Lafayette Parish LA Death Records

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Accessing Recent Lafayette Parish Death Records (Deaths After July 9, 2012)

Role of the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court

The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court holds some death records. They can issue certificates for deaths in Louisiana. This applies only if the death happened after July 9, 2012. The clerk's office acts as a local access point for these specific, more recent records. They work under state rules but provide this service locally. If the death was before this date, you must contact the state office instead. The clerk helps people get these needed papers in person.

Location and Hours

You can get these death certificates at the main parish courthouse.

• Address: Lafayette Parish Courthouse, 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501.

• Certificate Issuance Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

• Days: Monday through Friday.

• Closures: Closed on legal holidays.

Plan your visit during these times. Remember it is walk-in only. No appointments are needed. Check for holiday closures before you go. This ensures the office is open when you arrive.

Request Process

Getting a recent death certificate here has clear steps. This is a walk-in service only. You cannot mail or phone in a request to the clerk for these. The cost is $26.00 for each copy. You must pay this fee in cash. The office does not take checks or cards for this service. Bring the exact amount if you can.

You must fill out a form. The Death Certificate Application Form is found on the clerk's website. Look on the sidebar of the Death Certificate page. It is best to fill this out before you go. Bring the complete form with you. You also need proper ID and the cash fee. The staff cannot process your request until you are there. They need to see your ID and get the fee in person. This step confirms who you are. It protects the privacy of the record.

Contact Information

If you need more details, call the office.

• Death Certificate Department Phone: (337) 291-6432. Use this number for specific questions about death records.

• General Clerk of Court Phone: (337) 291-6400. Use this for other clerk business.

Calling ahead might save time. Ask about wait times or confirm requirements. Staff can help guide you on the process.

Accessing Older Lafayette Parish Death Records (Deaths Before July 9, 2012)

Role of the Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics

For deaths that occurred before July 9, 2012, you need the state office. The Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics holds these older records. They are the main keeper for all state vital records. This includes births, deaths, and some marriage records. Their central office manages requests from all parishes for these older dates. The Lafayette Clerk of Court cannot issue certificates for deaths prior to this date. You must go through the state system for these documents. This ensures all old records are kept safe in one place. It also means the rules for getting them are the same statewide.

Contact and Location

Here is how to reach the state office:

• State Office Phone: 504-593-5100 (Customer Service Hotline)

• Fax: 504-568-8716

• Physical Address (New Orleans): Vital Records Central Office, 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112.

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

Use the phone number for questions. The physical address is for walk-in service. The mailing address is for requests sent by post. Note the New Orleans location if you plan to visit.

Methods for Requesting from State Office

You have a few ways to order older death records from the state.

• In Person: Visit the Vital Records Central Office in New Orleans. Walk-in hours are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday (closed state holidays). You must fill out an application. Bring valid ID and payment. They accept cash (exact amount needed), check, or money order.

• Mail: Send a completed application form. Include a copy of your valid photo ID. Send the correct fee (check or money order). Mail everything to the PO Box address listed above. Allow about 8 to 10 weeks for mail requests. This is the slowest way to get records.

• Internet/Fax/Phone (Via VitalChek): The state partners with a service called VitalChek. You can order online, by fax, or phone using a credit card. Go to the VitalChek website or call 1-877-605-8562. VitalChek charges extra fees for their service. They may also offer faster shipping options. The Louisiana Department of Health itself does not take credit cards directly.

Choose the method that fits your needs best. Consider speed, cost, and convenience. In-person might be fastest if you are near New Orleans. Mail is slowest but needs no travel. VitalChek adds fees but offers card payment and speed.

Louisiana Vital Records Law and Public Access

Understanding Louisiana's "Closed Record" Status

Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This is very important. It means birth and death certificates are not public records. Not just anyone can walk in and ask for any death certificate. Access is restricted by law. Only certain people are allowed to get a copy. This law protects the privacy of individuals and families. It prevents misuse of sensitive data. You must prove you are eligible to receive the record you ask for. This rule applies at both the parish clerk level and the state vital records office. Always be ready to show proof of who you are. You must also show proof of your link to the person on the record.

Relevant State Laws

State laws govern how vital records are handled.

• Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40 (Public Health and Safety): This part of the law covers vital statistics.

  • LA RS 40:33 sets up the state vital records registry. It outlines the state registrar's duties. The registry is based in Orleans Parish.

