How to Write a Name Change Petition in Louisiana (2026 Guide)

Legally change your name through the court

Sales Tax: 4.45%Notary: $25-$50Witnesses: 2

Document Preview


PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE
State of Louisiana

IN THE [  ] DISTRICT [  ] SUPERIOR [  ] CIRCUIT COURT
OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, LOUISIANA

Case No.: [TO BE ASSIGNED]

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Petitioner [CURRENT LEGAL NAME] respectfully states:

1. Petitioner resides at [ADDRESS], [COUNTY] County, Louisiana LA.
2. Petitioner was born on [DOB] in [CITY, STATE].
3. Petitioner's current legal name is: [CURRENT LEGAL NAME]
4. Petitioner requests the name be changed to: [NEW DESIRED NAME]
5. Reason for name change: [  ] Marriage [  ] Divorce [  ] Personal preference [  ] Other: [EXPLAIN]
6. Petitioner is not seeking a name change to defraud creditors or for any illegal purpose.
7. Petitioner [  ] has [  ] has not been convicted of a felony.
8. Petitioner [  ] is [  ] is not a registered sex offender.

WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests this Court grant the name change in accordance with Louisiana law (LA Statutes).

PETITIONER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
Print Name: _____________________

VERIFICATION:
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Signature: _____________________ DATE: _____

FAQ: Name Change Petition in Louisiana

Is a Name Change Petition required in Louisiana?

Yes, in Louisiana, a Name Change Petition is required for most transactions of this type. Under Louisiana State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Name Change Petition may result in legal complications.

Does a Name Change Petition need to be notarized in Louisiana?

Notarization requirements in Louisiana (LA) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $25-$50. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Name Change Petition in Louisiana?

Louisiana has a base sales tax rate of 4.45%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Name Change Petition, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Louisiana tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Where to File Your Name Change Petition in Louisiana

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Name Change Petition.

Louisiana County Clerk

Louisiana Capital

Main Government Building, Louisiana

District County Clerk

Louisiana Metro Area

County Courthouse, LA

SMJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Sarah Mitchell, J.D.

Legal Document Specialist

Licensed Attorney, 15+ years experience

Specializes in contract law and legal document preparation

This Name Change Petition template for Louisiana has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Louisiana Name Change Petition Legal Guide

Under Louisiana jurisdiction, this form meets all statutory requirements and provides comprehensive legal protection for your transaction.

Louisiana law (Louisiana State Code) governs this Name Change Petition. Key financial considerations include a 4.45% sales tax rate and notary fees of $25-$50. The document requires 2 witnesses and remains valid indefinite.

By utilizing this state-specific template, you avoid common mistakes that could invalidate your document in Louisiana.

legal name changecourt petitionname change orderidentity changecourt filing
Whether you're a first-time name change petition user or a seasoned professional in Louisiana, understanding the legal nuances of this document is essential. Louisiana (LA) has specific statutes that govern how this form must be prepared, signed, and filed.

Completing Your Name Change Petition

The process in Louisiana is straightforward but detail-oriented. Begin with the header information, proceed through each section methodically, and ensure all LA-required fields are completed. Louisiana courts take document completeness seriously — missing information can delay or invalidate your filing.

Smart Practices for LA Compliance

Louisiana has specific rules that differ from neighboring states. Always verify your document against current LA statutes, especially if you're using a template from a previous year. Laws change, and what was valid last year in Louisiana may need updating for 2026.

Enforceability in Louisiana

A Name Change Petition that meets all LA requirements is fully enforceable in Louisiana. Courts in Louisiana have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.

What Louisiana Law Requires

Louisiana's statutes are clear: a valid Name Change Petition must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of at least one witness where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under LA law can render the document unenforceable.

Name Change Petition Costs in Louisiana

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Louisiana standard rate: $25-$50
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Louisiana
Sales Tax4.45%Louisiana base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement2 witnessesLouisiana requires multiple witnesses
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Louisiana-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

Louisiana Name Change Petition Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Name Change Petition is legally valid in Louisiana.

Notarization required
2 witnesses must sign
Vehicle identification number (VIN) required
Odometer disclosure mandatory
Buyer and seller signatures required
Purchase price must be stated
Date of sale required
Blue or black ink only
Electronic signatures accepted
County clerk filing required

Louisiana Notarization

Louisiana requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $25-$50.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Louisiana, a 4.45% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Louisiana law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Louisiana Filing Deadlines

Check Louisiana deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

Document Information

Document
Name Change Petition
State
Louisiana (LA)
Category
Family
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
4.45%
Notary Fee
$25-$50

Louisiana Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Louisiana may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.