Motorists must apply for a drivers license name change in Louisiana through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) under the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS). To apply for a DMV name change, motorists must visit a local OMV office to submit the request in person. The process requires applicants to furnish certain documents and pay the fee for a replacement drivers license with the new name.

However, drivers cannot change name on driving license documents until they notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the name change. The OMV verifies that the name change request matches the information on file with the SSA before processing a request. To learn more about how to change name on drivers license documents and Social Security cards, review the information below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Name on Your Louisiana Drivers License

Motorists must apply for a change of name on driving license documents and Social Security cards whenever their legal name differs from the name on their birth certificate or primary identification document. In many cases, motorists need to apply for a name change on drivers license materials after marriage, divorce, adoption or legal separation if they wish to change their legal name. The reason for the legal name modification will also determine which paperwork applicants need to submit to the OMV in order to process their request.

Additionally, drivers need to change name on LA drivers licenses if they undergo a gender change and choose to change their legal name as well. Additional documents may be needed to indicate a gender change on driving credentials. Likewise, residents needing to change an address on driving record at the same time as their name will need specific items to fulfill the process.

Louisiana Drivers License Name Change Time Limits

When changing your name on driving license documents or identification cards, you must first report the name change to the SSA. You cannot apply for a name change on drivers license documents until you update your name with the SSA. While there is no specific time limit for modifying your credentials with the OMV, you must change your name through the SSA as soon as the name change occurs.

If you do not apply for a change of name through the SSA and OMV, then you may acquire citations, driving penalties and possible fines from local law enforcement officials. Additionally, you may not receive future correspondence from the OMV, including driver license renewal notices.

How to Change Your Name With the Social Security Administration

Before changing name on drivers license and identification cards, you must apply for a new Social Security card reflecting your new legal name. To change your name with the SSA, you must complete an application for a Social Security card and submit it in person or by mail along with the following:

• Proof of the legal name change, including a certified or original marriage certificate, divorce decree, Certificate of Naturalization or court order name change document
• Proof of identity, such as a U.S. passport, driver license or non-driver identification card

After changing your name with the SSA, you must wait at least 24 hours or longer before correcting the name on your state driver license.

How to Change Your Name on Your Drivers License in Person

To change the name on your Louisiana driving license, you must visit a local OMV office to apply for a name change in person. You cannot complete online driver license name changes or mail-in name changes. Additionally, a custodial parent or legal guardian must accompany minors younger than 17 years of age. During the application process, you must pass a vision test and submit payment for obtaining a duplicate driver license. Additionally, you must provide the OMV with the following documents:

• Original or certified proof of the name change, such as a marriage license or certificate, a marriage license application, a judgment filed with the Clerk of Courts, a divorce decree or probate court document
• Your current driver license, proof of auto insurance (if applicable) and proof of state residency

However, the process of applying for a drivers license name change in LA varies slightly depending on each situation. If you wish to return to a previous name or you wish to combine your previous and current names, for instance, then you must provide the OMV with a copy of your divorce decree or marriage license. You may return to a previous name as long as you can provide the OMV with all supporting documentation.

If you need to change the name on your driver license after marriage but cannot provide the motor vehicle office with a certified copy of the marriage certificate, then you may prove your legal name by submitting proof of completing a name change through the SSA along with a document displaying the new legal name and your Social Security Number. Acceptable documents include a financial statement, W-2 form, spousal death certificate, Medicaid or Medicare card, military ID card or property tax bill.

Louisiana DMV Name Change Fees

When drivers change the name on an LA driving license, they must pay a fee to obtain a duplicate driver license or identification card. The current drivers license name change fee differs for four-year licenses and six-year licenses. For a four-years license, the fee is $13, and a six-year license is $17. You can pay this fee with a credit card or money order, but remember that there is a processing fee for paying with a credit or debit card.

Note: There is no charge to change your name with the SSA and apply for a new Social Security card.

California Privacy R. Request

California Opt-Out