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REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A BIRTH CERTIFICATE

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

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FEE: $34.00

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Applications for a Birth Certificate may be obtained in person by the following:
 

  • Self

  • Current Spouse

  • Parents

  • Siblings

  • Grandparents

  • Grandchild

  • Legal Guardian

    • Legal Guardian must provide judgment of custody.  Custody by mandate or provisional custody from a notary will not be accepted.  Transfer of custody witness by a notary will not be accepted. ​

  • A high school student with an appropriate and current student ID can obtain a certificate. 

  • In the event a requestor cannot physically come to the office, they can appoint someone to obtain the certificate on their behalf.  An original, signed letter of authorization and a copy of the requestor's valid ID must accompany the completed applications. 

  • Cousins, Aunts/Uncles, Step-family, Inlaws, Fiancee CANNOT OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE.

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State Registrar & Vital Records Identification Requirements:
 

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

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A. Primary Document

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  • 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 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 a current school identification document with a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.​

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B. Secondary Documents

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  • 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 with 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.

  • Current U.S. military dependent identification card that displays a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant.

  • Original DD-214 Military Discharge document which clearly identifies the applicant.

  • Voter’s Registration application (certified true copy)

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** IMPORTANT: IN CASES WHERE APPLICANTS PROVIDE OR ATTEST TO FALSE INFORMATION, THE INDIVIDUAL WHO SIGNS THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROSECUTED.**

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