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Driver’s license and state ID in Louisiana

Update your name
YesAfter your legal name change
Gender markerThe sex or gender field (M, F, or X) printed on an ID document or stored in an agency's record.
UnclearNo written policy; see details

Louisiana's OMV policy still allows a change between M and F with a statement signed by a physician that you have had a "successful gender change/reassignment." A 2026 law (Act 814, effective August 1, 2026) now defines "sex" in state law as sex observed at birth, and it is not yet clear whether the OMV will keep accepting these changes. No X marker is offered. Name changes work normally with a court order after you update Social Security.

Apply
In person

Draft from official sources, September 24, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify

On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Steps
  3. Costs and fee waivers
  4. Requirements
  5. After you finish
  6. Tips
  7. Laws and other guides
  8. Sources

How it works

The Office of Motor Vehicles' written policy (Policy 22.01, last revised in 2009) says that if you have undergone a gender change/reassignment procedure, the OMV will note the change and issue a new license or ID when you bring a medical statement signed by a physician stating that you have undergone a successful gender change/reassignment. The statement must be signed by a physician (MD or DO), not a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. The policy does not define "successful"; Louisiana Trans Advocates notes that physicians apply their own judgment. Only M and F are available.

What changed in 2026: Act 814 (HB 578, the "Restoring Biological Truth Act") took effect August 1, 2026. It adds a definition to R.S. 1:8 that applies across the Revised Statutes: "sex" means biological sex "as observed or clinically certified at birth," and gender identity may not be used as a substitute. The law did not expressly amend the OMV's licensing statutes or repeal Policy 22.01, and we found no OMV announcement. Expect that a field office could refuse, and call ahead.

Changing your name is separate: you must update Social Security first, then bring a certified court order.

Steps

  1. If your name is changing, update Social Security first[2]

    The OMV verifies your name with the Social Security Administration online and will not change it until SSA's record matches (about 24 hours after SSA updates). The SSA sex field currently cannot be changed; that does not block the OMV name change.

  2. Get the physician's statement (for a sex marker change)[1][9]

    Ask your physician (MD or DO) to sign a statement that you have undergone a successful gender change/reassignment. Louisiana Trans Advocates offers a one-page template form. Bring the signed original.

  3. Visit an OMV office[2][3][5][6][7]

    Book an appointment online. Bring your current card, the physician's statement (for the marker), a certified court order (for a name change), and any identity documents the office asks for. You will pay the duplicate fee, or the renewal fee if your license is within 180 days of expiring (90 days for an ID card) and you choose to renew. Because of Act 814, call ahead or bring an advocate if you can.

    Cost
    $17-$25 driver's license (Class E), duplicate or change; $17-$25 iD card, duplicate or change (age 59 and under)

Costs and fee waivers

No fee waiver is available for this step.[3][8]

There is no general fee waiver. ID cards are free at 60 and older, and the OMV has free credentials for disabled veterans and children in foster care. A 2026 bill to expand OMV fee waivers (HB 712) failed in the Senate.

WhatCostNotes
Driver's license (Class E), duplicate or change[3]$17-$25Varies by office$5 license fee plus $12 handling fee for a 6-year license ($8 handling for a 4-year license, total $13 to $21), plus a service fee of $0 to $8 depending on the office.
ID card, duplicate or change (age 59 and under)[3]$17-$25Varies by officeSame structure as the license ($13 to $21 for a 4-year card). Free for people 60 and older.

More detail

RequirementsWhere you live, age, timeline
Where you live
You must hold or be applying for a Louisiana driver's license or ID card.[1][4]
Age
Applicants under 18 need a custodial parent's or guardian's signature on license transactions.
How long it takes

One office visit. Ask at the counter how long the permanent card takes to arrive.

After you finishKeep a copy of the physician's statement.

Keep a copy of the physician's statement. If a field office refuses the marker change and cites Act 814, write down the office, date, and employee's name and contact Louisiana Trans Advocates or the ACLU of Louisiana. Your passport and Social Security record currently cannot show a changed sex marker; a Louisiana license is still valid for REAL ID, flying, and voting.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • You can change your name without changing your marker, and vice versa.
  • The OMV policy requires a physician's signature; a statement from a nurse practitioner or physician assistant may be refused.
Laws and other guides2 laws, 2 other guides

Laws and rules

Other trusted guides

Sources

9 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. OMV Policy 22.01, Gender Change / Reassignment (revised 03/12/2009)Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “A medical statement signed by a physician stating that the applicant has undergone a successful gender change/reassignment.”
  2. OMV Policy 22.00, Name Changes and Usage (revised 10/31/2025)Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “Name Change Only - Applicable charges apply as a duplicate license fee.”
  3. OMV Policy 2.00, Fees and Duration of License/Identification Card (revised 07/01/2026)Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
    “Class E Duplicate / Change of Address, 6-year expiration: $5.00 license fee, $12.00 handling fee, $0-$8.00 service fee, $17.00 - $25.00.”
  4. Duplicate / Replacement / Reconstructed CardsLouisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
  5. Book an OMV appointmentLouisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Official page. accessed
  6. HB 578 (2026), Restoring Biological Truth Act, Act 814Louisiana State Legislature, Law. accessed
    “New law defines "sex" as an individual's biological sex, either male or female, as observed or clinically certified at birth. Effective August 1, 2026.”
  7. La. R.S. 1:8Louisiana State Legislature, Law. accessed
    “"Gender identity" and other subjective terms shall not be used as synonyms or substitutes for the term "sex".”
  8. HB 712 (2026), OMV fee waivers (failed Senate final passage)Louisiana State Legislature, Law. accessed
  9. ID Documents CenterLouisiana Trans Advocates, Organization. accessed
    “Since the state law specifically requires the signature be a physician's, be sure to make sure that your form is not signed by a nurse, office administrator, or physician assistant.”