How to Legally Change Your Name in Louisiana
Filing fee, court, publication rules, official forms, and a free calculator that builds your exact steps. Last verified July 16, 2026.
An adult name change in Louisiana is filed in the Judicial District Court (in the parish of residence) and costs about $250–$500 (typical $400, varies by county). In Louisiana, newspaper publication is sometimes required, and most cases finish in 6–16 weeks. Marriage and divorce name changes usually need no court petition — the certificate or decree is your legal proof.
Louisiana Name-Change Calculator
Pick your state and situation for your exact filing fee, court, forms, and ordered steps.
Louisiana name change at a glance
Every figure is verified against Louisiana District Court (Judicial District Court) and .gov sources.
| Situation | Court | Filing fee | Publication | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | No court needed | $0 | — | Depends on ID updates |
| Divorce | N/A — because marriage never changed your legal name in Louisiana, resuming your maiden name needs no name-change petition | $0 | Not required | 1–4 weeks |
| Adult petition | Judicial District Court (in the parish of residence) | $250–$500 | Sometimes | 6–16 weeks |
| Minor child | Judicial District Court (in the parish of residence) | $250–$500 | Sometimes | 8–20 weeks |
| Gender identity | Judicial District Court (in the parish of residence) | $250–$500 | Sometimes | 6–16 weeks |
Choose your situation
Take your spouse's name or hyphenate — usually no court petition needed.
No court petition
Restore your former or maiden name through the divorce decree or a short filing.
$0 · N/A — because marriage never changed your legal name in Louisiana, resuming your maiden name needs no name-change petition
Court petition to change an adult's name for any reason not tied to marriage or divorce.
$250–$500 · Judicial District Court (in the parish of residence)
Petition to change a child's name, with notice or consent rules for both parents.
$250–$500 · Judicial District Court (in the parish of residence)
Court name change aligned with gender identity, often with publication waivers.
$250–$500 · Judicial District Court (in the parish of residence)
The Louisiana name-change process
Most legal name changes in Louisiana that aren't tied to a marriage or divorce go through the Judicial District Court (in the parish of residence). You file where you live — District Court in the parish where you live. The filing fee is $250–$500 (typical $400, varies by county), so confirm the exact amount with your county clerk before you file.
Some courts require a newspaper notice and some do not. Louisiana also runs a fingerprint or background check on adult petitioners. From filing to a signed order usually takes 6–16 weeks.
Once the judge signs your order, order several certified copies right away — you'll hand one to Social Security, the DMV, and the passport agency, in that order.
After your order: who to notify
The name change isn't finished at the courthouse. Update Social Security first, then your Louisiana driver's license, then your passport — in that order, because each one checks the last.
Louisiana name change: FAQ
How much does a name change cost in Louisiana?
Do I have to publish a name change in a newspaper in Louisiana?
How long does a name change take in Louisiana?
Which court handles name changes in Louisiana?
What do I do after my name change is approved in Louisiana?
Sources
Every fee, court, rule, and form on this page traces to an official government source:
- www.lasc.org
- ldh.la.gov/page/marriage
- law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-9/rs-9-292
- www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=77843
- expresslane.la.gov/omv/drivers/personal-driver-s-licenses
See our verification methodology and themaster source list.
We're re-confirming some fee details for this state against the county court. Always confirm the exact current fee with your court clerk before you file.