Louisiana Death Records

We are glad you came here for help. We aim to give you the best guide for your search for Louisiana Death Records. We know this can be a hard time. We will show you how to get the death records you need in the state.

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Understanding Louisiana Death Records

What are Louisiana Death Records?

Louisiana Death Records are official state documents. They record the death of a person in Louisiana. The Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics keeps these files. They hold key facts about the person who died. They also list details about when and where the death took place. These records are vital for many legal tasks. They also help public health groups track trends.

Louisiana's "Closed Record" Status

Louisiana is a "closed record" state for recent deaths. This means death certificates less than 50 years old are not public records. Access is restricted by law. Only certain people can get a copy. This rule helps protect the privacy of the deceased and their family. It prevents fraud and misuse of personal data. You must prove you are allowed to get a copy. Older records, over 50 years old, are public. They are held by the Louisiana State Archives.

Types of Copies: Certified vs. Informational

You can usually get two types of copies. A certified copy is an official document. It has a raised seal from the issuing agency. It can be used for legal needs. These include settling an estate or claiming benefits. An informational copy is just for personal knowledge. It cannot be used for legal proof. Often, informational copies are easier to get. But Louisiana mainly issues certified copies to those who are eligible due to its closed record laws. For records held by the State Archives (over 50 years old), you can order either photocopies or certified copies.

Who Can Request Louisiana Death Records?

Eligibility for Certified Copies

Because Louisiana is a closed record state, only certain people can order a certified Louisiana Death Record less than 50 years old. You must show proof you fit into one of these groups. The law allows the following people to request a copy:

• The surviving spouse named on the record.

• A parent of the person named on the record.

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

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

• A grandparent of the person named on the record.

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

• A person named in a court proceeding as immediate or surviving family. (Requires proof).

• The beneficiary of an insurance policy or trust. (Requires signed policy copy).

• A succession representative. (Requires certified Letter of Testamentary or Administration).

• An attorney representing an eligible person or handling a small succession under Code of Civil Procedure Article 3431 et seq. (Requires details on letterhead with bar roll number).

Authorization for Non-Eligible Persons

If you are not on the list above, you might still get a record. You need written permission from someone who is eligible. This is called an authorization letter. The letter must name you as the person allowed to get the certificate. It must include the deceased person's full name and date of death. It must be signed by the eligible person. You also need a copy of the eligible person's valid photo ID. You must also present your own valid ID.

Accessing Older Louisiana Death Records (Over 50 Years)

Louisiana Death Records become public records 50 years after the year of death. These older records are not kept by the Office of Vital Records. They are transferred to the Louisiana State Archives. Anyone can request these older records. You do not need to prove your relationship to the deceased. These records are often used for history research or genealogy. You can search an index online. Then you can order copies from the Archives by mail.

How to Obtain Louisiana Death Records

Requesting from the Louisiana Office of Vital Records and Statistics (OVRS)

The main state agency is the Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics, part of the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). They hold records for deaths that occurred within the last 50 years.

In-Person Requests at OVRS

You can visit the Vital Records Central Office in New Orleans. The address is 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112. Walk-in service hours are usually 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays, except state holidays. However, current procedures may require using their online partner, VitalChek, to place an order first and choosing the "Will Call" option for pickup. You will get an email when it is ready. Bring your completed application form, valid photo ID, and the correct fee. They typically accept cash, check, or money order. Call them at (504) 593-5100 to confirm current walk-in procedures and hours before you go.

Mail-In Requests to OVRS

You can order a Louisiana Death Record by mail. Download the application form from the LDH website. Fill it out completely. Include a clear copy of your valid photo ID. You need to state your relationship to the deceased. Include a check or money order for the fee. Make it payable to "Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics". Add the required mail-in surcharge ($0.50 per order). Mail everything to: Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Mail processing can take time, potentially 8-10 weeks or longer.

Online/Phone Requests via Official Partner (VitalChek)

Louisiana uses VitalChek Network as its only authorized partner for online or phone orders. You can visit the VitalChek website or call them at 1-877-605-8562. You can pay with a major credit card. VitalChek charges additional processing fees for their service. Expedited shipping options may also be available for extra cost. This is often the fastest way to order if you cannot go in person. You will still need to prove your identity and eligibility.

Requesting from Parish Clerks of Court

Some Parish Clerks of Court offices can issue Louisiana Death Records. This offers a local option for people living outside New Orleans.

