Lafayette Parish Birth Records

Thank you for coming to our page. We want to help you find the info you need on Lafayette Parish Birth Records. Our aim is to give you the best facts for your search. We will try hard to guide you right.

If you need to start your search for Lafayette Parish Birth Records now, you can go to https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/lafayette-parish-birth-records/. This site may help you begin the process fast. It offers a way to look for records. Check it out if you want to start your request right off. It is built to make finding vital records simple.

Get Lafayette Parish Birth Records In Person

The main way to get recent birth records is in person. You must go to the parish office. This is often the fastest way if you live near. They handle Louisiana births only. Make sure you have all you need first.

Location and Contact Information

The office is in the main court house. The address is 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. This is in the downtown area. You can call the main Clerk line at (337) 291-6400. For birth record questions, call (337) 291-6330. They can help guide you before you visit. Plan your trip to the court house. Know where to park and which door to use. The public must use the south side doors. Be ready for a search when you go in.

Hours for Birth Record Service

Birth records service has set hours. You can get them from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. This is Monday through Friday. The office is closed on legal holidays. Check the Clerk's site for a list of holidays. Plan your visit during these service times. The main Clerk office stays open until 4:30 PM. But birth record tasks stop at 3:30 PM. Go early in the day if you can.

Cost for Walk-In Service

There is a fee for birth records. A certified copy costs $34.00. You can also get a birth certificate plus a birth card. This pair costs $48.00. You must buy them as a set per state rules (La R.S. 40:39.1). Birth cards are not sold alone. You must pay with cash. The Clerk's office does not take checks or cards for these walk-in birth records. Bring the exact cash amount if you can. This makes the process smooth.

Required Application and ID

You need to fill out a form. This is the Birth Certificate Application Form. You can find this form on the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court website. Look under the Birth Certificate section. Fill it out before you go, or get one there. Bring the form with you. You also need proper ID. Louisiana law is strict on who can get records. You must prove who you are. You need one primary ID or two secondary IDs. See the list of IDs below. The Clerk staff must see your ID and completed form. They also need the cash fee. They cannot process your request without all items. This service is only for walk-ins. They do not process mail requests at the Clerk's office for birth records.

Get Lafayette Parish Birth Records by Mail (State Level)

If you cannot go in person, use the mail. You send your request to the state office. This office is in New Orleans. It handles records for all Louisiana parishes. This way takes more time. But it works well if you live far away. Or if you cannot visit during office hours.

Louisiana Vital Records Registry Contact

The state office is the Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics. For mail requests, use their P.O. Box. The address is P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Do not send mail to the street address. If you need to call them, the number is 504-593-5100. They handle many requests. Be ready for hold times if you call. Check their website first for info. The site is run by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).

Mail-In Application Process

First, get the right form. It is called "Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate". You can find this PDF form on the LDH website (https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-RS/vitalrec/birth_deathorderingpacket.pdf). Fill out all needed fields. You must include the person's full name at birth. Also list the date and parish of birth. Include the mother's full maiden name and father's full name. Sign the form. You must include a copy of your valid photo ID. This proves you are allowed to get the record. Put the form, ID copy, and payment in an envelope. Mail it to the P.O. Box in New Orleans. Make sure your return address is clear.

The mail-in process requires careful attention to detail to avoid delays. Ensure your application is fully completed, signed, and includes all necessary documentation and the correct payment. Failure to provide any required item will result in your request being returned unprocessed. Double-check the mailing address before sending. Keep a copy of your application and documents for your own records. Remember that this method has a significant waiting period, so plan accordingly if you need the certificate by a specific date. Consider the processing time when making your request.

Costs and Payment for Mail Orders

The cost is lower by mail. Each certified birth certificate copy is $15.00. There is also a small state charge for mail orders. This fee is $0.50 per transaction. So, one copy costs $15.50 total. Two copies cost $30.50 total. You must pay with a check or money order. Make it payable to Louisiana Vital Records. Do not send cash in the mail. Do not send coins for the fee. Mail orders do not accept credit cards. If no record is found, the fee is still kept for the search cost. This is allowed by state law (R.S. 40:40).

State Processing Time

Mail takes time. The state vital records office gets many requests. They state that you should allow about 8 to 10 weeks for delivery. This time starts when they get your request. It does not include mail time to them or from them. Plan far ahead if you need the record by a certain date. This wait time can change based on how busy they are. There is no way to speed up mail requests usually. If you need it fast, walk-in at the Clerk's office (if possible) or use the online option.

Online Options for Louisiana Birth Records (Via State Partner)

You can order birth records online or by phone. This uses a third-party company. The state works with this partner. It can be faster than mail for some people. It allows payment by credit card.

