Calcasieu Parish Birth Records

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If you need to start your search for Calcasieu Parish Birth Records now, you can visit https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/calcasieu-parish-birth-records/. This resource may help you find links or information quickly. It provides a place to begin if you prefer to check other online options right away for details on Calcasieu Parish public documents. Remember to verify information through official state sources too.

Where to Get Calcasieu Parish Birth Records

You have a few official choices for getting birth records. Where you go depends on how you want to ask and how old the record is. You must use the right state or parish office.

Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court - West Calcasieu Annex (Sulphur Office)

This is the main place for walk-in service. They can issue birth certificates from any parish in Louisiana. They handle requests in person only. This office is key for quick local access. Note that the main Calcasieu Courthouse in Lake Charles does not issue birth certificates. You must go to the Sulphur Annex.

The office address is 500A N. Huntington Street, Sulphur, LA 70663. Some sources may also list 1551 E Napoleon St, Sulphur, LA 70663. It is best to call ahead if unsure. You can reach them by phone at (337) 313-1140 or (337) 990-8279. Their hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (some sources say 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Very important: They stop taking applications for birth certificates at 3:30 PM each day. Plan your visit well before this cut-off time. Missing the cut-off means you must come back the next day. This office provides a vital service for parish residents. It helps many get the proof they need for life events.

Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics (New Orleans)

This state office handles mail requests. They also manage walk-in requests at their main site. This is the central hub for all Louisiana vital records. If you cannot visit the Sulphur Clerk's office, this is your choice. Mail takes much more time though. They keep all original records here.

For walk-in service, go to 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112. Their walk-in hours are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday. They close on state holidays. If you send by mail, use this address: P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. The main phone number is (504) 593-5100. Use this office for mail orders or complex issues. They also handle record corrections.

Louisiana State Archives (Baton Rouge)

For very old records, contact the State Archives. They keep birth records that are more than 100 years old. These older records are open to the public. They are not restricted like newer ones.

You can search an online index for these old records. Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State Online Public Vital Records Index. The mailing address for the Archives is PO Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804. Use this source only for births over 100 years ago. Note that before 1918, only Orleans Parish had required birth registration. Records from other parishes before that time may not exist.

Who Can Request Calcasieu Parish Birth Records?

Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This means not just anyone can get a birth certificate. State law limits who can ask for one. This law is Louisiana Revised Statute 40:41 (reference link via legis.la.gov needed, using general search as placeholder - search RS 40:41). It protects the privacy of the person on the record. You must prove you are allowed to get the copy.

The following people can request a birth certificate:

• The person named on the record (if 18 or older).

• The current spouse of the person named.

• The mother or father of the person named.

• An adult child (18 or older) of the person named.

• A sister or brother (18 or older) of the person named.

• A grandmother or grandfather of the person named.

• A grandchild (18 or older) of the person named.

An attorney can also ask. They must show a written statement. It must say they represent one of the people listed above. The letter must be on their official letterhead. It must include their bar roll number. A person with a court judgment of custody for a minor child can get that child's record. Note that notarized custody papers or provisional custody mandates are not enough. You need a formal court order. If you are not on this list, you cannot get the record directly. The person named on the record (the registrant) can fill out an Authorization Release form. This form allows someone else to pick up their record. The registrant must sign it and provide a copy of their own valid ID.

Types of Calcasieu Parish Birth Records Available

There are two main types you can get. Both are official certified copies. They serve different needs.

Certified Long-Form Birth Certificate

This is the standard, full-size birth certificate. It contains all the details from the original record. This includes full names, dates, place of birth, and parent information. This is the copy most often needed for legal uses. People use it for getting passports. It is used for school registration. You might need it for jobs or government benefits. It proves age, identity, and citizenship. It is the most common type requested.

Certified Short-Form Birth Certificate Card

This is a smaller, wallet-sized card. It has basic information from the birth record. It is also an official certified copy. It is convenient to carry. In Louisiana, the short-form card is often sold together with the long-form certificate. You may see a price for the pair. It is less common to buy just the card alone at the Clerk's office. Check the fee schedule for options. It can be useful for some quick ID needs. But it may not work for all legal purposes like the long-form does.

How to Request Calcasieu Parish Birth Records

You can ask in person or by mail. In person is usually faster. Mail takes several weeks. Choose the method that works best for you.

Requesting In Person

This is often the quickest way. You can get the record the same day. You must go to the correct office. Bring your valid ID and payment.

Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court (Sulphur Annex) Process Go to the West Calcasieu Annex. The address is 500A N. Huntington Street, Sulphur, LA 70663. Some sources list 1551 E Napoleon St. Sulphur, LA 70663. Call (337) 313-1140 to confirm if needed. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (or 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Remember, you must apply before 3:30 PM. Arrive early. Bring your valid photo ID (see ID section below). Payment must be cash (no bills over $20) or credit card (a fee applies, minimum $2.95). They do not accept checks or money orders here. Wait times are usually around 30 minutes. Records for births before 1983 might take up to an hour to process. Be sure to bring proof of relationship if getting a record for a family member. This can speed things up.

Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records (New Orleans) Process You can also go to the state office in New Orleans. The address is 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112. Hours are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday (closed state holidays). Bring your application, valid ID, and payment. Here, they accept cash (exact amount preferred), check, or money order. Make checks payable to Louisiana Vital Records. Wait times may vary at the state office.

Requesting by Mail

This option takes much longer. Expect 8 to 10 weeks for delivery. You send your request to the state office in New Orleans.

Mail your request to: Vital Records Registry, PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. You must include three things. First, a completed application form. You can find the form online (Louisiana Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate link - verify current form). Fill it out fully and sign it. Second, include a clear photocopy of your valid photo ID. Both sides may be needed if information is on the back. Third, include the correct fee payment. Use a check or money order made payable to Louisiana Vital Records. Do not send cash. Add the $0.50 state charge required for all mail orders. Make sure your return address is clear.

Costs for Calcasieu Parish Birth Records

Fees depend on where you order from and what you order. The costs are set by state law. They can change.

Fees at Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court (Sulphur Annex)

This office has higher fees. This reflects their service role.

• Certified Long-Form Birth Certificate: $34.00 per copy.

• Certified Long-Form Certificate plus Short-Form Card: $48.00 per pair. These are sold only as a pair here.

• Payment methods accepted: Cash (no bills over $20) and Credit Cards (minimum $2.95 processing fee applies). They do not accept checks or money orders.

Fees via Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records (Mail/New Orleans)

Ordering directly from the state office has lower base fees.

• Certified Long-Form Birth Certificate: $15.00 per copy.

• Certified Long-Form Certificate plus Short-Form Card: $24.00 per pair.

• Mail Orders: You must add a $0.50 state charge to each mail order total.

• Payment Methods (Mail): Check or Money Order payable to Louisiana Vital Records.

• Payment Methods (Walk-in New Orleans): Cash, Check, or Money Order.

Identification Needed for Calcasieu Parish Birth Records

You must prove your identity to get a birth certificate. Louisiana has strict ID rules. This protects personal data.

Valid Photo ID Requirement Details

Your ID must meet these standards:

• It must be current and not expired.

• It must have a clear photograph that looks like you.

• It must be legible. All text must be easy to read.

• It must not be torn, cracked, or badly damaged.

• It must clearly show the date it was issued and the date it expires. IDs missing dates will not work.

Acceptable Primary ID (List)

You need to show one document from this list. This is the preferred way to show ID.

• Current state-issued Driver’s License with photo.

• Current state-issued Identification Card with photo.

• Current U.S. Passport with photo.

• Current U.S. Military photo ID card.

• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550, N-570 or N-578).

• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-578).

Acceptable Secondary ID (List - requires two)

If you do not have a Primary ID, you need two documents from this list. Some items count as two documents by themselves.

• Current student picture ID card from a college or university plus a fee receipt for the current semester showing 100% paid (This counts as TWO documents).

• A W-2 form issued within the last two years plus your original signed Social Security Card (The Social Security numbers must match) (This counts as TWO documents).

• Original adoption papers.

• Official certified deed or title to property.

• Certificate of vehicle title.

• An insurance policy (Health, Home, Life, or Auto) that clearly shows the applicant's name.

• A recent payroll stub (cannot be handwritten) showing the applicant's name and full social security number.

• Current U.S. military dependent identification card with photo.

• Original DD-214 Military Discharge document.

• Voter’s Registration card (certified copy from Registrar of Voters).

• For high school students (or younger): A current school yearbook or a current official school ID document with a photograph.

Check with the office if you have unique ID issues. Call them before you visit.

Additional Information

Here are some other key facts. Know these for special cases.

Correcting a Calcasieu Parish Birth Record

What if there is an error on the birth certificate? The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court cannot make changes. All corrections must go through the state office. You need to contact the Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics in New Orleans. They handle amendments.

There is usually a fee to amend a record. The fee is $27.50 per Louisiana Revised Statute 40:40(10). However, this fee might be waived. The waiver applies if the correction request is made within 90 days of the original record registration. You will need to provide documents to prove the correct information. The process can take time. Find more details on the state's website: Amend a Birth Record | Louisiana Department of Health.

Accessing Records Older Than 100 Years

As mentioned earlier, very old birth records have different rules. Records over 100 years old are public. They are held by the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge. These are not kept by the Clerk of Court or the Bureau of Vital Records.

You can search an online index for these records first. Use the Online Public Vital Records Index on the Secretary of State's website. If you find the record, you can order copies from the Archives. A plain photocopy costs $5.00. A certified copy costs $10.00. Remember, statewide birth registration only started in 1918. Records before that, outside Orleans Parish, are rare.