Availability at Clerk Offices

Many Clerks of Court can only issue certificates for deaths that occurred relatively recently. For example, Lafayette Parish Clerk can issue records for deaths after July 9, 2012. Union Parish Clerk can issue records from January 2012 to present. For deaths before these dates, you must contact the state OVRS or the State Archives. Not all Parishes offer this service. Check with your local Clerk's office first.

General Process for Clerk Requests

Requests at a Clerk of Court are usually walk-in only. You will need to go during their business hours. These hours might be shorter than full office hours (e.g., 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM). You must bring a completed application form. You also need your valid photo ID. Be prepared to pay the fee. Fees at Clerk offices are often higher than the state office fee. For instance, Lafayette Parish charges $26.00, payable in cash only. Caddo Parish also charges $26.00. Payment options vary; some may take cards, others only cash or money order. They will verify your eligibility and identity before issuing the certificate.

Finding Your Parish Clerk of Court

To find contact information for your parish, visit the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association website. It has a directory listing all parish clerks. You can find addresses, phone numbers, and websites there. Example: Lafayette Parish Clerk, 800 South Buchanan St, Lafayette, LA 70501, phone (337) 291-6400 (death records dept: 337-291-6432). Union Parish Clerk, 100 E Bayou St #105, Farmerville, LA 71241.

Requesting from the Louisiana State Archives

For deaths that happened more than 50 years ago, contact the Louisiana State Archives.

Records Held by the State Archives

The Archives holds Louisiana Death Records that are over 50 years old. These are public records. Anyone can access them. They also hold Orleans Parish marriage records older than 50 years. They hold birth records older than 100 years.

How to Request Archived Records

You can search the Louisiana Death Records Index Database online. Find it on the Louisiana Secretary of State website under Historical Resources. This index helps you find the record you need. Once found, you can order copies by mail from the Archives. Photocopies cost $5.00 each. Certified copies cost $10.00 each. Send your request with payment to Louisiana State Archives, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804. Their physical location is 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Check their website for specific ordering forms or instructions.

Required Information and Identification

Information Needed About the Deceased

To find the correct Louisiana Death Record, you must provide key details. Be ready to give the deceased person's full legal name. You also need the exact date of death (month, day, year). The city or parish where the death occurred is also needed. Having extra details like parents' names or date of birth can help. This is true if the name is common.

Applicant Information and Relationship

When you request a certified copy of a record less than 50 years old, you must state your link to the deceased. Explain if you are the spouse, child, parent, sibling, etc. You must sign the application form. This confirms the information you give is true. Providing false information can lead to penalties.

Identification Requirements for Requestors

You must prove your identity when requesting a Louisiana Death Record. This applies to OVRS and Clerk of Court requests. You need one primary ID document or two secondary ID documents.

• Primary 1 ID (Need one):

  • Current state-issued driver's license with photo.

  • Current state-issued photo ID card.

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

  • Current U.S. or foreign 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).

  • Current school yearbook or photo ID (for High School students).

• Secondary ID (Need two):

  • Current college/university photo ID with current paid fee receipt. (Counts as two).

  • W-2 form from the last two years plus signed Social Security card (must match). (Counts as two).

  • Original adoption papers.

  • Official certified property deed or title.

  • Vehicle certificate of title.

  • Current insurance policy document (health, home, life, auto) showing your name.

  • Payroll stub (not handwritten) showing name and social security number.

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

  • Original DD-214 military discharge document.

  • Voter's Registration card (certified true copy).

Louisiana Death Record Application Forms

You need to fill out an application form for most requests. You can find the official application form on the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) website, under the Bureau of Vital Records section. Many Parish Clerk of Court websites also provide links to the state form or their own version. For example, the Lafayette Parish Clerk website has a link to their specific form. Download the form before you go in person or mail your request. Fill it out clearly and completely to avoid delays.

Costs and Fees for Louisiana Death Records

State OVRS Fees

The Louisiana Office of Vital Records and Statistics (OVRS) charges a standard fee for certified copies. The fee for a Louisiana Death Record is $7.00 per copy. This fee is set by state law and can change. If ordering by mail from OVRS, you must add a $0.50 state charge to each mail order total. So one copy by mail costs $7.50.

Parish Clerk of Court Fees

Fees charged by Parish Clerks of Court are often higher. They include the state fee plus local service charges. As mentioned, Lafayette Parish charges $26.00 per copy. Caddo Parish also charges $26.00. Fees vary by parish. Check with the specific Clerk's office for their current fee schedule.

State Archives Fees

For records older than 50 years from the Louisiana State Archives:

• Photocopies (not certified) cost $5.00 each.

• Certified copies cost $10.00 each. These are delivered by mail.

Accepted Payment Methods

Payment methods depend on how and where you order.