Using VitalChek for Orders

The Louisiana Department of Health has named VitalChek Network as its authorized service provider. You can use their website or phone service. They accept major credit cards. This adds ease for many people. VitalChek charges its own service fees. These fees are on top of the state's certificate fee. Check their site for current costs. Using VitalChek can speed up the order part. Delivery times may still vary. They offer different shipping options, some faster than standard mail, for extra cost. This option is good if you live out of state or need credit card payment. Note that the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court does not offer online ordering directly. You must use the state's partner or mail the state office. Walk-in services at the state office in New Orleans are also handled via VitalChek ordering first, choosing the "Will Call" option for pickup.

Who Can Legally Get Lafayette Parish Birth Records?

Louisiana controls who can get birth records. The state protects privacy. Records are not open to the public right away. You must be eligible or have permission.

Louisiana Eligibility Rules

Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This means birth records are private for 100 years. Only certain people can get a certified copy. These people are called "entitled parties". The list includes:

• The person named on the birth certificate (if age 18 or older).

• The mother or father named on the birth certificate.

• The current legal spouse of the person named on the certificate.

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

• A brother or sister of the person named on the certificate.

• A grandparent of the person named on the certificate.

• A grandchild of the person named on the certificate.

• The legal guardian of the person named on the certificate (must show custody papers).

You must state your relationship when you apply. You must also show ID to prove who you are.

Authorization for Non-Entitled Persons

What if you are not on the list above? You might still get a record. You need written permission from someone who is on the list. This is an authorization letter. The letter must be signed by the entitled person. It must state who they are giving permission to. It must include the full name and date of birth of the person on the record. You must also include a copy of the valid photo ID of the person who wrote the letter. The Lafayette Parish Clerk website may have a sample form for this. This rule helps protect privacy but allows help from others when needed.

Attorney Access

Attorneys can also get birth records. They must be representing an eligible person listed above. Or they must represent the person named on the record. The attorney must submit a request. It must be on original office letterhead. It must state who they represent. It must include their Louisiana state bar roll number. A paralegal or runner for the attorney can also get the record. They need a letter from the attorney. This letter must include the case docket number, the attorney's bar roll number, and the name of the person picking up the document.

ID Needed for Lafayette Parish Birth Record Requests

You must prove your identity. This applies for walk-in, mail, or online orders. Louisiana law requires valid ID. You have two ways to meet this rule. You can show one primary ID. Or you can show two secondary IDs.

Primary Identification Documents

These are stronger forms of ID. You only need one from this list:

• Current state issued driver's license with photo.

• Current state issued picture ID card with photo.

• Current U.S. military ID card with photo.

• Current U.S. passport or foreign issued passport.

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

• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (Forms N-560, N-578).

• For high school students: a current school yearbook or current school ID document with a clear photo.

Make sure the ID is current (not expired). The photo must clearly identify you. Bring the original for walk-in service. Send a clear copy for mail requests.

Secondary Identification Documents

If you do not have a primary ID, you need two from this list:

• Current student picture ID from a college or university AND a 100% fee paid receipt for the current semester (this counts as two documents).

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

• Original adoption papers.

• Official certified deed or title to property.

• Certificate of vehicle title in your name.

• An insurance policy showing your name (Health, Home, Life, or Auto).

• A payroll stub (not handwritten) showing your name and full social security number.

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

• Original DD-214 military discharge document.

• A certified true copy of your Voter's Registration application.

You must provide two different items from this list if you lack a primary ID. Copies must be clear and readable for mail requests. Present originals for walk-in service. Meeting ID rules is key to getting your Lafayette Parish Birth Records.

Understanding Louisiana Birth Record Laws

State law dictates how birth records are handled. Louisiana protects these records. They are not public like some other court files. Key laws control access and fees.

Confidentiality of Records

As noted, Louisiana is a closed record state. This is a key point to grasp. Birth certificates are kept private for a long time. They only become public record 100 years after the year of birth. Until then, only those listed as eligible (or with permission) can get a copy. This law protects personal data. It aims to prevent fraud and identity theft. When you apply, you state under penalty of law that you are eligible. Making a false statement is a crime. It can lead to large fines or jail time.

Relevant State Statutes

The main laws are in the Louisiana Revised Statutes (R.S.). Title 40 covers Public Health and Safety. Chapter 2 of Title 40 is the Vital Statistics Law (https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx%3Fp%3Dy%26d%3D98742). This chapter sets the rules for birth and death records. It defines who can get them. It sets rules for the State Registrar. It allows fees to be charged. For example, R.S. 40:39.1 covers birth cards being sold only with certificates. R.S. 40:40 allows the state to keep search fees even if no record is found. R.S. 40:73 deals with adoption records and how original birth certificates are sealed but can sometimes be accessed later in life. Knowing these laws helps you see why the process works the way it does. The rules aim for a balance between access for those who need records and privacy for all.