How To Order Death 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.

Fetal Death Certificates, Certificates of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth and Certificates of Miscarried Child may also be ordered.

Who May Order A Death Certificate: 

  • Surviving spouse of the person named on the document. (Must be listed as the Surviving Spouse 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
  • A person named in a court proceeding as a member of the immediate or surviving family of the person named in the certificate.*
  • The beneficiary of an insurance policy or trust (must have a signed copy of the policy listing applicant as beneficiary).*
  • A universal or general legatee in judgment of possession.*
  • Any beneficiary of a decedent's public pension plan, individual retirement account or other private retirement plan or pension.*
  • Any beneficiary of a decedent's financial institution account, including security accounts, classified as a "payable on death account".*
  • A succession representative (Must provide a certified Letter of Testamentary or Letter of Administration certified by the Clerk of Court).* 

  • An attorney, along with a written declaration that he is preparing a small succession pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Article 3431 et seq for the deceased person whose death certificate is being requested OR is representing one of the above entitled named persons (must be on letterhead, include bar roll number and a copy of current identification).*

  • An agent for the surety of the person named in the certificate when the person named in the certificate is a party to a criminal bail bond. Proper documentation, including a copy of the power of attorney, shall be required by the agent for the surety requesting the certificate.*

Louisiana Disclosure of Records Statute 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).

*These requests must be submitted to the LA Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics central office in person or by mail.

 You may also request Apostille copies of vital records.

 There are three ways to obtain a certified copy of a Louisiana death 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 death certificate, bring your photo identification and correct fees to the Vital Records Central Office located at 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 death 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 Louisiana Death Certificates for deaths occurring on or after July 7 2012. There is an additional fee for this servic

 

MAIL

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 death certificate and allow approximately 8-10 weeks for delivery.

 

INTERNET, FAX AND TELEPHONE

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®.