How To Get A Birth Certificate In Louisiana

Birth & Death Certificates

Application Form
Identification Requirements
Legal Entitlement to Birth and Death Records

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court is pleased to partner with the Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records to offer birth and death certificate service at three of its locations: First Parish Court, 924 David Dr., Metairie LA 70003; Second Parish Court, 100 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna LA 70053; and Juvenile Court, 1546 Gretna Blvd., Harvey LA 70058. Applicants must appear in person, and an appointment is not necessary. Those needing birth or death certificates must complete the application form (available here), provide proper identification (see below or click here), and pay the proper fees. Because MOST birth records prior to 1983 need updating by the Bureau of Vital Statistics before a certificate may be issued, it is best to arrive at the clerk of court's office before 4:00 p.m.

Louisiana is a "closed record" state, meaning that birth and death certificates are not public records. All requests for birth or death certificates must include proper identification. Under Louisiana law, birth records are strictly confidential until 100 years after the year of birth. Birth records older than 100 years are available at the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge. Death records are strictly confidential until 50 years after the year of death. Death records older than 50 years are available at the Louisiana State Archives.

You may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate if you are the person named on the document, spouse of the person named on the document, parent of the person named on the document, adult child of the person named on the document, sibling of the person named on the document, grandparent of the person named on the document, or an adult grandchild of the person named on the document (unless otherwise authorized by La. R.S. 40:41).

When another adult other than the mother or father listed on the certificate is requesting a record, they must present a judgment of custody for the child. Notarized custody papers or provisional custody mandates are not acceptable.

You may obtain a certified copy of a death certificate if you are the surviving spouse of the person named on the document, parent of the person named on the document, adult child of the person named on the document, sibling of the person named on the document, grandparent of the person named on the document, or an adult grandchild of the person named on the document, or the beneficiary of an insurance policy of the person named on the document (unless otherwise authorized by LA R.S. 40:41).

Fees

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court accepts only cash, check, or money order for birth and death certificates. The fees below include clerk of court fees allowed pursuant to statute.

Birth Certificate Only – $34.00
Birth Certificate & Birth Card – $48.00
Death Certificate – $26.00

Those not wishing to pay the clerk of court's fee should proceed to the La. Bureau of Vital Statistics, Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras St. 4th Fl., New Orleans LA 70160 or consult the state's web site for information on mail service: http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/subhome/21.

Identification Requirements

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

A. 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)
Students (high school or younger) – a current school yearbook or a current school identification document with a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.

B. 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)
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.
Current U.S. military dependent identification card that displays a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.
Original DD-214 Military Discharge document which clearly identifies the applicant.
Voter's Registration application (certified true copy)

**IMPORTANT: IN CASES WHERE APPLICANTS PROVIDE OR ATTEST TO FALSE INFORMATION, THE INDIVIDUAL WHO SIGNS THE APPLICATION IS THE INDIVIDUAL PROSECUTED.**