Vital Records Online, a US-based platform, provides a secure and straightforward service for requesting Louisiana birth, marriage, and death certificates. Your documents will be delivered safely, while your personal information stays confidential.
Summary:
Louisiana, also known as the Pelican State, was the first state to establish a Department of Health and has a population of 4.6 million. Many problems with health were associated with the climate and the fact that the Mississippi River was the primary transportation corridor for Middle America. Diseases from other countries came by boats and ships, and annual flooding and living conditions together produced concerns for people’s health.
The Louisiana Department of Health Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics (VRS) receives and preserves vital records for births, stillbirths, deaths, marriages, and divorces in the state. Louisiana’s birth records are confidential for 100 years, and death and marriage records are held for 50 years. The registrant, parents, spouse, adult child, or someone showing cause may request a certified birth certificate copy. Members of the decedent’s immediate family, current spouse, parent, adult child, or someone who can show cause may order a certified death certificate copy. Marriage certificate copies can only be ordered by the husband or wife named on the record.
If you are doing genealogy research, the Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics can help, or you can search various public archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for LA vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates play a crucial role in our lives. They prove your identity, citizenship, and familial ties, and they can aid in resolving legal issues, claiming inheritances, or researching genealogy. They offer valuable insights about your ancestors, including their names, birth and death dates, and origins. In the event of a lost or stolen certificate, it’s advised to report to the police and promptly request a certified replacement.
Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records of events that occur within its jurisdiction. If you need a copy or replacement, refer to the list of Louisiana county agencies responsible for issuing vital records. The list provides locations, contact details, and links to online applications to request birth, death, or marriage certificates. You can also request birth, death, and Orleans Parish marriage certificate copies via The Louisiana Health Department’s Office of Public Health.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Louisiana, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Louisiana’s residents have a few options for requesting vital record certificates. Although in-person and mail requests are possible, online applications are the most dependable and sometimes the only feasible option. The Louisiana Health Department’s Office of Public Health is responsible for producing and certifying copies of these vital records, which you can order provided you satisfy the prerequisites and adhere to the specific instructions for each birth, death, and marriage certificate. Each record type has distinct requirements, but once you understand them, the process is simple.
The certificate you request and your ordering method influence the costs, eligibility, requisites, and processing time. It’s essential to understand the procedures and terms prior to requesting a certified copy of a vital record from the LDH-OPH, whether via mail or in person.
Ordering Louisiana vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
Eligible, authorized individuals can request copies of Louisiana birth, death, or marriage certificates online. Before starting your application, ensure you have the necessary documents and information ready for upload during the secure online process.
Vital Records Online is a simple platform that assists you in efficiently creating and gathering the required documents. Accessible from any internet-enabled device, the platform allows you to complete the application in five minutes. With Vital Records Online, your application includes an error-checking service to reduce rejections from common mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.
✔︎ An online notary can be conducted during checkout when required by the LDH-OPH.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
You can apply in person if you reside near a county or state health department office that issues certified copies of vital records. Just ensure the office is open and be prepared for possible long lines. Or, you can order by mail or online for a more efficient application process.
The procedures for applying in person or by mail are similar. If you are applying in person at the vital records office, you must complete the following steps:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
To ensure your application isn’t rejected due to errors or missing data, carefully check the criteria for each document before sending the packet.
❗️ To avoid your application being rejected due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the necessary criteria for each required document before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents, we recommend purchasing mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Before compiling your vital record application documents, you should familiarize yourself with the conditions and requirements.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
The table below outlines what you need to order certified copies of Louisiana vital records. A secondary form of identification may be sufficient if you do not possess a valid ID.
The Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Public Health requires all applicants to verify their identity. For most records, a driver’s license or a state photo ID is sufficient, although additional forms of ID may be acceptable depending on the specific certificate required.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Louisiana?
The LDH-OPH sets specific criteria for different certificates based on individual situations: Review Louisiana’s eligibility terms and requirements for replacing birth, death, and marriage certificates.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Birth, Your Address, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Certificate of Citizenship, College ID, Passport, State Driver's License, State ID, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Military ID |
Certified Deed, College ID, DD-214 Form, Insurance Record, Paid College Receipt, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, US Military Dependent ID, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Application |
| Death Certificate | Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Death, Sex, Your Address, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Certificate of Citizenship, College ID, Passport, State Driver's License, State ID, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Military ID |
Certified Deed, College ID, DD-214 Form, Insurance Record, Paid College Receipt, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, US Military Dependent ID, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Application |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Groom Name, Mailing Address, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record |
Certificate of Citizenship, College ID, Passport, State Driver's License, State ID, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Military ID |
Certified Deed, College ID, DD-214 Form, Insurance Record, Paid College Receipt, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, US Military Dependent ID, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Application |
Who can request vital records in Louisiana?
The individual on record is authorized to request a certified copy of their vital records. They must provide proof of identity with the application.
To request vital records like birth, death, or marriage certificates on someone else’s behalf, you can verify your eligibility to ensure you’re authorized. Only those approved by the LDH-OPH, such as family members or legal representatives, can legally make these requests.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Agent for the Surety, Attorneys, Beneficiary, Children, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Heir, Legatee in Judgment of Possession, Parents, Siblings, Spouse, Succession Representative |
| Marriage Certificate |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
Depending on the application method and other factors, the Louisiana Public Health Office may require applicants to verify their identity by including a notarized sworn statement in their application. Though the LDH-OPH generally does not require notarizations to obtain certified copies of vital records, a notarization may be required for marriage certificates filed outside of Orleans Parish, as the LDH-OPH does not issue these, but by local Clerk of Court offices. Application requirements can vary by parish. Requirements for birth or death certificates may also vary when applying at a local office. Online notary services are provided when you order through Vital Records Online, included in the application package you receive upon completing your order.
