Name change after marriage in Louisiana
To change your name after marriage in Louisiana, update Social Security first, then your Louisiana driver's license / REAL ID, then your passport. Do it in that order and you won't get turned away at the counter on a name mismatch. Below are Louisiana's exact DMV steps and fees, each linked to the real .gov page it came from, then the federal steps that apply in every state.
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), Department of Public Safety
Louisiana DMV name-change steps
Change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) FIRST
All name changes must be recorded with the Social Security Administration before you visit the Office of Motor Vehicles. The OMV will not process the driver-license name change until SSA records reflect your new name.
SourceGather original supporting documents
Bring original documentation that supports the name change (i.e., certified birth certificate, state-certified marriage license, divorce decree, probate court documents, etc.), your current license, proof of residency, and proof of insurance for any vehicle you own.
SourceVisit an OMV office in person
You must appear in person at the Office of Motor Vehicles to complete the name-change transaction. Personal-information changes (including name) cannot be done by internet or mail.
SourcePay the duplicate-license fee and receive the corrected license
The name change is processed as a duplicate license; the expiration date of the license does not change. If you hold multiple Louisiana credentials (e.g., an ID card or mobility-impaired hangtag), the name must also be changed on those at the same time.
Source
What you need to bring
- Certified state-certified marriage license/certificate (original) supporting the name change
- Current Louisiana driver license/ID
- Proof of residency
- Proof of insurance for any vehicle you own
- (SSA records already updated to the new name before the visit)
Louisiana fees
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Name change on a 4-year driver license (processed as duplicate) | $13.00 (a local fee may apply, not to exceed $4) | expresslane.la.gov |
| Name change on a 6-year driver license (processed as duplicate) | $17.00 (a local fee may apply, not to exceed $8) | expresslane.la.gov |
Watch out for these in Louisiana
SSA FIRST: All name changes must be recorded with the Social Security Administration BEFORE visiting the OMV. The OMV will not process the change otherwise.
IN-PERSON REQUIRED: Name changes cannot be done online or by mail; you must visit an OMV field office (or Public Tag Agent).
CERTIFIED MARRIAGE DOCUMENT: You must bring the original/certified state-certified marriage license to prove the name change.
REAL ID NAME MATCH: To obtain or keep a REAL ID, documents must establish your name. REAL ID requires at least one identity/lawful-status document, SSN verification, and TWO original proofs of Louisiana residence; if your married name differs from the name on your identity document, expect to provide the marriage certificate to bridge the name chain (federal REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025, requiring an in-person OMV/Public Tag Agent visit).
EXPIRATION UNCHANGED: The name change is issued as a duplicate license, so it does NOT extend your existing expiration date.
MULTIPLE CREDENTIALS: If you also hold a Louisiana ID card or mobility-impaired hangtag, the name must be changed on those at the same time.
A vision test is required at the time of the name-change transaction.
The federal steps (every state)
Your Louisiana DMV step sits between Social Security and your passport. The three steps below are the same wherever you live.
Official Louisiana & federal sources
Every step is backed by an official government page — confirm the current rules on the source before you act.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I change my license name online in Louisiana, or must it be in person?
- IN-PERSON REQUIRED: Name changes cannot be done online or by mail; you must visit an OMV field office (or Public Tag Agent).
- Do I change my name at the Louisiana DMV or Social Security first?
- Social Security first. Louisiana's DMV verifies your name and SSN against SSA's records, so updating SSA before the DMV prevents your license or REAL ID from being rejected on a mismatch.
- What documents does Louisiana need to change my license name after marriage?
- Certified state-certified marriage license/certificate (original) supporting the name change See the full .gov-verified list below, each linked to its official Louisiana page.
- How much does a Louisiana name change cost?
- Name change on a 4-year driver license (processed as duplicate): $13.00 (a local fee may apply, not to exceed $4); Name change on a 6-year driver license (processed as duplicate): $17.00 (a local fee may apply, not to exceed $8). The federal Social Security update is always free.
- When was this Louisiana guidance last checked?
- 2026-06-14. We checked every step against Louisiana's official pages and show you the date so you know it's current — and we link every step to the real .gov page it came from.
Not legal advice · Not a government service · Not affiliated with any government agency.