Changing Your Name in Louisiana

An adult files a petition in the district court of the parish where he lives, the parish of birth, or the parish of venue for the Vital Records Registry, stating the reasons for the change. The case proceeds against the district attorney, who represents the state and must be served. If granted, the new name becomes the person's lawful name once the judgment is recorded in the parish records, and a Louisiana-born person can give a certified copy to the state registrar to update the birth record. The applicant pays the costs. A person convicted of a felony cannot petition until the sentence is satisfied, and people convicted of certain listed felonies cannot petition at all.

Marriage does not change either spouse's legal name; a married person may use the surname of either or both spouses. A woman who is divorced may use her maiden name, her former spouse's surname, the surname of a present spouse, or any combination.