The price for replacing vital records is based on the LDH-OPH’s fees for each certificate type. The total cost may increase depending on the order method and if a notary is needed.
Ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificates via Vital Records Online’s Application Assistant starts at $29. The LDH-OPH charges a fee per certified copy of each document: $15.50 for each birth certificate copy, $7.00 per marriage certificate, and $5.00 per death certificate. (Mail orders charge an additional $0.50 per transaction.)
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.50 | $15.00 |
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Louisiana?
Processing times for obtaining birth, death, or marriage certificates differ. If you need a notary, getting it from a local notary public will require additional time. Alternatively, you can add online notarization during checkout if ordering via Vital Records Online.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 8 to 10 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 8 to 10 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | N/A | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | N/A | N/A |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by the LDH-OPH may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure you obtain a notary and meet your state’s application submission deadline.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
You can monitor your application’s progress when you order through Vital Records Online. You can view your order status online, and once the application is shipped, you can track it to the Louisiana Department of Public Health with the prepaid mail postage included with every package.
First-Class Prepaid mail tracking is included with every order so you can track the delivery of your application packet once it’s processed and shipped.
If you are mailing your application to the vital records health department manually, be sure to use first-class mail tracking so you can confirm its successful delivery. The LDH-OPH securely sends all vital records through USPS first-class mail but doesn’t claim liability for misdirected or lost certificates. If your birth certificate is lost, report it as soon as possible. Ensure you carefully review your application before mailing it; minor mistakes like typos or missing documents can lead to prolonged wait times, additional shipping costs, or exposure of your personal information.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Louisiana counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required for vital records filed with a foreign government. The Secretary of State Commissions Division issues Apostilles for vital records initially filed with the LDH-OPH.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Vital Records Online and the Secretary of State Commissions Division are the only options for obtaining an apostille for Louisiana vital records. Vital Records Online offers apostille services for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates. Various governments and organizations recognize our service in over 100 countries. With professional assistance, the process can be completed online in three simple steps, starting at $149 (plus government fees).
In most cases, you can complete the procedure online without requiring a physical copy of your documents. Once your apostille documentation is finished, it will be delivered to you using FedEx or DHL, regardless of your location. We utilize reputable courier services for worldwide delivery, ensuring the package will reach your doorstep, whether in the US or elsewhere.
You will need to provide the following information:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Louisiana Secretary of State,
Commissions Division,
8585 Archives Ave.,
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
For standard mail, use the following address:
Louisiana Secretary of State,
Commissions Division,
PO Box 94125,
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
You can reach the office at (225) 922-0330 or online at https://www.sos.la.gov/NotaryAndCertifications/Certifications/AuthenticateSignaturesOfLouisianaOfficials/Pages/default.aspx.
The LDH-OPH has shared a list outlining common scenarios requiring amendments to vital records to aid individuals seeking to amend their records.
The Louisiana Health Department’s Office of Public Health (LDH-OPH) offers a straightforward process for legally amending or rectifying birth, marriage, or death certificates (as authorized by law). The forms to be filled vary based on the information requiring amendment. The changes become addendums to the original vital record, but no entity can alter the original document.
The criteria for requesting amendments to a vital record depend on which type of certificate is to be changed.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Louisiana’s vital records become accessible to the public after 100 years. While searching for vital records can be complicated, many records in Louisiana are readily and publicly available. You can browse Louisiana’s birth, marriage, and divorce archives for the information you want, but be prepared to spend considerable time searching these records.
Are Louisiana Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Louisiana, the majority of state records are public. However, your ability to access a record depends on the certificate type and the year the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
You can utilize numerous third-party websites if researching specific types of vital records outside Louisiana. These websites can make it easy to examine specific records, serving as excellent reference points. However, the information they provide may vary from official government records. To search for a record on a third-party website, the requester must provide the following information:
Louisiana residents have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the Louisiana Public Records Law.
Each state, county, and municipality has different vital records. Depending on which municipality or agency issued your Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate, you can confirm what the certified records look like to ensure you possess the official certified copy. To confirm that your certificate is a certified copy, you can check what the official, certified documents look like in the county where yours was issued. One way to recognize informational copies of vital records is that they come with a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Both long and short-form birth certificates are available in Louisiana. These certified documents have a raised seal and are considered legal. However, some agencies or governmental entities may not accept the birth card for certain purposes. It is recommended to check with the specific agency or entity beforehand to ensure that the birth card will be accepted.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are legal documents that can be used for official identification. Certified copies are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the record. When requesting an authorized birth, death, or marriage certificate, you must complete the Sworn Statement, which includes acknowledging your legal rights to the authorized copy.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of birth or marriage certificates, also known as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), heirloom, or commemorative certificates. They are generally intended for display or personal reference. They may not always be accepted for establishing identity for official purposes such as obtaining a passport or proving eligibility for benefits. These copies are commonly used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research. Citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Law.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Louisiana government website at https://ldh.la.gov/page/2663
