Jefferson Parish Birth Records

We are glad you came to this page. Our team will work hard to give you the best facts for your Jefferson Parish Birth Records needs. We aim to help you find what you seek fast. Your search for vital records info ends here.

If you need to find Jefferson Parish Birth Records right now, you can start your search at https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/jefferson-parish-birth-records/. This site lets you begin looking for records quickly. It is a good place to start if you do not want to wait. They help many people find the birth records they need for official use or personal facts. Go there to check out their service for Jefferson Parish Birth Records.

Where to Get Jefferson Parish Birth Records

You have options to get these records. The main state office handles most requests. The local parish clerk can also help you. Know where to go based on what you need.

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) - Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics

The LDH Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics is the main place for birth records in Louisiana. They keep records for births that took place after 1914. If you need an official, certified copy for legal reasons, this is often the best place to start. They manage the central state database. This office ensures records are safe and only given to those allowed by law. Louisiana law makes birth records private, not public data. So, you must prove who you are and why you can get the record. This state office sets the rules for who can ask and what proof they need. They aim to protect people's private facts while still giving records to those who need them.

Contact Information and Hours

You can reach the LDH Vital Records office in person or by mail.

• Walk-in Address: 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112

• Mailing Address: Vital Records Registry, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160

• Walk-in Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. They are closed on state holidays. It is best to call ahead or check their site for any changes in hours. Bring all needed items with you if you go in person. This includes your ID and payment.

Ordering Methods

There are a few ways to order from LDH.

• In-Person Requests: Go to the New Orleans office during walk-in hours. You fill out a form there. You must show valid photo ID. Pay the fee using cash (exact amount needed), check, or money order. This can be the fastest way if you are near New Orleans. Staff can help if you have questions. They may print the record while you wait in many cases. This direct way avoids mail delays. Make sure your ID is current and accepted. Check the list of approved IDs first.

• Mail-in Requests: Download the Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate. Fill it out fully. Include a clear copy of your valid photo ID. See the Identification Requirements list. Send the form, ID copy, and fee by check or money order. Make it payable to Louisiana Vital Records. Add the $0.50 mail surcharge. Mail everything to P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. This method takes time. Expect about 8 to 10 weeks for the record to arrive. Ensure your form is signed and all info is right. Wrong info can cause delays or rejection. This way is good if you live far off and do not need the record fast.

• Online/Phone Orders: LDH works with a partner for online and phone orders. You can find this service via the LDH website. This often needs a credit card. There are extra fees for using this service. It might be faster than mail. Check the LDH site for the link to their approved partner.

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court office can also issue Jefferson Parish Birth Records. They offer walk-in services at some locations. This is a good choice if you live in or near Jefferson Parish. They charge different fees than the state office. Their service can be very fast for in-person requests. You must apply in person. You need to fill out their form. You must show proper ID. Pay their fee. They only take cash, check, or money order. No credit cards are accepted here. This local option is handy for many people in the parish. They work closely with the state system but provide local access.

Contact Information and Hours

Here are details for the main Clerk of Court office handling vital records:

• Address: Thomas F. Donelon Courthouse, 200 Derbigny Street, Gretna, LA 70053 (General Government Complex)

• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10, Gretna, LA 70054-0010

• Phone: (504) 364-2900 (General line, ask for vital records)

• Hours: Generally 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. It is wise to call first. Confirm the specific hours for birth record services. Some tasks might have cut-off times. For example, records needing state updates may need earlier arrival. Plan your visit during these core hours. Make sure you have time to fill out forms and wait if needed.

Ordering Process at Clerk's Office

Getting records from the Clerk involves specific steps.

• In-Person Requests: You must go to a Clerk of Court office that offers this service. Examples include the Gretna main office or the Harvey location for Juvenile Court. An appointment is not needed. You fill out the Louisiana Birth or Death Certificate Application. Bring your valid ID. One primary ID works. Or you can use two secondary IDs. See the Clerk's website under Birth & Death Certificates for the ID list. Pay the fee. Remember, only cash, check, or money order is accepted. The Clerk's fee is higher than the state's fee. This is allowed by law. Processing is often done the same day while you wait. This makes it a quick option.

• Required ID: You need strong proof of who you are.

  • Primary IDs include: Current driver's license with photo, current state ID with photo, current US military ID with photo, current US or foreign passport.

  • Secondary IDs (need two): Student ID with current paid receipt, W-2 form with signed Social Security card (names and numbers must match), original adoption papers, official property deeds, car title, insurance policy showing your name, payroll stub (not handwritten) with name and SSN, military dependent ID with photo, DD-214 discharge papers.

• Fees and Payment: The cost is set by the Clerk's office.

  • Birth Certificate only: $34.00

  • Birth Certificate and Birth Card combo: $48.00 These fees include extra amounts allowed by state law for the Clerk's service. Pay with cash, check, or money order. Make checks payable as directed by the Clerk's staff.

Understanding Jefferson Parish Birth Records

Birth records come in different forms. Know which type fits your need.

