Orleans Parish Birth Records

Thank you for visiting. We want to help you find your Orleans Parish Birth Records. This page gives you the details you need. We aim to make your search easy. Let us guide you through the steps.

If you are ready to start your search now, go to https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/orleans-parish-birth-records/. This site can help you begin looking for Orleans Parish Birth Records right away. It offers a simple way to access information. Use the link to check what records might be found online for your needs. It is a fast way to start the process.

Understanding Orleans Parish Birth Records

Where Records Are Kept

Finding Orleans Parish birth records means knowing where to look. The main place for recent births is the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). Their Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics holds these files. This office is in New Orleans. For older records, you must check a different place. The Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge keeps birth records over 100 years old. Some very old records might link to the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court. Their Notarial Archives hold records from the 1700s. These can be useful for deep family history work. Knowing the age of the record helps you choose the right office.

Types of Records

You can get different types of birth records. A certified copy is the full, official record. It is often called the long form. This copy works for most legal needs. Some places may offer a birth card. This is a smaller, short form version. It has less detail. Keep in mind that Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This means birth records are not public. Only certain people can ask for a copy. The state protects the data on these forms. You must prove you have a right to get the record. This rule helps keep private facts safe. Always check if you can get the record before you ask.

Information Found on Records

Birth records hold key facts about a person's birth. You will find the child's full name. The date and time of birth are listed. The sex of the child is noted. The place of birth, like the hospital or city, is shown. Parents' full names are very important parts of the record. This includes the mother's maiden name. Sometimes, the record might show the parents' ages or race. These details help prove identity. They are key for family trees too. The exact details can change based on the year the record was made. Older records might have less info than new ones.

Timeframes

The age of the birth record decides where it is stored. The Louisiana Department of Health keeps records for births within the last 100 years. If the person was born less than 100 years ago, contact LDH. Their office in New Orleans handles these requests. But, if the birth happened more than 100 years ago, the record is historical. These old records move to the Louisiana State Archives. The Archives are in Baton Rouge. They have Orleans Parish birth records going back a long way. Some records date from 1790 or 1819. This is even before the state required birth records in 1918. So, for old family research, the State Archives is the place to check.

Eligibility for Requesting Orleans Parish Birth Records

Louisiana Law (R.S. 40:41)

Louisiana law limits who can get a birth certificate. It is a closed record state. This law, found in Louisiana Revised Statute 40:41, lists the people who can ask. You must be one of these to get a copy. If you are not on the list, you need special permission. The person named on the record must give you written consent. This rule helps keep personal data private and safe. It makes sure only those with a direct and real need can see the record. Always check this law first.

Here is who can order a birth certificate:

• The person named on the document (if adult)

• The current spouse of the person named

• Mother or father of the person named

• An adult child of the person named

• Sister or brother of the person named

• Grandmother or grandfather of the person named

• Grandchild of the person named

• An attorney representing one of the above people (needs written proof)

Identification Requirements

You must prove who you are when asking for a birth record. This is true for mail, in person, or kiosk requests. You need to show valid ID. Louisiana asks for one primary ID or two secondary IDs. Make sure your ID is current and not expired. This step confirms you are allowed to get the record. It prevents fraud and protects privacy. Without the right ID, your request will be denied. Plan ahead and have your documents ready. This will make the process smooth. Check the lists below for accepted forms of ID. Some offices may have slightly different rules. But these lists cover the main options.

Primary Documents (Need ONE):

• Current state issued driver's license with photo

• Current state issued picture ID with photo

• Current U.S. military ID card with photo

• 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)

Secondary Documents (Need TWO if no primary):

• Current student picture ID from a college/university (must have current fee receipt)

• W-2 form (last two years) plus original signed Social Security Card (names must match)

• Original adoption papers

• Official certified deed or title to property

• Certificate of vehicle title

• Insurance policy (Health, Home, Life, Auto - must show applicant's name)

• Payroll stub (not handwritten, must show name and SSN)

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

• Original DD-214 Military Discharge document

Requesting Recent Birth Records (Less Than 100 Years Old)

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

For births in Orleans Parish within the last 100 years, the main source is the LDH Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics. This state agency holds all recent vital records for Louisiana. Their central office is key for getting copies. They offer walk-in service and process mail requests. Knowing their contact details and hours helps plan your visit or request. They are the official source for these important papers. Do not use third party sites that charge extra high fees. Go direct to LDH for best results. It is good to call first if you have questions. They can confirm fees or ID needs. This saves time and trouble.

