St. Tammany Parish Birth Records

We are glad you came here for help. Our aim is to give you the best facts for your St. Tammany Parish Birth Records search. We will guide you through the steps to find what you need. We hope this page helps you well.

If you want to start a search for St. Tammany Parish Birth Records right now, you can visit https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/st-tammany-parish-birth-records/. This site may help you begin the process quickly. It is a resource you can use if you prefer to look online first. Check it out to see if it meets your immediate needs for records access.

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court: Your Local Access Point

The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court acts as a local agent. They work for the Louisiana Vital Records Registry. This means you can get some vital records directly from them. It can save you a trip to the state office. They offer key services right in the parish. This makes it easy for local folks to get copies of birth records. They help bridge the gap between the state and the people here. Think of them as a helpful local link for these important papers.

Birth Certificate Services Offered

At the Clerk's office, you can get certified copies of Louisiana Birth Certificates. You can also get Birth Cards. But, you can only buy a Birth Card at the same time as a Birth Certificate. They sell them as a pair. You cannot just buy the card alone. These services cover births that took place anywhere in Louisiana, not just St. Tammany. This is a key service for residents needing official proof of birth for many life events. It is good to know you have this local choice.

Locations and Operating Hours

You can get these services at two main spots in the parish. Make sure you know their hours before you go.

Covington Office Details

The main office is in the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center.

• Address: 701 N Columbia Street, Covington, LA 70433 (Ground Level)

• Birth Record Service Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday.

• Note for Older Records: If the birth was before 1983 and you have not bought a copy in 10 years, arrive before 3:00 PM. This allows time for state system updates.

Slidell Annex Office Details

There is also an office in Slidell for convenience.

• Address: 520 Old Spanish Trail, Slidell, LA 70458 (Specific hours for birth records not listed separately, but general office has a lunch closure)

• General Hours: Monday - Friday, likely similar to Covington for vital records but confirm by phone. Note: This office closes from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM each day for lunch.

• Recommendation: Call ahead to confirm vital records service hours at Slidell.

Contact Information

If you have questions, you can call the Personal Documents Department.

• Phone (Covington): (985) 809-8745

• Phone (Slidell): (985) 643-6969

• General Clerk Phone (Covington): (985) 809-8700

• Website: https://www.sttammanyclerk.org/

Who is Eligible to Obtain St. Tammany Parish Birth Records?

Louisiana law limits who can get a certified birth record. This is to protect privacy. Only certain people can ask for a copy. You must prove who you are and your link to the person on the record. This rule applies whether you go to the Clerk or the state office. Know the list before you try to get a record. It saves time and hassle. Not just anyone can walk in and ask for someone's birth details. The state takes privacy quite seriously. Make sure you fit one of the roles allowed by law. This is a key step in the whole process.

List of Authorized Individuals

The following people can usually request a certified birth certificate:

• The person named on the certificate (if of age)

• Mother or Father named on the certificate

• Current Spouse of the person named on the certificate

• Child of the person named on the certificate

• Sister or Brother of the person named on the certificate

• Grandmother or Grandfather of the person named on the certificate

• Grandchild of the person named on the certificate

• Legal Guardian (must show proof, like a court order of custody)

Required Identification (Valid Photo ID Types)

You must show a valid ID when you apply. This proves you are who you say you are. The ID must be current, not expired. It needs to have your photo and name. Accepted forms of ID usually include:

• Valid U.S. State issued Driver's License

• Valid U.S. State issued Identification Card

• Valid U.S. Passport

• Valid U.S. Military Identification

• High school students (or younger) might use a current school yearbook or official school ID card.

Methods for Requesting Birth Records

You have a few ways to get a St. Tammany Parish birth record. You can go in person to the local Clerk of Court. You can mail your request to the state office. Or you can visit the state office in New Orleans. Each way has its own steps. Pick the one that works best for you. Going in person might be faster if you are local. Mail works if you live far away. The state office handles all Louisiana births.

Applying In-Person at the Clerk of Court

Going to the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court is often easy for residents. You can visit the Covington or Slidell office during their service hours. Bring your valid photo ID with you. Be ready to fill out the needed form there. This method allows you to speak directly with staff if you have questions. You might get the record the same day if all is in order. This direct path is helpful for many people.

