How To Order Birth Records
Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This means that birth and death certificates are not public records. All requests for birth or death certificates must include proper identification, appropriate fees, and a completed application.
Who May Order A Birth Certificate:
- The person named on the document
- The current spouse of the person named on the document
- Mother or father of the person named on the document
- An adult child of the person named on the document
- Sister/brother of the person named on the document
- Grandmother or grandfather of the person named on the document
- Grandchild of the person named on the document
- An attorney, along with a written declaration of representation of one of the above-entitled individuals, including persons under the age of eighteen. The request must outline the authorization of any person who may be presenting the requests on the attorney’s behalf. (must be on the letterhead, include their bar roll number and a copy of current identification)
When another adult other than the legally entitled individuals listed above is requesting the record of a child, they must present a judgment of custody for the child. Notarized custody papers or provisional custody mandates are not acceptable.
Louisiana Disclosure of Records Statue R.S. 40:41 requires authorization to release birth and death records to individuals who are not entitled. To release birth and death records to individuals who are not entitled, the registrant must submit an Authorization Release of Records and a copy of the ID of the person authorized to receive a certified copy of the document(s).
You may also request Apostille copies of vital records.
There are three ways to obtain a certified copy of a Louisiana birth certificate:
IN PERSON
Vital Records Central Office
Walk-in Service Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. (excluding state holidays)
You may complete an application for a certified copy of a birth certificate, bring your photo identification and correct fees to the Vital Records Central Office 1450 Poydras Street Suite 400 New Orleans, LA 70112. Walk-in services accepts cash (must contain EXACT AMOUNT), check, and money order as forms of payment.
Please fill out an application to obtain a certified birth certificate.
Will Call Option
New Orleans Vital Records Walk-in Services are also available by using the VitalChek ordering process and choosing the "Will Call" option for delivery. Customers will receive an email once the order has been processed and is ready to be picked up.
Clerks of Court
Participating Louisiana Clerks of Court offer certified copies of birth records (long and short form) at locations around the state. There is an additional fee for this service.
You may mail your completed request, a copy of your photo identification and correct fees to:
Vital Records Registry
PO Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
Please complete the application to obtain a certified birth certificate and allow approximately 8-10 weeks for delivery.
You may use a major credit card to place internet, fax or telephone orders through VitalChek Network, an authorized service provider. There are additional fees when using this service provider or requesting expedited services.
To order using the VitalChek Network, visit their website or call 1-877-605-8562.
If you have already placed a VitalChek Network order, you may also check the status.
To inquire about an order placed with VitalChek, please call 1-877-605-8562.
Louisiana Office of Public Health does not directly accept credit cards or online orders; however, for your convenience, you can process online requests through the independent company that we have partnered with above in order to provide you with this service, VitalChek Network, Inc. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®.