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People in Louisiana who owe OMV fees can get financial help

Umito November 19, 2024

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — More than 350,000 Louisiana residents who have unpaid fines with the Louisiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles can get financial help after a law passed earlier this year.

Law 629signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry during the 2024 regular session, aims to help people get out of debt after an overhaul of OMV’s delinquent debt procedures.

“This law reflects our commitment to fairness in governance. By reforming OMV’s reentry program, we are providing critical relief to our residents and allowing more drivers to get back on the road and back to work,” Landry said.

In addition to helping residents with their OMV debt, this helps people reacquire their licenses.

“Fees previously sent to the Debt Recovery Office (ODR) for recovery assistance have been recalled and reset to the initial amount,” according to the OMV.

Still need a REAL ID? Here’s what you need to know

Residents must contact OMV to pay the upfront fee or enter into an installment agreement. On December 31, 2024, all fees still unpaid and overdue for more than 180 days may be returned to the ODR as they will be considered delinquent debts, according to the OMV.

Officials said residents who want to enter into an installment agreement need their driver’s license number, a valid email address and a debit card, credit card or ACH account to make the first month’s payment.

“We are committed to serving Louisiana residents fairly and impartially. If residents go to expresslane.org/ContactUswe will contact them,” said OMV Commissioner Dan Casey. “The new law ensures that the fees owed to the OMV do not become an insurmountable obstacle and allows our agency to support drivers more effectively.”

Click here to check your license status. If you discover that you owe fees, click on this link and choose “Installment Agreement or Reinstatement Return Appeal.” You will receive a call from OMV customer service agents between 8 p.m. and 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.

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