• Main Office Location: Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112

• General Information Phone: (504) 593-5100

• Walk-in Service Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Closed on state holidays)

• Mailing Address: Vital Records Registry, PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160

• Website: https://ldh.la.gov/vital-records

Requesting In Person

Going to the Vital Records Central Office in New Orleans is one way to get a birth certificate. This method can sometimes be faster than mail. You must arrive during walk-in service hours. Bring your completed application form. You also need your valid photo ID. Be ready to pay the fee. They accept exact cash amounts. Checks and money orders are also okay. Credit cards are not listed for walk-in service. You fill out the form there if you do not have it. Staff can help if you have questions. Be sure you meet the eligibility rules first. Bring proof if you are asking for someone else, like a child or parent. This direct way lets you handle it all at once.

The office is at 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112. Remember the hours are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays. State holidays mean the office is closed. Check the LDH website or call ahead if unsure about holidays. Plan for possible wait times. The office can be busy. Having all your papers ready speeds things up. This includes your ID and payment. Getting the record in person gives peace of mind. You know the request is in process right away.

Requesting By Mail

You can ask for an Orleans Parish birth record by mail. This works well if you cannot visit New Orleans. First, get the right application form. You can find the Birth/Death Certificate Request Form PDF on the LDH website. Fill it out completely. Make sure all names and dates are correct. Include your contact info too. You must send a copy of your valid photo ID. Check the ID rules above. Also include the correct fee. Mail requests need a check or money order. Make it payable to "Louisiana Vital Records". Do not send cash in the mail. There is a small extra fee ($0.50) for mail orders. Add this to the base fee.

Mail everything to this address: Vital Records Registry, PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Using the P.O. Box is best for mail. Processing time by mail takes a while. Expect about 8 to 10 weeks for delivery. This time can change based on how busy they are. Make sure your application is complete. Missing info or ID will cause delays. Double check the fee amount on the LDH site. Fees can change. Mail is a sure way if you are not in a rush. It needs care to get all parts right.

Kiosk Services

Another way to order is using a Vital Records Kiosk. These self-service machines are in some locations. Places like Parish Health Units or Clerk of Court offices might have them. Kiosks require you to pass an identity check screen. This confirms you are allowed to get the record. You pay at the kiosk using a debit or credit card, or check. There are extra fees for using a kiosk. This includes a security fee and shipping costs. Once ordered, the certificate is usually mailed. Some locations might offer pickup at the Central Office in New Orleans.

Kiosk hours are often 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. But check the specific location's hours. Kiosks offer a faster option than mail sometimes. But they cost more due to extra fees. The identity check is key. If you cannot pass it, you cannot use the kiosk. Check the LDH website for a list of kiosk locations. This option blends tech with the official process. It is good for those okay with added fees for speed.

Fees

Getting a certified copy of an Orleans Parish birth record costs money. The main fee is set by state law. As of now, a certified long form birth certificate costs $15.00. This fee applies to requests made in person or by mail. If you order by mail, you must add a $0.50 state charge. So the total for one copy by mail is $15.50. Payment methods depend on how you order. In person, they take exact cash, checks, or money orders. By mail, use only checks or money orders payable to Louisiana Vital Records. Kiosks accept debit/credit cards or checks, but have extra service fees. Fees can change if the state legislature updates the law. Always check the current fee on the LDH Fees Page before sending payment. Getting the fee right prevents delays.

Requesting Historical Birth Records (Over 100 Years Old)

Louisiana State Archives

Birth records for people born in Orleans Parish over 100 years ago are held by the Louisiana State Archives. This office is in Baton Rouge. They preserve the state's older official documents. This includes vital records that have passed their confidentiality period. For births, this is 100 years. The Archives offer ways to research these old records. They have an online index you can search first. This helps find if they have the record you need. Orleans Parish records at the Archives can go back to 1790. This is much earlier than most other Louisiana parishes. Statewide recording only started around 1918. Accessing these records is key for genealogy.

You can search the Online Public Vital Records Index on the Secretary of State's website. If you find a record, you can order copies. A plain photocopy costs $5.00. A certified copy costs $10.00. Certified copies have official seals. They are often needed for legal proof. You likely need to order copies by mail. Use the information from the online index. Contact the Archives for specific steps.

