a biennial registration system for most passenger vehicles. Under RS 47:508(B), private passenger automobile registrations expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years and must be renewed on or before February 6 of the immediately following year.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

• Private passenger automobiles: Biennial registration expiring December 31 of odd-numbered years
• Renewal deadline: On or before February 6 following the expiration year
• Example: A vehicle registered in 2025 expires on December 31, 2025, and must be renewed by February 6, 2026
• Registration decals display the expiration month and year on the license plate

Louisiana does not offer a grace period for expired vehicle registration. Once registration expires on December 31 (for standard passenger vehicles) or the designated expiration date for other vehicle categories, owners may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads until registration is renewed. Driving the vehicle with an expired registration subjects owners to both administrative penalties and traffic citations immediately upon expiration.

Special Vehicle Categories:

• Commercial rental and leased vehicles: Annual registration expiring one year from issuance date under RS 47:508(A)(2)
• Trucks exceeding 16,000 pounds and certain trailers: Annual registration expiring one year from issuance and is renewed annually thereafter per RS 47:508(A)(3)
• Trucks between 10,000 and 16,000 pounds: Annual registration expiring from issuance date under RS 47:508(A)(4)
• Most other vehicles: June 30 annual expiration with renewal between May 1 and June 30 pursuant to RS 47:508(A)(1)

Penalties for Expired Registration in Louisiana

Louisiana distinguishes between administrative penalties assessed by the Office of Motor Vehicles for late renewal and traffic violation fines imposed by courts for operating vehicles with expired registration.

Administrative Penalties

Louisiana assesses a $25.00 late fee for vehicle registration renewed within the first 45 days past the expiration date. This administrative penalty applies when processing renewal transactions through the Office of Motor Vehicles after expiration has occurred.

Traffic Violations

Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration constitutes a criminal violation under Louisiana law. RS 47:536(A)(1) prohibits the operation of any motor vehicle that is not registered or does not display current year number plates as required by statute.

Criminal Violation Classification and Penalties:

Administrative Traffic Penalty:

In addition to criminal sanctions, Louisiana Administrative Code Title 73, Section I-1105 establishes that vehicles operating with an improper Louisiana license or registration are subject to an administrative penalty equal to 25% of the annual cost of proper registration. This penalty is assessed separately from criminal fines and applies when law enforcement encounters vehicles operating with expired or improper registration credentials.

Government Agencies

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
7979 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6146
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

Louisiana State Police
Headquarters
7919 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6006
Official Website: Louisiana State Police