Filling Out the Application Form

The Clerk's office has the application form. You need to fill it out completely. It asks for details about the birth record you need. It also asks for your own information. Make sure all names and dates are correct. Errors can cause delays. Ask a clerk if you are not sure about a part of the form. Accuracy is key here. The form is called "Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate". You can view a sample form used by Clerks here: https://lafourcheclerk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BIRTH-OR-DEATH-CERTIFICATE-APPLICATION-FILLABLE.pdf (Note: This is a Lafourche Clerk form, but structure is similar).

Required Signature Process

You must sign the application form. You must do this in front of a Deputy Clerk of Court. Do not sign it ahead of time. They need to witness your signature. This is part of the verification process. It helps prevent fraud. Be ready to sign when you submit the form and show your ID. This step is mandatory for in-person requests at the Clerk's office.

Important Note for Births Before 1983

There is a special point for older birth records. If the person was born before 1983, listen up. And if they have not bought a copy of their birth record in the last 10 years. You should try to arrive before 3:00 PM. This gives the office time needed for Louisiana Vital Records. They may need to update the record electronically. This update process can take time. Planning for this helps avoid delays or needing to come back. The state system needs this time for older, less accessed records.

Ordering Through the State Vital Records Office (Mail)

If you cannot visit the Clerk's office, mail is an option. You send your request to the state office in New Orleans. This works well if you live out of town or state. You need to download the state's application form. Fill it out fully and sign it. Include a copy of your valid photo ID. Also include the correct fee payment. Mail takes longer than going in person. Plan for processing and mailing time. Make sure you include all needed items. If not, your request will be sent back.

Mailing Address for State Office

Send your completed application, ID copy, and fee to: Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics P.O. Box 60630 New Orleans, LA 70160

Accepted Payment (Check/Money Order)

For mail orders to the state office, pay by check or money order. Make it payable to "Louisiana Vital Records". Do not send cash by mail. They also add a small state charge ($0.50) per mail order. Include this extra amount in your payment. Check the current fees before sending.

Necessary Documents for Mail Orders

Make sure your mail packet includes these three things:

1. The completed and signed application form. You can find the state form here: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-RS/vitalrec/birth_deathorderingpacket.pdf

2. A clear photocopy of your valid state or federal photo ID.

3. The correct fee (check or money order) payable to Louisiana Vital Records, including the mail order surcharge.

Visiting the State Vital Records Central Office (New Orleans)

You can also go directly to the main state office. This office is in New Orleans. It handles records for all Louisiana parishes. Walk-in service is available during business hours. This might be needed if the Clerk cannot find the record. Or if you need other vital records services. Like amendments or Orleans Parish marriage records. Bring your valid photo ID and payment.

Physical Address and Walk-in Hours

Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400 New Orleans, LA 70112

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

• Phone: (504) 593-5100

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

Required Information for Your Birth Record Request

To find the correct birth record, you need specific details. The application form asks for this information. Having it ready will speed up your request. Be as exact as you can. Missing or wrong information can make the search hard. It might even lead to no record being found. Gather these facts before you fill out the form. This helps the clerk or state office find the right certificate quickly.

Details about the Person on the Record

You must provide key facts about the person whose record you seek.

• Full Name at Birth: First, Middle, and Last name as it should appear on the record.

• Date of Birth: Month, Day, and Year.

• Sex: Male or Female.

• City of Birth: The town or city where the birth occurred.

• Parish of Birth: The Louisiana parish where the birth occurred (e.g., St. Tammany).

Parental Information Needed

The names of the parents are very important for locating the correct record.

• Father's Full Name: First, Middle, and Last name.

• Mother's Full Maiden Name: Her First, Middle, and Last name before marriage.

Applicant Contact Details and Relationship Proof

The form also requires information about you, the person asking for the record.

• Your Full Name: First and Last.

• Your Residence Address: Street, City, State, ZIP Code.

• Your Daytime Phone Number:

• Your Email Address: (Optional but helpful).

• Your Relationship: State how you are related to the person on the record (e.g., Self, Mother, Father, Child). This must match the eligible list. You must sign the form stating this information is true.