Certified Copies

A certified copy is the official version of a birth record. It has a raised seal from the issuing office. It proves identity and age. You need it for many legal tasks. Examples include getting a passport or driver's license. Enrolling in school often requires it. Applying for government benefits like Social Security needs it too. Insurance claims may ask for it. Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This means not just anyone can get a certified copy. You must be legally allowed. Louisiana Revised Statute RS 40:41 outlines who is eligible. This law protects privacy. Only those listed in the law or their legal agents can get these copies. The state seal confirms it is real and valid.

Short-Form Birth Certificates (Birth Cards)

A short-form birth certificate is often called a birth card. It is smaller, like a wallet card. It lists key facts: name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names. It is also a certified record if issued by the state or clerk. It might not work for all needs. Some agencies, like the US Passport Agency, require the long-form certificate. Birth cards are handy for quick ID proof in some cases. LDH offers a combo deal with the long-form certificate. The Jefferson Parish Clerk also offers this combo. Check if the birth card meets your specific need before ordering just that. It may be less useful for official federal uses.

Informational Copies

Informational copies are not certified. They cannot be used for legal identification. They will be marked "Not for Identification Purposes." These copies are mainly for personal use. Genealogy research often uses them. They confirm family history details. Sometimes older records are only available as informational copies. This might apply to very old Jefferson Parish Birth Records. Check with the Clerk of Court archives or the Louisiana State Archives for older records. Access rules might be different for these non-certified copies. They may be easier to get if you are not an entitled person under RS 40:41. However, they have limited official use.

Who Can Request a Certified Jefferson Parish Birth Record?

Louisiana law restricts access to certified birth records. This protects personal data.

Eligible Individuals

Only certain people can legally get a certified copy. According to Louisiana R.S. 40:41, you are eligible if you are:

• The person named on the record (the registrant), if you are of legal age.

• The current spouse of the person named on the record.

• A parent named on the record.

• An adult child of the person named on the record.

• A sibling of the person named on the record.

• A grandparent of the person named on the record.

• A grandchild of the person named on the record.

• The legal guardian of the registrant (must show court order). A judgment of custody is needed. Notarized papers or mandates are not enough.

• An attorney representing one of the people listed above. The attorney needs a written statement showing who they represent.

Proving Your Identity and Eligibility

You must show proof that you are who you say you are. You must also prove you are eligible to get the record.

• Valid Photo ID: You need a current government-issued photo ID. This could be your driver's license. A state-issued ID card works too. A US or foreign passport is good. A current US military ID card is also accepted. The ID must clearly show your photo and name. Expired IDs are usually not okay.

• Secondary ID: If you lack a primary ID, you might use two secondary forms. See the list provided earlier under the Clerk of Court section. Check the specific rules of the office you visit (LDH or Clerk). They list acceptable documents on their websites.

• Documentation for Guardians/Attorneys: Legal guardians need to show the court judgment proving custody. Attorneys must provide a written declaration stating they represent an eligible person. They must also show their bar ID card. Proof requirements are strict to prevent fraud and protect privacy.

Information Needed for Your Request

To find the correct birth record, you need to give specific details. Be ready to provide this info on the application form:

• The full name of the person on the birth record, exactly as it was at birth.

• The exact date of birth (month, day, and year).

• The place of birth. This means the city or town within Jefferson Parish.

• The full name of the father listed on the record.

• The full maiden name of the mother listed on the record.

• Your relationship to the person on the birth record (e.g., self, parent, spouse).

• The reason you need the certificate (e.g., passport, school, driver's license).

• Your full name and current mailing address.

• Your phone number in case they need to contact you. Missing or wrong information can delay your request. Double check all spelling and dates before you submit the form. Accuracy helps the office find the record quickly.

Costs and Wait Times for Jefferson Parish Birth Records

Fees and processing times vary. It depends on where you order and how.

Louisiana Department of Health Fees

The state office has set fees by law. Current Service Fees are listed on the LDH website.

• Certified Birth Certificate (long-form): $15.00 per copy.

• Birth Certificate plus Birth Card (short-form): $24.00 for the pair.

• Mail Order Surcharge: Add $0.50 to each mail order.

• Amendment Fee: $27.50 (this includes one certified copy of the changed record).

• Payment Methods:

  • Walk-in: Cash (exact amount), check, money order.

  • Mail-in: Check or money order only.

  • Make payable to: Louisiana Vital Records.

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Fees

The Clerk charges different fees as allowed by state statute. These fees cover their service costs.

• Birth Certificate Only: $34.00 per copy.

• Birth Certificate & Birth Card combo: $48.00 per pair.

• Payment Methods: Cash, check, or money order only. Credit cards are not accepted. Make payments as instructed by the Clerk's office staff.

Processing Times

How long you wait depends on the method.

• LDH In-Person (Walk-in): Often processed same-day. Wait times can vary based on how busy the office is. Arrive early in the day.

• LDH Mail-in: Slowest method. Allow approximately 8 to 10 weeks for delivery. This includes mail time both ways and processing time.

• LDH Online/Phone (via partner): Varies. Check the partner website for estimated times. Expedited shipping options may be available for extra cost.

• Clerk of Court In-Person: Usually very fast. Often processed while you wait. This is a key benefit of using the local Clerk's office if available. Some complex cases might take longer (e.g., older records needing search).