Louisiana.gov DCFS Child Welfare

Kinship Navigator - Birth Certificates

Louisiana is a closed record state. This means that birth and death certificates are not public records. All requests for birth or death certificates must include proper identification, appropriate fees, and a completed application.

Who May Order A Birth Certificate?

The person named on the document;
The current spouse of the person named on the document;
Mother or father of the person named on the document;
An adult child of the person named on the document;
Sister/brother of the person named on the document;
Grandmother or grandfather of the person named on the document;
Grandchild of the person named on the document; or,
An attorney representing one of the above with a signed contract of representation or authorization.

When another adult other than the legally entitled individuals listed above is requesting the record of a child, they must present a judgment of custody for the child. Notari zed custody papers or provisional custody mandates are not acceptable.

What is proper identification?

Persons who apply for a certified copy of a birth certificate must produce identification in the form of one primary document or two secondary documents.

Primary Documents

Current state issued driver's license that displays a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.
Current state issued picture identification that displays a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.
Current U.S. military identification card that displays a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.
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).
High School Students - a current school yearbook or current school identification document with a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.

Secondary Documents

Current student picture identification card from a college or university when accompanied by a 100% fee paid receipt for the current semester. (COUNTS AS TWO DOCUMENTS)
A W-2 form issued within the last two years plus an original signed Social Security Card . The Social Security numbers must match. (COUNTS AS TWO DOCUMENTS)
Social Security card.
Original adoption papers.
Official certified deeds or title to property.
Certificate of vehicle title.
Insurance policy must show name of the applicant (Health, Home, Life, and Auto).
Payroll stub (cannot be handwritten) showing the name and social security number of the applicant.

How can you obtain a Louisiana birth certificate?

There are three ways to obtain a Louisiana birth certificate:

In Person

Vital Records Central Office in New Orleans
1450 Poydras Street
Suite 400
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 593-5100
Participating Louisiana Clerks of Court - additional fees apply.
Vital Records Kiosks - additional fees apply