Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Legal Matters => Topic started by: SandraB on January 13, 2015, 11:13:20 AM

Title: Are name changes recognized from state to state?
Post by: SandraB on January 13, 2015, 11:13:20 AM
I legally changed my name in Ohio last June and recently moved to Louisiana. The name change requirements in Louisiana are different than that of Ohio. I've changed all other documentation, but still have an Ohio license. Does anyone know if Louisiana will recognize the change, or do I have to start all over here. I need to get my license changed, but to do so, I need a birth certificate (born in Louisiana) and don't know how much of a hassle it's going to be to change the name on that. Any help or local knowledge is appreciated.
Title: Re: Are name changes recognized from state to state?
Post by: mrs izzy on January 13, 2015, 11:42:47 AM
Short answer yes if it was done through the courts.

Title: Re: Are name changes recognized from state to state?
Post by: Sydney_NYC on January 13, 2015, 02:02:36 PM
If you changed your passport and Ohio DL, you don't need your birth certificate or court order. A passport can be used instead of a birth certificate and if both have female gender marker, then you don't have to worry about Louisiana requirements for gender change on driver's license.
Title: Re: Are name changes recognized from state to state?
Post by: SandraB on January 13, 2015, 03:31:26 PM
I need to get my DL changed to here (LA)...it currently has an "F" on it. Will I lose that in LA?
Title: Re: Are name changes recognized from state to state?
Post by: Sydney_NYC on January 13, 2015, 03:50:05 PM
Quote from: SandraB on January 13, 2015, 03:31:26 PM
I need to get my DL changed to here (LA)...it currently has an "F" on it. Will I lose that in LA?

You could depending on LA requirements if your Birth Certificate still has "M" on it.

If you use your passport with an "F" and you OH driver's license with a "F" and you don't tell them your trans, then you won't loose it.

If you don't have a passport, get one before changing your DL. All you need the same letter for social security.ependi
Title: Re: Are name changes recognized from state to state?
Post by: LordKAT on January 14, 2015, 01:46:17 AM
Sometimes you can just show them the old license and they will issue your new one using the info on the old without hassle. I'm not sure if that will work for you or not.
Title: Re: Are name changes recognized from state to state?
Post by: ImagineKate on January 14, 2015, 12:24:58 PM
I believe they are recognized worldwide due to the Geneva convention.