• Location: 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804

• Website:https://www.sos.la.gov/historicalresources/

Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court - Notarial Archives

The Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil District Court runs a Notarial Archives Research Center. This archive holds very old legal documents. Some date back to the 1700s. While not focused only on birth records, these archives contain vast amounts of historical data. They can be useful for deep genealogical research. Early New Orleans records might exist here. This includes property deals, wills, and marriage contracts. These might contain clues about births or family ties. Researchers can visit the center. It is part of the Land Records Division. Accessing these records requires research skills. They are not indexed like modern vital records.

The archives are located within the Clerk's office building.

• Location: 421 Loyola Avenue, Room B-4, New Orleans, LA 70112

• Website: https://www.orleanscivilclerk.com/ (Land Records Division / Notarial Archives) Contact the Clerk's office for research hours and access rules. This source is best for serious historians or genealogists. It complements the State Archives for early Orleans Parish history.

Other Historical Resources

Beyond state and parish offices, other places hold historical birth info. Church records are very important, especially in New Orleans. The Archdiocese of New Orleans Archives has digitized many old sacramental records. This includes baptism records from St. Louis Cathedral back to 1718. Baptisms often occurred soon after birth. These records list parents and sometimes godparents. They are a key source for Catholic families. The Archdiocese website lets you view some index data and images online. Other genealogy websites sometimes index New Orleans records. Use these with care. Always try to verify with official sources like the State Archives or LDH when possible. These extra sources fill gaps. They give a fuller picture of past lives in Orleans Parish.

Correcting or Amending Orleans Parish Birth Records

When Amendments Are Needed

Sometimes, a birth certificate has wrong information. Or, facts may change legally after birth. In these cases, you need to amend the record. Common reasons include fixing spelling errors in names. Correcting a wrong date of birth is another. Updating the record after a legal name change needs an amendment. Changes related to parent information might be needed. This could happen after paternity is set legally. Or after an adoption. Updating the sex designation on a birth record also requires this process. Getting the record corrected is important. It ensures the official document matches the person's legal identity. An accurate record prevents problems later in life.

The Process

To fix a Louisiana birth certificate, you must apply to the LDH Vital Records office. There is a specific form for this. Use the Application to Amend. You must explain the change needed. You also need to provide proof. This means sending supporting documents. Examples are court orders for name changes. Or marriage certificates for parent updates. Adoption papers or paternity judgements are other examples. The exact proof depends on the change you want.

There is a fee for amendments. It is currently $27.50. This fee includes one certified copy of the new, corrected certificate. If you need more copies at the same time, they cost $9.00 each. If you cannot send the original wrong birth certificate back, there is an extra $15.00 search fee. Make checks or money orders payable to Vital Records Registry. Mail the form, proof, and fee to the main LDH P.O. Box. Or bring it in person. The Amendments Department can help with questions. Their phone number is (504) 593-5122. Processing takes time. Check with LDH for current estimates. Expedited service might be possible for an extra fee.

Special Circumstances

Establishing Paternity

When parents are not married at the time of birth, paternity needs to be set legally. This ensures the father's name is on the birth certificate. Hospitals often help with this right after birth. They have forms like the Acknowledgment of Paternity. Both parents must sign this form. Valid ID is needed. If paternity is not set at the hospital, it can be done later. The birth certificate must be amended. Contact the LDH Vital Records Amendments Department at (504) 593-5122. They guide you through the process. This usually involves legal steps and forms. The Louisiana Paternity Establishment Program has more info. Getting paternity set gives the child rights. These include support and inheritance.

Adoption Records

Adoption records in Louisiana are confidential. Access is strictly controlled by law. The LDH Bureau of Vital Records does not handle adoption record requests directly. These fall under the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). DCFS runs the Louisiana Adoption Reunion Registry. This registry helps adoptees, birth parents, and siblings connect if all parties agree. It allows for voluntary contact. Accessing original birth certificates or court adoption files is complex. It often requires a court order. If you need adoption info, start with DCFS and the Reunion Registry. They can explain the rules and options available to you.

Stillbirth Certificates

Louisiana allows parents to request a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth. This document provides official recognition of the birth. It is not the same as a standard birth certificate. It does not establish identity for legal purposes. But it can be important for parents grieving a loss. There is a specific application form for this certificate. You can get this form from the LDH website or office. Contact the LDH Bureau of Vital Records for details on how to apply. They can explain the process and any fees involved. This certificate offers a way to formally remember the child.