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Birth & Death Records

You can find death records more than 50 years old, birth records more than 100 years old and Orleans Parish marriage records more than 50 years old at the Louisiana State Archives. These resources are also available online by visiting www.sos.la.gov/archives.

Birth Records

You may apply for a certified copy of a birth record by appearing in person at the Clerk’s office with proper identification and completing the Clerk of Court Birth and Death Records Request.

You may also order certified copies of birth records from New Orleans by completing and mailing the mail in application form or by visiting www.dhh.louisiana.gov for information on vital records and other state regional locations.

All birth and death records are physically in the custody of Louisiana Bureau of Vital Statistics in New Orleans, Louisiana. No hard copy records are on file at the Clerk of Court office.

Death Records

Death records are now available at the Union Parish Clerk’s office from January 2012 to present.  All others may be obtained through the Louisiana Vital Records Registry or one of the State Regional Centers. For more information, please visit www.dhh.louisiana.gov.

Other Resources for Records

Louisiana Vital Records Index – The following database searches help you locate vital records that are maintained by the secretary of state.

Louisiana Birth Records – You can search the Louisiana Birth Records Index Database and order certified copies of birth certificates for births that occurred in Louisiana more than 100 years from the end of the current calendar year. The only birth records that are currently available at the Archives prior to 1911 are from Orleans Parish. Birth records were not required statewide by law until 1918. Photocopies of birth certificates are delivered by mail for $5 each, and certified copies are delivered by mail for $10 each.

Louisiana Death Records – You can search the Louisiana Death Records Index Database and order certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Louisiana more than 50 years from the end of the current calendar year. Photocopies of death certificates are delivered by mail for $5 each, and certified copies are delivered by mail for $10 each.

Orleans Parish Marriage Records – You can search the Orleans Parish Marriage Records Index Database and order certified copies of marriage licenses for marriages that took place in Orleans Parish more than 50 years from the end of the current calendar year. Photocopies of marriage licenses are delivered by mail for $5 each, and certified copies are delivered by mail for $10 each

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. (Note: Marriage certificates are not confidential records. Orleans Parish Marriage documents may be purchased without identification.)

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.

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.