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 The type of documentation needed by a first time applicant to get a Louisiana driver’s license will depend upon whether the applicant is a new driver or is already licensed in another state. 

 A first time applicant over the age of 18 will need to bring the following documentation: 

• One primary and two secondary documents; or, 
• Two primary documents; or,
• If the applicant already has a Louisiana identification card/driver’s license with a photo which clearly identifies the applicant and the Social Security Number is part of the file, additional identification is NOT required.

Out-of-state applicants for a Louisiana driver’s license must provide all of the following:

• The out-of-state license;
• One primary document; and
• Their Social Security Number.

Primary Documents include any of the following documents:  

• A certified copy of birth certificate (long form), original certificate of birth (does not have to have seal), birth registration card or certificate issued by a state or county bureau of vital statistics with raised agency seal, birth card (short form).
• A passport, appropriately stamped and accompanied by proper immigration documents.
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
• Certificate of naturalization:
• Certification of birth abroad issued by the United States Department of State.
• Native American tribal document.
• The Department of Homeland Security Refugee travel document (I-571).
• The Department of Homeland Security Permit to reenter the United States (I327).
• Employment/work authorization document issued by The Department of Homeland Security (I-688B or I-766).

 The Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles lists 38 different types of Secondary Documents.  I have listed the top five here:

• Out-of-state driver’s license with a photo which clearly identifies the individual–an official copy of driving record from last state of issuance will be required when the applicant has lost his out-of-state license. NOTE–Any foreign driver’s license must be accompanied by proper immigration documents.
• Social Security card or official written documentation verifying the Social Security Number from the Social Security Administration or specifying that no number has been assigned or that the applicant is ineligible for an SSN.
• Student I.D. card for a Louisiana college or university when accompanied by a 100% fee paid receipt for the current semester.
• Original of a high school, college or university diploma.
• Original documents of adoption papers.

 For additional information regarding the requirements to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license, please visist the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

A Chapter 7 Bankruptcy allows a debtor to get rid of most of their debts.

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is also sometimes referred to as a “Fresh Start” bankruptcy since the debtor receives a discharge of his unsecured debts such as credit card bills, medical bills and any other debt that is not secured by a mortgage or collateral mortgage.

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy debtor is also given the option of continuing to pay on his secured debt (such as a home loan) if he is current on the debt, or he can surrender the property and be relieved of further obligation on the debt.   As a result, a Chapter 7 debtor can keep a house or car that is secured by a mortgage.

However, certain debts, such as taxes are cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.

The decision to file for bankruptcy and the type of bankruptcy to file are important decisions.   You will want to hire an experienced bankruptcy attorney to assist you in making this decision.

Do I need a will? I am asked this question many times a month.

For most people living in Louisiana the answer is yes.

The laws of Forced Heirship have been changed to allow more flexibility in determining how you dispose of your property at the time of your death.

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