• OVRS Mail-In: Check or money order payable to "Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics". Do not send cash.

• OVRS In-Person/Will Call: Check website or call (504) 593-5100. Likely accepts cash, check, money order. May accept cards if ordered via VitalChek will-call.

• VitalChek (Online/Phone): Major credit cards.

• Clerk of Court: Varies. Some may be cash only (like Lafayette). Others may accept checks, money orders, or cards. Call the specific Clerk's office to confirm.

• State Archives: Check or money order likely required for mail orders. Check their site for details.

Processing Times for Louisiana Death Records

OVRS Mail-In Processing Time

Ordering by mail from the state OVRS can take significant time. The LDH website suggests allowing approximately 8 to 10 weeks for delivery. Processing times can change based on request volume.

OVRS In-Person/Will-Call Processing

Using the VitalChek "Will Call" option for pickup at the OVRS central office is faster than mail. You will receive an email notification when your order is ready for pickup. This might take a few business days. Same-day service may not always be possible.

Clerk of Court Processing Time

Requesting a Louisiana Death Record in person at a participating Clerk of Court office is often the fastest method. If you have the correct application, ID, and fee, you may receive the certificate the same day. Some offices note that service after a certain time (e.g., 4 PM) might require pickup the next day if state systems are slow.

State Archives Processing Time

For records ordered by mail from the State Archives, expect processing and mail delivery time. The Archives website does not give a specific timeframe, but allow several weeks.

What Information is Included on a Louisiana Death Record?

Key Data Points on the Certificate

A Louisiana Death Record contains valuable information about the deceased and the circumstances of death. Key details usually include:

• Full name of the deceased.

• Date and time of death.

• Parish and city/town of death.

• Age at time of death.

• Date and place of birth.

• Sex and race.

• Marital status and surviving spouse's name (if applicable).

• Social Security Number (may be redacted on some copies).

• Usual occupation and industry.

• Residence address.

• Parents' names (including mother's maiden name).

• Name and address of the informant (person providing information).

• Method of disposition (burial, cremation, etc.) and place.

• Name and address of the funeral home.

• Medical certification section: Cause of death, contributing factors, certifier's name (doctor or coroner).

Common Uses for Louisiana Death Records

Certified copies of Louisiana Death Records are needed for many official purposes. Some common uses include:

• Settling estates and handling probate matters.

• Claiming life insurance benefits.

• Applying for Social Security survivor benefits.

• Accessing pension funds or retirement accounts.

• Transferring titles for property and vehicles.

• Closing bank accounts.

• Genealogical research (especially for records over 50 years old).

• Proving death for remarriage or other legal status changes.

Relevant Louisiana Laws and Regulations

Confidentiality Laws (RS 40:41)

Louisiana Revised Statute 40:41 is a key law governing vital records. It establishes the confidentiality of birth and death records. It outlines who is entitled to obtain certified copies of recent records. This statute specifies the 50-year confidentiality period for death records. It ensures that these sensitive documents are protected.

Public Records Access (Title 44)

Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44 deals with Public Records and Recorders. While vital records like recent death certificates have specific confidentiality rules under Title 40, records eventually become public. Once a Louisiana Death Record passes the 50-year confidentiality period mandated by RS 40:41, it generally falls under the broader access principles of Title 44, allowing public inspection at the State Archives.

Administrative Code for Vital Records (Title 48)

The Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC), Title 48, Part V, Subpart 45, Chapter 117 provides detailed rules and procedures for vital records. For example, LAC Title 48, §V-11707 outlines the process for obtaining certified copies by mail or in person. It specifies the information required for requests and mentions fee requirements mandated by the Revised Statutes. These administrative rules implement the broader laws passed by the legislature. You can review these at https://regulations.justia.com/states/louisiana/title-48/part-v/subpart-45/chapter-117/. 

Key Contacts for Louisiana Death Records

Louisiana Office of Vital Records and Statistics (OVRS)

• Physical Address: 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112

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

• Phone: (504) 593-5100

• Walk-in Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday-Friday (excluding state holidays). Confirm current procedures.

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

Louisiana State Archives 

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

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

• Phone: (225) 922-1000 (General Archives number)

• Website (Vital Records Index): https://www.sos.la.gov/historicalresources/researchhistoricalrecords/pages/onlinepublicvitalrecordsindex.aspx 

Parish Clerks of Court Directory

• For contact information for specific parish Clerks of Court, visit the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association website directory: https://www.laclerksofcourt.org/page/parish-map-new 

• Example: Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court, 800 South Buchanan St, Lafayette, LA 70501, Phone: (337) 291-6400.

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