Calcasieu Parish LA Death Records

Thank you for visiting. We aim to provide clear facts on Calcasieu Parish Death Records. Our goal is to help you find the data you need. We will cover how and where to get these key files.

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What are Calcasieu Parish Death Records?

Definition and Purpose

Calcasieu Parish Death Records are official documents. They record the death of a person in the parish. The state needs these records for public health data. Families need them for many reasons. This includes closing bank accounts. It helps settle estates. Proof of death is often required for life insurance claims. These records are vital legal papers. They serve both the state and the public. Each record holds key facts about the death.

Information Found in Death Records

A Calcasieu Parish Death Record holds specific details. It lists the full name of the person who died. It includes their date of death. The place of death is also noted. You will often find their age at death. Their date of birth might be on the record. The sex of the person is listed. The names of the parents may be present. The cause of death is usually included. The name of the reporting doctor or coroner is on it. The place and date of burial or cremation are part of the record. This data is key for legal use and family history.

Where to Get Calcasieu Parish Death Records

There are primary places to get these records. You can go to the local parish office. Or you can contact the state vital records office. Each has its own process.

Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court - West Calcasieu Annex

The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court handles local requests. But they only process birth and death certificates at one specific office. This is the West Calcasieu Annex in Sulphur. It is important to go to the correct location. They cannot help with these vital records at the main Lake Charles courthouse. Remember that applications stop early in the afternoon. Plan your visit with time to spare before the cutoff.

• Address: 1551 E Napoleon St, Sulphur, LA 70663

• Phone: 337-313-1140

• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

• Application Cutoff: Certificate applications are not accepted after 3:30 PM.

• Website: https://www.calclerkofcourt.com/birth-death-certificate-info

Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics

The Louisiana Department of Health holds statewide records. The Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics is part of LDH. They keep birth records for 100 years. They keep death records for 50 years. Older records go to the Louisiana State Archives. This office handles requests by mail. They also take walk-in requests at their New Orleans location. They process requests for any parish in Louisiana. This includes Calcasieu Parish. They follow state law for record access.

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

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

• Phone: 504-593-5100

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

• Website: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://ldh.la.gov/page/vital-records-registry

How to Obtain Calcasieu Parish Death Records

You can ask for records in person, by mail, or sometimes online. The method depends on which office you use.

Requesting In Person

To get a record in person locally, visit the Clerk's West Calcasieu Annex in Sulphur. Bring a valid photo ID. Fill out the application form there. Be ready to pay the fee. Remember the 3:30 PM cutoff for applications. For state-level requests, go to the Vital Records Central Office in New Orleans. You need your photo ID and the fee. Cash must be the exact amount. Checks and money orders are also fine. They have application forms available. This lets you get the record the same day in most cases.

Requesting By Mail (State Office)

You can request a Calcasieu Parish Death Record by mail. This option is only through the State Vital Records office. You must download and complete the application form. Find the form on the LDH website. Make a clear copy of your valid photo ID. Include the correct fee payment. Use a check or money order. Make it payable to "Louisiana Vital Records". Mail these items to the Vital Records Registry, PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Allow time for processing. The state website says mail takes about 8 to 10 weeks. Add the small mail-in surcharge to your payment.

Requesting Online (State Office via VitalChek)

The Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records uses an authorized partner for online orders. This service is VitalChek Network. You can order via their website or phone. Major credit cards are accepted. There are extra fees for using this service. VitalChek adds their own processing fee. Expedited shipping may also cost more. This is often the fastest way if you cannot visit in person. Check the LDH website or VitalChek for current fees. VitalChek's phone is 1-877-605-8562. You can check order status through them too.

Eligibility for Requesting Calcasieu Parish Death Records

Not everyone can get a death record. Louisiana law limits access.

Louisiana "Closed Record" State Explanation

Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This means vital records like birth and death certificates are not public. General public cannot view them freely. Only certain people can legally get a certified copy. State law protects the privacy of these records. Louisiana Revised Statute 40:41 outlines disclosure rules. You must prove you are eligible to receive the record. Proper ID is always needed.

Who Can Request a Death Certificate?

State law defines who is eligible. You must show your link to the person on the record. Eligible people include:

• The surviving spouse named on the record.

• 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.

• A person named in court as immediate or surviving family.

• The beneficiary of an insurance policy (needs proof).

• A succession representative (needs court letter).

• An attorney representing an eligible person (needs proof).

Check the Louisiana Department of Health website for the full list. Some requests need extra proof. Some types of requests must go to the state office.

Required Identification

All requests need valid ID. You must provide a copy of your current photo identification. This can be a driver's license. It could be a state-issued ID card. A passport works too. The ID proves you are who you say you are. It helps ensure records go to the right person. Without proper ID, your request will be denied. Make sure your ID copy is clear if mailing it.

Authorization Release for Non-Entitled Individuals

If you are not on the list of eligible people, you need special permission. The person named on the record (if alive, for birth certs) or an eligible party must give written consent. They use an Authorization Release of Records form. This form must be signed by the eligible person. A copy of their valid photo ID must be included too. This allows someone else to pick up the record for them.

Costs for Calcasieu Parish Death Records

Fees vary based on where you get the record.

Fees at the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court

Getting a death certificate from the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court costs more than from the state. The fee is $26.00 per certified copy. This fee is set by state law for clerk-issued certificates. This higher fee covers local processing costs. Always confirm the current fee before going. Payment methods accepted locally should be checked with the Sulphur office.

Fees at the Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records

Requesting directly from the state Bureau of Vital Records is cheaper. The cost is $7.00 per certified copy. If you order by mail or through VitalChek, add a $0.50 state charge. Checks or money orders for mail requests should be made to "Louisiana Vital Records". Walk-in service in New Orleans accepts exact cash, checks, or money orders. VitalChek orders have additional service fees. Fees are non-refundable even if no record is found.

Relevant Louisiana Laws for Vital Records

State laws govern how vital records are handled.

Louisiana Public Records Law (RS Title 44)

Louisiana's Public Records Law ensures public access to many government records. However, vital records have special rules. Title 44 generally grants access rights. But specific laws like Title 40 create exceptions for privacy. You can view the law here: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Laws_Toc.aspx%3Ffolder%3D114%26title%3D44

Louisiana Vital Statistics Law (RS Title 40)

Title 40 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes covers public health and safety. This includes the vital statistics system. Key sections include:

• RS 40:34: Defines required forms and content, including death certificates (RS 40:34.10).

• RS 40:40: Lists the fees for certified copies and other vital records services.

• RS 40:41: Details the confidentiality of records and limits disclosure.

• RS 40:47: Mandates the registration of all deaths in the state. You can explore Title 40 here: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Laws_Toc.aspx?folder=114&title=40

Older Records and Other Vital Records

Records Older Than 50 Years (Louisiana State Archives)

Death records are kept by the Bureau of Vital Records for 50 years. After 50 years, they move to the Louisiana State Archives. If you need a death record from more than 50 years ago, contact the State Archives. Their contact info and process differ from Vital Records. Their address is PO Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804.

Accessing Birth and Marriage Records

Birth certificates and marriage records have similar rules. Birth records are confidential for 100 years. They are available from the Clerk's Sulphur office or the State Vital Records office. Fees differ ($15 state, $34 clerk for long form). Marriage records depend on where the license was bought. Only Orleans Parish marriage records are kept by the state Vital Records office. For licenses bought in Calcasieu Parish, contact the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court's main office in Lake Charles for marriage records.