Every legitimate payday or consumer lender in the state answers to the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions — and for Baton Rouge borrowers, the watchdog is literally in town.
Quick answer: The Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), headquartered at 8660 United Plaza Blvd in Baton Rouge, licenses payday and consumer lenders, examines them regularly, and accepts borrower complaints online, by mail or by phone (225-925-4660).
What the OFI does
- Licenses deferred presentment (payday), small-loan and consumer-credit lenders through its Non-Depository Division.
- Examines payday locations on a set schedule — six months after opening, a year later, then at least every four years.
- Investigates complaints and can penalize lenders that break the law.
How to verify a lender’s license
Search the OFI’s licensee lists before sharing personal or bank details. An unlicensed lender is operating illegally — and its loan terms may not even be enforceable.
How to file a complaint
Submit through the OFI website or by mail (P.O. Box 94095, Baton Rouge, LA 70804), with your contract and payment records attached. You can also file with the federal CFPB in parallel.
Frequently asked questions
Use the OFI’s online licensee search before you apply.
8660 United Plaza Blvd, Baton Rouge — with mail to P.O. Box 94095, Baton Rouge, LA 70804.
Investigate, order corrections and impose penalties; serious federal issues can also go to the CFPB.
Educational content, not financial advice. Always verify a lender is licensed by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) before borrowing.