Birth Certificates

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; or,
• An attorney representing one of the above with a signed contract of representation or authorization.

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. Notari zed custody papers or provisional custody mandates are not acceptable.

What is proper identification?

Persons who apply for a certified copy of a birth certificate must produce identification in the form of one primary document or two secondary documents.

• Primary Documents
  • Current state issued driver’s license that displays a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.
  • Current state issued picture identification that displays a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.
  • Current U.S. military identification card that displays a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.
  • Current U.S. issued or Foreign issued Passport.
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550, N-570 or N-578).
  • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-578).
  • High School Students – a current school yearbook or current school identification document with a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.

• Secondary Documents
  • Current student picture identification card from a college or university when accompanied by a 100% fee paid receipt for the current semester. (Counts as two documents)
  • A W-2 form issued within the last two years plus an original signed Social Security Card . The Social Security numbers must match. (Counts as two documents)
  • Social Security card.
  • Original adoption papers.
  • Official certified deeds or title to property.
  • Certificate of vehicle title.
  • Insurance policy must show name of the applicant (Health, Home, Life, and Auto).
  • Payroll stub (cannot be handwritten) showing the name and social security number of the applicant.

How can you obtain a Louisiana birth certificate?

There are three ways to obtain a Louisiana birth certificate:

• In Person
  • Vital Records Central Office in New Orleans
    1450 Poydras Street
    Suite 400
    New Orleans, LA 70112
    (504) 593-5100
  • Participating Louisiana Clerks of Court – additional fees apply (opens in a new tab).
  • Vital Records Kiosks – additional fees apply (opens in a new tab)

• Mail
  • Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics
    P.O. Box 60630
    New Orleans, LA 70160

• Internet, Fax, and Telephone – VitalChek Network
  • https://www.vitalchek.com/ (opens in a new tab)
  • (877) 605-8562

What about a child in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)?

The DCFS worker will provide you with a certified birth certificate.