What Is the Abbreviation for Louisiana?
The standard abbreviation for Louisiana is LA. This page explains why Louisiana uses LA, how the code fits into the modern USPS system, what older printed abbreviations looked like, and which nearby or similar state codes people commonly confuse with it.
What Is the Abbreviation for Louisiana?
Louisiana is abbreviated LA. Older sources may use La., but the two-letter postal form LA is the modern standard for addresses, forms, databases, and current style guides.
Use LA for Louisiana in mailing addresses, shipping labels, official forms, and database records.
Why Louisiana Uses LA
Louisiana's USPS abbreviation is LA.
LA has been Louisiana's standard postal abbreviation since 1963. The older form La. still appears in older publications, but LA is the form used in current addresses and forms.
Old Abbreviation for Louisiana
Before the USPS two-letter system became the mailing standard in 1963, printed reference books and newspapers often used longer abbreviations with punctuation. For Louisiana, that older style was usually La..
That older form still appears in historical texts, archival material, and some legacy style guides, but the modern postal and database standard is LA. If someone searches for old abbreviation for Louisiana, the practical answer is to recognize La. and use LA in current writing and addresses.
How to Write Louisiana in an Address
In standard American addressing, the state line uses the city name followed by the two-letter code and ZIP Code. The abbreviation stays uppercase and does not take periods.
That same format applies in checkout forms, school worksheets, CRM exports, spreadsheets, shipping labels, and government databases — anywhere a two-letter state code is required.
LA Compared With Similar State Codes
LA is clear in an address, but outside that context many people read it as Los Angeles first.
Related Abbreviation Questions
These states share a first letter, region, or alphabetical position with Louisiana and are commonly checked alongside it.
Capital, Region, and Context
Louisiana belongs to the South region. Its capital is Baton Rouge, and its postal code LA is used in addresses, forms, and databases throughout the country.
Louisiana entered the Union on April 30, 1812.
FAQ
What is the abbreviation for Louisiana?
The standard USPS abbreviation for Louisiana is LA.
What is the postal abbreviation for Louisiana?
LA is the two-letter postal abbreviation for Louisiana. It is the form used in mailing addresses, shipping labels, forms, and databases.
How do you abbreviate Louisiana?
Abbreviate Louisiana as LA in current USPS, mailing, and database use.
Why is Louisiana abbreviated LA?
Louisiana's USPS abbreviation is LA.
What does LA stand for?
LA stands for Louisiana in the USPS state abbreviation system.
What is the old abbreviation for Louisiana?
Older editorial styles often wrote Louisiana as La.. For mailing and database use, the modern standard is LA.
How do you write a Louisiana mailing address?
Use the city name, then the two-letter postal code LA, then the ZIP Code. For example: Baton Rouge, LA 00000.
What state is LA?
LA is the postal abbreviation for Louisiana, located in the South region. The capital is Baton Rouge.
Test All 50 State Abbreviations
Now that you know LA stands for Louisiana, see how many of the other 49 you can get right. The M-states and I-states trip up most people.