Fees Associated with St. Tammany Parish Birth Records

There is a cost to get a certified copy of a birth record. The fee amount depends on where you order it. The St. Tammany Clerk of Court has set fees. The State Vital Records office has slightly different fees. Fees are set by state law (like Louisiana R.S. 40:40). These fees can change if the law changes. Check the current cost before you order. Know what payment types are accepted.

Costs at the St. Tammany Clerk of Court

When you order through the St. Tammany Clerk's office, expect these fees:

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

• Certified Birth Certificate + Birth Card (Sold as Pair Only): $48.00 per pair. These fees reflect the Clerk's role as an authorized agent. They include state fees plus potential local service costs. These fees are higher than ordering directly from the state by mail or walk-in.

Costs at the Louisiana State Vital Records Office

If you order directly from the state office (mail or walk-in in New Orleans):

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

• Birth Certificate + Birth Card (Sold as Pair Only): $24.00 per pair. (The card itself is $9, but only sold with the $15 certificate).

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

Payment Options (Clerk vs. State)

How you can pay depends on where you go.

• St. Tammany Clerk of Court (In-Person): Accepts Cash or Credit/Debit Card.

• State Vital Records (Mail): Accepts Check or Money Order payable to Louisiana Vital Records.

• State Vital Records (Walk-in): Accepts Cash, Check, or Money Order payable to Louisiana Vital Records.

Policy on Search Fees if No Record is Found

Be aware: If you apply for a record and they cannot find it after a search, the fee is usually kept. Louisiana law (R.S. 40:40) allows them to keep the fee. This covers the cost of doing the search. This applies even if you get no certificate. Ensure your information is accurate to help the search succeed.

Understanding Different Types of Birth Records

Louisiana offers two main types of birth record documents. You can get a full, certified birth certificate. Or you can get a smaller birth card. But the card has limits. Know which one you need. Different uses require different types. The long form is best for most legal needs. The card is more like an ID summary.

Certified Long-Form Birth Certificate Explained

This is the standard, official birth certificate. It is a certified copy of the original record on file. It contains detailed information. This includes the child's full name, date and place of birth. It lists parents' names and ages. It notes the file date and state file number. It has the state seal and registrar's signature. This version is needed for passports, school, driver's licenses, and most legal matters. When you order a "birth certificate," this is usually what you get. Both the Clerk and the State office issue this type. The cost varies depending on where you order it ($34 at Clerk, $15 at State).

Short-Form Birth Card (Availability)

Louisiana also offers a wallet-sized Birth Card. It states the person's name, date and parish of birth. It lists sex, mother's maiden name, father's name. It includes the birth record file date and number. It is about 3x4 inches. However, you cannot buy just the Birth Card. It is only sold with a long-form Birth Certificate. You buy them as a pair. The pair costs $48 at the Clerk's office. It costs $24 directly from the State office. The card alone is not usually enough for legal ID needs. It's more for convenience or quick reference.

Finding Historical St. Tammany Parish Birth Records

Need a very old birth record? Access rules change based on the record's age. Recent records are confidential. Very old ones become public. This protects privacy for a long time. After that, history becomes open. St. Tammany records follow these state rules. Know where to look for these older documents. The Clerk or state vital records office only handles recent ones. Another state agency holds the oldest records.

The 100-Year Rule for Public Access

Louisiana birth records are kept private for 100 years. After 100 years from the date of birth, they become public records. This means anyone can request a copy. You do not need to be on the eligible relative list. This rule allows genealogists and historians access. It helps people trace family trees back many generations. Records less than 100 years old remain restricted. Access is only for those listed as eligible.

Louisiana State Archives: Role and Contact

The Louisiana State Archives holds historical vital records. This includes birth records that are over 100 years old. They are the official place for these public documents. If you need a birth record from St. Tammany Parish from before 100 years ago, contact the Archives. They are not part of the Department of Health. They are under the Secretary of State. Their process and fees may differ.

Accessing Records Over 100 Years Old

To get a birth record older than 100 years:

• Contact: Louisiana State Archives

• Address: P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125

• Physical Address: 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

• Phone: (225) 922-1000

• Website:https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/ResearchHistoricalRecords/Pages/LouisianaBirthRecords.aspx

• Fees: They charge $5 for a plain photocopy and $10 for a certified copy of historical birth records (check current fees).

