Name Change in Louisiana
Changing your name on your Louisiana license isn't automatic. After a marriage, divorce, or court-ordered name change, you'll update Social Security first, then your driver's license, vehicle title, and registration. The Louisiana steps below show exactly what to bring and in what order—then work through the list of everything else to update.
How to Change Your Name in Louisiana
SUMMARY: How to Change Your Name in Louisiana
If you've recently changed your name, you'll need to notify both the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and apply for updated documents. You'll need an updated driver’s license/ID card and a corrected vehicle certificate of title and registration document, if you own a car.
Change Your Name with the SSA
Before you change your name on your Louisiana driver's license and car title, you must first inform the Social Security Administration (SSA) of your name change. You will need the following documents:
- Application for Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
- Proof of your U.S. citizenship (if not already recorded) or lawful presence.
- If you're a non-U.S. citizen, you'll also need a printout of your I-94 arrival/departure record.
- Proof of your name change.
- Proof of your identity.
All documents must be originals or certified copies from the issuing agency. A list of accepted documents can be found on the SSA website.
Submit the above documents to your local SSA either in person or by mail.
Once the SSA has processed your name change, you should receive your updated Social Security card in the mail within 14 business days.
LA Driver's License & ID Card Name Change
You can only change your name on your LA driver's license if you've already updated your name with the SSA (see above).
You'll need to visit the LA OMV office in person with:
- An original or certified document proving your name change, such as your:
- Marriage license.
- Divorce decree.
- Court order.
- Your LA driver's license.
- Proof of your car insurance, if you own a car.
- Payment for the $17 to $25 duplicate license fee.
- Depending on your location, you may also need to pay an additional local fee of no more than $8.
You will receive an updated driver's license showing your new name, but with the same expiration date as your previous card.
Vehicle Title & Registration Name Change
You may be able to change the name on your vehicle title and registration at the same time as changing your name on your driver's license (see “ LA Driver's License & ID Card Name Change" above).
You will need to apply for a duplicate certificate of title and registration showing your new name.
For more information, visit our following pages:
Fees to Change Your Name in Louisiana
When you change your name in Louisiana, you will need to pay the following fees to the LA OMV for updated documents:
- Driver's license: $17 to $25.
- Certificate of title: $68.50 plus the $8 handling fee. (additional $18 max fee if title not obtained through OMV)
- Registration: $12.
NOTE: Some OMV office locations may charge additional fees. Contact them directly for more information.
Accepted Payment Methods
Louisiana OMV offices accept payment by:
- Credit and debit card (will incur additional fees).
- Cash.
- Money order.
- Electronic funds transfer.
- E-check (will incur an additional fee).
Change Your Louisiana Address
If you've changed your address in Louisiana, you'll need to notify the LA Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) within 10 days. This must be done in person at an OMV office. For more information, visit our Change of Address in Louisiana page.
Related DMV tasks
Changing your name touches more than your license. Here's what else to update—we've linked our full guides.
Don't forget these after your name change:
✓Social Security—update this FIRST at ssa.gov (Form SS-5, free) so your DMV records match.
✓U.S. passport—update with the U.S. State Department if you travel.
✓Car insurance & banks—update your policy, cards, and accounts.
✓Employer & IRS—update payroll and tax records with your new legal name.
