Overview of Louisiana ID scanning laws
Louisiana has 6 laws which we consider relevant to ID verification, in addition to other laws which may related to age verification, identity verification, KYC, privacy, and biometrics.
Can you scan an ID in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana law does not regulate a business’s practice of scanning IDs or retaining information obtained from a scan.
Can you save data from a scanned ID in Louisiana?
Yes. There are no current laws which limit or restrict saving data from a scanned ID in Louisiana.
Does Louisiana offer affirmative defense for ID scanning?
No. Louisiana has no affirmative defense laws related to ID scanning.
What types of IDs does Louisiana issue?
Louisiana issues drivers licenses and state IDs, including REAL ID. They also support the LA Wallet app which is considered a legal equivalent to a physical ID, which must be accepted by Louisiana businesses and government entities for all purposes. More than 70% of eligible Louisianans currently have installed the LA Wallet app, making it a popular identification method.
Individual Louisiana ID verification laws
ID verification for social media sites
Louisiana requires social media websites to make reasonable efforts to verify user age and obtain parental consent. Enacted 7/2024.
Increased penalties for underage alcohol sales
Louisiana is considering requiring ID scanning for bars who are cited for underage liquor sales. Considered 4/2024
ID scanning for tobacco sales
Louisiana requires electronic ID verification for online/eCommerce sales of tobacco, vape, and e-cigarette products. Enacted 2020
ID verification for pornography websites
Louisiana requires websites that host adult content to verify age using ID, mobile ID, or other reasonable methods. Enacted 1/1/2023
Unattended retail of alcohol in Louisiana
Louisiana specifically disallows sale of alcoholic beverages in unattended and self-service kiosks. Enacted 12/20/2024
ID scanning/photocopy for check cashing facilities
Louisiana requires check cashing facilities to maintain a copy of the drivers license for three years. Enacted 2013
ID scanning/photocopy for pawn shops & scrapyards
Louisiana does not require ID scanning for pawn/secondhand good sales, but benefit from ID scanning for ease of recordkeeping. Enacted 2003
Data privacy laws in Louisiana
Louisiana does not have any general data privacy laws, though the right to privacy is recognized in the Louisiana constitution. The state also has a database security breach notification law which requires notification of data breaches to the Louisiana Attorney General.
Louisiana also has a data protection law for minors, which was passed in July 2024. This law requires age verification of minors who use social media sites, but does not outline the technology provisions for doing so.
