1. Name Change Process in Louisiana

A. Petition for Name Change

  1. File a Petition for Name Change:

    • In Louisiana, you must file a Petition for Name Change with the District Court in the parish where you reside.

    • The petition should include:

      • Your current legal name.

      • The new name you wish to adopt.

      • The reason for the name change (e.g., gender identity or personal preference).

      • If you are requesting a confidential hearing, include an explanation as to why public notice should be waived.

  2. Criminal Background Check:

    • In Louisiana, a criminal background check is required as part of the name change petition process. You must submit your background check with your petition.

  3. Court Filing Fees:

    • The filing fee to submit a name change petition typically ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the parish. A fee waiver may be requested if you cannot afford the fee.

  4. Notice of Petition:

    • Publication: In Louisiana, you are required to publish a notice of your name change in a local newspaper to allow for objections. The notice must be published for three consecutive weeks.

    • Waiver of Publication: If publication would cause harm (e.g., threats or safety concerns), you may request a waiver of publication. You will need to present reasons for why the publication could endanger you.

  5. Court Hearing:

    • After the notice period, a court hearing will be scheduled to review your petition. If there are no objections, the court will issue an Order for Name Change.

    • You must appear at the hearing to finalize the process.

  6. Obtain Court Order:

    • If the court approves your petition, they will issue an Order for Name Change, which you can use to update your documents.

B. Update Documents

  1. Social Security Administration (SSA):

    • To change your name with the SSA, submit Form SS-5 along with the court order for the name change. The SSA will update your name in their system.

    • This change may take several weeks, and you will receive a new Social Security card reflecting the updated name.

  2. Driver's License and State ID:

    • To update your driver's license or state ID, visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and provide:

      • The court order for the name change.

      • Proof of identity (e.g., a passport or birth certificate).

      • Proof of residency.

    • There may be a fee of $20 for the updated ID or driver’s license.

  3. Other Institutions:

    • Once you have the updated legal name, notify other institutions like banks, employers, schools, and healthcare providers. Provide them with a copy of the court order to update your records.

2. Gender Marker Change Process in Louisiana

A. Gender Marker Change on Driver’s License or State ID

  1. Required Documentation:

    • Louisiana allows a gender marker change on your driver’s license or state ID if you provide a letter from a licensed healthcare provider. This letter must state that you have undergone gender-affirming medical treatment or are in the process of transitioning. It can also be from a mental health professional confirming that you are living as the gender you are requesting.

  2. Submit Request:

    • To change your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID, visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Submit the following:

      • A letter from a healthcare provider stating your gender identity.

      • Your current driver’s license or state ID.

      • Proof of identity and residency.

  3. Fee:

    • The fee for a gender marker change on your driver’s license or ID is approximately $20.

  4. Receive Updated ID:

    • Once your documents are processed, you will receive an updated driver’s license or state ID with your new gender marker.

B. Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificate

  1. File a Petition for Gender Marker Change:

    • Louisiana does not have specific laws for changing the gender marker on a birth certificate. To request a gender marker change on your birth certificate, you may need to file a petition in court to amend your birth certificate.

    • Your petition should include:

      • A statement from a licensed healthcare provider confirming that you have transitioned or are transitioning.

      • A request to have the gender marker amended on your birth certificate.

  2. Court Hearing:

    • After filing the petition, the court will schedule a hearing. If the court approves your request, they will issue an Order for Gender Marker Change.

  3. Submit to Vital Records:

    • Once you have the court order, submit it to the Louisiana Office of Vital Records. You will need to provide the court order along with the required documents to amend your birth certificate.

  4. Fee:

    • The fee to amend a birth certificate in Louisiana typically ranges from $15 to $25, depending on the county.

3. Summary Checklist for Louisiana

Name Change Process:

  1. File Petition for Name Change in the District Court in your parish.

  2. Submit a criminal background check with your petition.

  3. Publish Notice of your name change in a local newspaper for three weeks (unless waived).

  4. Attend the court hearing and obtain the court order for name change.

  5. Update Documents:

    • SSA: Submit Form SS-5 and the court order.

    • OMV: Submit the court order and proof of identity.

    • Notify other institutions of your new name.

Gender Marker Change Process:

  1. For Driver’s License or State ID:

    • Obtain a letter from a healthcare provider confirming your gender identity.

    • Submit the letter to OMV with your current ID and proof of identity.

    • Pay the $20 fee for a new ID or driver’s license.

  2. For Birth Certificate:

    • File Petition in court for gender marker change.

    • Provide a letter from a healthcare provider and submit documents to Vital Records.

    • Pay the $15 to $25 fee to amend your birth certificate.

Important Notes:

  • No Surgery Requirement: Louisiana does not require proof of gender-affirming surgery for changing your gender marker on your driver’s license or state ID.

  • Legal Support: You may want to seek legal advice or support for the name and gender marker change process, especially for the birth certificate amendment.

  • Healthcare Provider’s Letter: A letter from a healthcare provider confirming gender identity is sufficient for updating the gender marker on both your driver’s license and birth certificate in Louisiana.