Foster/Adoptive Parenting: Required Documents

Gathering these personal documents early helps your application move quickly. Copies can be uploaded in HomeReady. 

Identity & Status 

  • Social Security Cards: Copies for all individuals residing inside the household.  
  • Birth Certificates: Required for all household members.
  • Legal Marital Status Verification: Copy of Marriage Certificate, formal Divorce Decrees (all prior marriages), or Death Certificates. 

Transportation & Income 

  • Driver’s Licenses: Copies for all adult household members who will transport children. 
  • Auto Insurance & Registration: Verifications must be active and current with vehicle registration. 
  • Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or a 1040 tax document if self-employed. 

Health, Home & Safety 

  • Medical Examinations: Completed forms for all household members confirming they are free of communicable diseases. 
  • Pet Immunization Records: Verification that all house pets are current on vaccines. 
  • Home Floor Plan & Evacuation Plan: Prepared layout for emergency routes. 
  • Photo of Home and Family: Recent snapshot for your assessment file. 

Where to Obtain Copies of Documents

Birth/Death Certificates may be obtained in the state where you were born. Information for applicants born in Louisiana: Vital records (opens in a new tab) OR 1-504-219-4500

  • Birth Certificate……. $15.00
  • Death Certificate……$ 7.00

Walk-in services are available at the Parish Health Units in the following parishes: Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson (Metairie and Marrero), Lafayette, Lafourche, Ouachita, Rapides and Tangipahoa.

For mail-in requests, add .50 to the fee and send to:

Louisiana Vital Records Registry
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160

Social Security Card
Social Security Administration (opens in a new tab) OR 1-800-772-1213
(There is no charge for new or replacement Social Security Cards.)

Marriage/Divorce Certificate
Information for applicants married or divorced in Louisiana:
List of Louisiana Clerks of Court (opens in a new tab).

  • Marriage Certificate…..$5.00
  • Divorce Certificate……$.50 cents per copy, plus $5.00 to certify.

You can also contact your attorney for copies of the Divorce Judgment.