Online Vital Records Index via Secretary of State

The Secretary of State website has an online index. It covers available historical birth records held by the Archives. You can search this database first. It helps confirm if they likely have the record. The index includes Orleans Parish births back to 1790. Other parishes often start later, near 1918 when state law required it. Some earlier records exist but may not be complete. Search the index here: https://www.sos.la.gov/HistoricalResources/ResearchHistoricalRecords/LocateHistoricalRecords/Pages/LouisianaBirthRecords.aspx

Making Corrections to a St. Tammany Parish Birth Record

Found an error on a birth certificate? Mistakes can happen. Maybe a name is spelled wrong. Or a date is incorrect. You can request a correction or amendment. The process depends on when the birth happened. And how soon you spot the error. There are fees involved for most corrections. Acting quickly after birth is best. If much time has passed, the process goes through the state. Supporting documents may be needed to prove the correct information.

Corrections Within 3 Months of Birth (Hospital Assistance)

If the baby was born at St. Tammany Health System, they can help. If you notice an error within 3 months of the birth, contact their Birth Certificate Office. They can assist with corrections before the record is finalized permanently by the state.

• STHS Birth Certificate Office: (985) 898-3712 or sthsbirthcertificates@stph.org

• Location: 1st Floor – Health Information Management, Main Hospital

• Hours: Monday – Friday (7:30 AM – 3:00 PM) Check with the hospital where the birth occurred for their specific process.

Corrections After 3 Months (State Vital Records Process)

If it has been more than 3 months since the birth, you must go through the State Vital Records office in New Orleans. You will need to file an amendment request. This process is more formal. It often requires specific proof of the correct information. Contact the State Vital Records office for forms and instructions.

• Phone: (504) 593-5100

• Website Info:https://ldh.la.gov/page/amend-a-vital-record

Fees for Amendments

There is usually a fee to amend a birth record. The fee is set by state law. Currently, the fee for an Amendment of Birth Record is $27.50. This fee typically includes one certified copy of the corrected record once approved. The fee might be waived if the correction is initiated by the requestor within 90 days of the record being registered. Always confirm the current fee with the Vital Records office. The fee is generally non-refundable, even if the amendment is not approved.

Louisiana Laws Governing Birth Records

State laws control how birth records are created, stored, accessed, and corrected. These laws are found mainly in the Louisiana Revised Statutes. Title 40 covers Public Health and Safety. This includes the vital records system. Knowing the basic legal rules helps you understand the process. It explains who can get records and why fees are charged. It also outlines privacy protections. The laws aim for accurate records while guarding personal data.

Overview of Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40

Louisiana R.S. Title 40, Chapter 2 contains the laws for the State Uniform Vital Statistics Act. Key sections include:

• R.S. 40:33: Establishes the state vital records registry and the state registrar.

• R.S. 40:34: Details required contents for birth certificates.

• R.S. 40:39 & 40:39.1: Authorizes issuance of birth cards and allows Clerks of Court to issue certified copies.

• R.S. 40:40: Sets the fees for copies and other vital records services.

• R.S. 40:41: Governs the disclosure of records, including confidentiality rules.

• R.S. 40:44 - 46: Covers registration of births and establishing parentage.

• R.S. 40:59 - 60: Deals with delayed or altered certificates.

• R.S. 40:61: Outlines penalties for violations. You can view these laws on the Louisiana State Legislature website: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Laws_Toc.aspx?folder=114&title=40

Record Confidentiality and Access Periods

As mentioned, Louisiana birth records are confidential by law (R.S. 40:41). Access is restricted for 100 years from the date of birth. Only those individuals defined as eligible (self, parent, child, etc.) can obtain a certified copy during this restricted period. After 100 years, the records become public. They transfer to the Louisiana State Archives for broader access. This long confidentiality period protects individual privacy for a lifetime.

Legal Penalties for Providing False Information

When you apply for a birth certificate, you sign the form. You state that the information you provided is true. Making a false statement on this application is a serious crime. Louisiana law (found within R.S. 40:61 or related statutes) sets penalties. If convicted, a person could face a large fine (up to $10,000) or prison time (up to five years), or both. Always provide accurate information on your application. Honesty is required by law.