  • LA RS 40:36 names the state registrar as the custodian of vital records. It covers record keeping and preservation. It also allows transfer of old records to the State Archives. Death records over 50 years old can be moved.

• Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44 (Public Records): This law defines public records generally. It states the public's right to see most government documents (LA RS 44:32). However, vital records like death certificates have special rules. The specific laws in Title 40 override the general access rules in Title 44 for these records. So, while many state records are open, death certificates are restricted.

Knowing these laws helps you understand why access is limited. It explains the need for ID and proof of eligibility.

Eligibility: Who Can Request a Lafayette Parish Death Certificate?

Immediate Family Members

Because Louisiana is a closed record state, only certain people can get a certified copy. The law defines who is eligible. Close family members usually qualify. This includes:

• The surviving spouse of the person named on the certificate. (Must be listed as spouse on the record).

• Mother or father of the person named on the certificate.

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

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

• A grandmother or grandfather of the person named on the certificate.

• A grandchild of the person named on the certificate.

You must provide proof of your relationship if asked. Your ID might help confirm your identity. The application form may ask you to state your relationship. Lying on the form is against the law.

Other Authorized Parties

Besides close family, others may be eligible. These often require specific documents or proof. Some of these requests must go to the State Vital Records office, not the parish clerk. Check with the office first. Eligible parties include:

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

• The beneficiary of an insurance policy or trust. (Requires a signed copy of the policy showing you as beneficiary).

• A succession representative. (Must provide certified Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from the Clerk of Court).

• An attorney representing an entitled person. Or an attorney preparing a small succession under specific laws (Code of Civil Procedure Article 3431). The request must be written on letterhead. It must include the attorney's bar roll number.

• An agent for a surety on a criminal bail bond. (Requires proper documents like power of attorney).

These rules ensure only those with a legal right or need can get the record. If you fall into one of these groups, be sure to bring all needed paperwork. This will prove your right to the death certificate. Delays can happen if proof is missing.

Requesting via Authorization Letter

What if you are eligible but cannot go yourself? You might let someone else get the record for you. A non-family member can request a copy. They need a signed authorization letter from an eligible person. The letter must state the name of the person allowed to get the certificate. It must include the full name of the deceased person. The date of birth and date of death should also be in the letter.

Most important, the letter needs a copy of valid ID for the eligible person who wrote the letter. The person picking up the record also needs their own valid ID. This process allows someone to act on your behalf. It still maintains security and follows the rules. The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court website has a sample authorization letter form. Using their form can make sure you include all needed details. This option provides flexibility while respecting privacy laws.

Identification Needed for Requests

Primary Identification Documents (One Required)

You must prove who you are to get a death certificate. You need to show valid ID. One item from the primary list is usually enough. Make sure your ID is current, not expired. It must have a photo that clearly looks like you. Acceptable primary documents include:

• 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. 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).  

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• For High School Students: A current school yearbook or current school ID document with a clear photo.  

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Bring the original document. Copies might not be accepted. Having one of these makes the ID check simple.

Secondary Identification Documents (Two Required if No Primary)

If you do not have an ID from the primary list, you might use secondary IDs. You will need to provide TWO items from this list. Some items count as two documents by themselves. Read carefully. Acceptable secondary documents include:

• Current student picture ID from a college or university. Must be shown with a fee paid receipt for the current semester. (This counts as TWO documents).

• A W-2 form issued within the last two years. Must be shown with an original signed Social Security Card. The names and numbers must match. (This counts as TWO documents).

• Original signed Social Security card. (Counts as one document if used alone).

• Original adoption papers.

• Official certified deed or title to property.

• Certificate of vehicle title.

• Insurance policy (Health, Home, Life, or Auto). Must show your name as the applicant.

• Payroll stub (must be printed, not handwritten). Must show your name and social security number.

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

• Original DD-214 military discharge document.

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

Using secondary IDs requires more paperwork. Make sure you have the right number of items. They must clearly identify you. The goal is to confirm your identity strongly. This protects the records from fraud. Check the Clerk or State Vital Records site for the full, current list if unsure. Requirements can sometimes change over time.

Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court: Additional Services & Information

Online Record Search (Non-Vital Records)

The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court offers online access to some records. This is helpful for many types of research. However, it's key to know what is online. The online systems do NOT include searchable death certificates or other vital records. Vital records access is restricted as discussed before. The online portals include:

• eSearch: This site has land records. You can search for Mortgage, Conveyance, and UCC records. Images go back to January 1, 1935. Users can create accounts and pay for subscriptions online.

• ClerkConnect: This portal provides access to court records. It includes unsealed Civil and Probate case information. Criminal records might also be available. This usually requires a subscription.

These online tools are great for property research or legal case tracking. Do not expect to find Lafayette Parish Death Records through these public search portals. For death records, you must follow the specific procedures outlined earlier. Either visit the Clerk's office for recent records or contact the State Vital Records office for older ones.

General Copy Fees (Non-Vital Records)

The Clerk's office charges fees for copies of general public records. These fees might differ from the $26 cash fee for death certificates. For documents like court filings or land records:

• If you make the copies yourself using public copiers: $0.50 per page.

• If the clerk's staff makes the copies for you: $1.00 per page.

• Plats (maps) range from $1.00 to $5.00 depending on size.

Confirm fees before requesting copies. These fees apply to records available under the general Public Records Law (RS Title 44). They do not apply to the restricted vital records under Title 40. Copies are usually provided in person or by U.S. Mail, not via fax or email.

Courthouse Rules

When visiting the Lafayette Parish Courthouse, know the rules. Security is important. Certain items are not allowed inside the building. Be prepared to go through security screening. Prohibited items include:

• Weapons or self-defense items (guns, knives, pepper spray, etc.).

• Tobacco products, E-cigarettes, or cigarettes.

• Lighters.

• Cellphones and Smart Watches. (This is a strict rule; plan accordingly).

• Recording devices.

• Cameras.

• All other electronic devices unless specifically allowed.

Leave these items in your car or at home. Trying to bring them in will cause delays. It could prevent you from entering the courthouse. These rules help keep the court safe and running smoothly. Check the Clerk's website for the most current list before your visit.

Genealogy and Historical Death Records Research

Accessing Older Records (Over 50 Years)

Genealogists often need death records for family history. Louisiana law helps here for older records. The State Registrar of Vital Records can transfer old records. Death certificates over fifty years old can go to the State Archives. This is allowed by LA RS 40:36. Once records are at the Archives, they may have different access rules. They might be easier for researchers to view. These records are no longer under the strict vital records amendment rules. The Louisiana State Archives, Records Management, and History division is the place to check.

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

• Phone: 225-922-1000.

Contact the State Archives directly. Ask about their holdings for Lafayette Parish death records over 50 years old. Find out their research policies and access procedures. This is the best path for historical research on older deaths.

Local and State Resources

Many places offer help for Louisiana genealogy research.

• Louisiana Digital Archives: Part of the Secretary of State's website. It offers online indexes to some historical records. This may include death records (often pre-1965), birth records (pre-1916), and Orleans Parish marriages. Confederate pension applications might also be found here. Check their site for current databases.

• State Library of Louisiana: Located in Baton Rouge. They have a large collection focused on Louisiana history and genealogy. Resources include census records, ship passenger lists for New Orleans, parish records on microfilm, old city directories, and family histories. Call 225-342-4913 for info. (Note: some search results showed an old 504 area code).

• Louisiana Historical Association: This group supports state history. They have a mailing address in Lafayette (P.O. Box 42808, Lafayette, LA 70504). They might offer publications or guidance for researchers.

• FamilySearch Wiki: Provides guides on Louisiana archives and libraries. Lists many resources including university libraries and parish specific info.

These resources can provide context. They might hold indexes or related documents. They can supplement official death record searches.

Considerations for Genealogists

Researching Lafayette Parish death records has unique points. The "closed record" law heavily impacts recent records (less than 50 years old). Genealogists usually cannot access these unless they meet the strict eligibility rules (close family, legal need). Focus your search for recent deaths on finding living relatives who are eligible to order the certificate.

For older research (deaths over 50 years ago), the Louisiana State Archives is key. These records are more likely to be open for research. Indexes found online (like on the Digital Archives or FamilySearch) can point you to the right records. Always verify information with original documents when possible. Parish histories and inventories, like those done by the Historical Records Survey around 1940, can give background on record keeping in Lafayette Parish. Combining vital records with census data, land records, and newspaper archives builds a fuller picture of an ancestor's life and death.