The Louisiana House of Representatives has a proposal on the table that would modify the visual format of the driver’s licenses and the state identification cards, incorporating a graphic element that would distinguish verified U.S. citizens from other carriers.
House Bill 613 establishes that the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) must place the image of an eagle in flight on the identity documents of those who prove their citizenship. The measure does not alter the existing requirements for processing these documents but rather adds a differentiating visual indicator.
The Eagle Symbol as a Mark of Citizenship on Driver’s Licenses
The legislation was drafted by State Representative Dodie Horton, of District 9, and obtained the endorsement of the House Transportation Committee. With a vote of 8 in favor and 5 against, the bill was cleared for debate by the full state legislature. The vote reflects a marked division among the legislators present on the committee.
Horton stated that the eagle “is just another sign that you’re a U.S. citizen, and that comes with privileges. There’s no question about it.” The legislator also confirmed that the symbol would be exclusive to the state of Louisiana and would not have legal recognition in other jurisdictions of the country.
The Symbol Only Applies to Renewals and Duplicates
The rule would only apply to the renewals and duplicates of diver’s licenses and identifications and would not affect pre-existing documents. This technical precision reduces the immediate scope of the project, since current holders of identity cards would not see their document modified until it is due for renewal or replacement due to loss or damage.
The OMV staff testified before the committee that, should the legislation come into force, it would not entail any additional requirements for obtaining the driver’s license nor an increase in current fees. From an operational standpoint, the agency already has procedures in place to verify the citizenship of applicants under the REAL ID program, which was implemented in the state last year.
The REAL ID—identified by a gold circle or star— enables its bearers to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings with restricted access, and access military bases. To obtain it, one must present a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, or a naturalization certificate. HB 613 does not modify that system, but rather adds a symbolic layer specific to the state.
Requirements to Apply for a Driver’s License in Louisiana
Getting a driver’s license in Louisiana depends largely on your age. If you’re under 17, the state requires you to go through a graduated licensing process. It starts with obtaining a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP), which you can apply for as early as age 14.
After holding that permit, you must complete a state-approved driver’s education course and pass a road skills test before you can move to the next stage. At 16, you become eligible for an Intermediate License, but you’ll need to have held your learner’s permit for at least 180 days.
Once you turn 17, you’re eligible to skip the intermediate step and go straight to a full, unrestricted Class E license, provided you pass the required vision, knowledge, and driving exams.
Paperwork That Will Be Required Before Application
Regardless of your age, you’ll need to bring the right paperwork to the OMV. This includes proof of identity and lawful status—typically a certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport—along with your Social Security card and two separate documents proving your Louisiana residency, like a utility bill or lease agreement.
Now, if you own a car, you’ll also proof that you have insurance. It’s worth noting that Louisiana now emphasizes the federal REAL ID standard, which requires these same documents and adds a gold star to your license, allowing it to be used for domestic flights and entry into federal buildings.
First-time applicants over 17 can apply directly without a permit, but everyone must pass the same knowledge test and behind-the-wheel road skills evaluation to get behind the wheel legally.