Louisiana – As Child Support Awareness Month kicks off, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is introducing a limited-time promotion aimed at assisting noncustodial parents who have lost their driver’s licenses due to unpaid child support. The “On the Road Again” initiative, running from September 1 to October 31, 2024, offers a unique opportunity for eligible parents to have their licenses reinstated for a reduced fee.
According to Sammy Guillory, Assistant Secretary of Family Support, “On the Road Again is a win-win for Louisiana families. Children benefit from support from both parents, and noncustodial parents can better secure employment and meet their obligations when they have a valid license.”
Typically, parents must be current on child support payments, have paid all past-due amounts, and provide medical insurance for their child if required to get their licenses reinstated. During the promotion, parents may be eligible to get their licenses back by paying two months of child support for each case, plus $100 towards any past-due amount for each case, and any court-ordered fees. For arrears-only cases, the amount due will be determined on a case-by-case basis. These payments are separate from any fines or fees the parent might owe the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for reinstatement of their license.
Federal law mandates that child support programs withhold, suspend, or restrict licenses for unpaid child support. In Louisiana, parents who have not paid court-ordered child support for 90 days can have their driver’s license, recreational licenses (such as hunting and fishing), professional licenses (like medical or barber licenses), and business licenses suspended.
Noncustodial parents interested in participating in “On the Road Again” are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their child support caseworker to determine the amount they must pay to qualify for the promotion. Full payment by cashier’s check, money order, or cash is due on or before October 31, 2024. A parent’s license may be suspended again if they miss any future child support payments.
To learn more about the “On the Road Again” program, visit dcfs.la/otra. Noncustodial parents can find out if they qualify for the license suspension reinstatement promotion, including how much they must pay to get their license back, by:
- Completing and submitting an online form
- Sending a message to their caseworker on the online CAFÉ portal (www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe)
- Emailing the Child Support Enforcement staff at [email protected]
- Contacting the Customer Service Center at [email protected] or 1-888-LAHelp-U (1-888-524-3578)
- Visiting their nearest Child Support office (visit the DCFS website at www.dcfs.la.gov/offices for locations)