Where to order a Louisiana death certificate

You order a Louisiana death certificate from the Louisiana Office of Public Health, Vital Records Registry, which is the only official source. You cannot get one from a funeral home, the coroner's office, or a hospital—they may have records, but they cannot issue the certificate itself. The Vital Records Registry keeps all death records filed in Louisiana and issues certified copies.

You have three ways to order: by mail, in person, or online. The online option is the fastest if the death occurred at least one year ago. If the death is recent (within the last year), you must order by mail or in person, because the record may still be processing through the system.

The Vital Records Registry is located at 628 North Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. If you are in the area, you can walk in during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed state holidays) and receive a certificate the same day. By mail, allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing.

Key Takeaways

  • Louisiana death certificates are issued only by the Office of Public Health, Vital Records Registry in Baton Rouge, not by funeral homes or hospitals.
  • If the death occurred more than one year ago, you can order online and receive the certificate within 5 to 10 business days.
  • For recent deaths (within one year), you must order by mail or in person because the record is still being processed.
  • In-person orders at the Baton Rouge office are completed the same day during business hours.
  • You will need to provide the full name of the deceased, date of death, and your relationship to them, plus a valid ID and payment.

What information you need to provide

When you order, have the following details ready: the full name of the deceased (including middle name if known), the date of death, the place of death (city and parish), and the deceased's date of birth. If you do not know all of these, the Vital Records Registry can still search, but it may take longer or the search may not find the record.

You will also need to show your relationship to the deceased. Louisiana recognizes when ready family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling) as having the right to order without restriction. If you are not a family member, you may still order, but you must state your reason—for example, settling an estate, insurance claim, or legal proceeding. The registry will not refuse you, but they need to know why you are requesting it.

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) when you order in person. For mail orders, you do not need to send a copy of your ID, but you do need to sign the request form.

Ordering online through the Louisiana system

If the death occurred more than one year ago, you can order through the Louisiana Vital Records online portal. Go to the Office of Public Health website and look for the Vital Records section. You will create an account, enter the deceased's information, select how many certified copies you want, and pay by credit card or debit card.

The fee for a certified copy is $15 as of the most recent update, though fees can change. Shipping is extra if you choose to have the certificate mailed to you. The online system will tell you the total cost before you complete the order.

Once you submit, the registry processes the order and mails the certificate to the address you provide. Delivery typically takes 5 to 10 business days after the order is processed. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number so you can track the status.

Ordering by mail

To order by mail, read the death certificate request form from the Office of Public Health website, or call them at (225) 342-6003 to request a form be mailed to you. Fill out the form completely with the deceased's name, date of death, place of death, and your relationship to the deceased. Sign and date the form.

Include payment with your request. The current fee is $15 per certified copy. You can pay by check or money order made out to "Louisiana Department of Health." Do not send cash. If you need multiple copies, order them all at once—it is the same processing time whether you order one or five.

Mail the completed form and payment to: Louisiana Office of Public Health, Vital Records Registry, 628 North Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. Include a return address. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the registry receives your request. If you need the certificate faster, consider ordering in person instead.

Ordering in person in Baton Rouge

Walk into the Vital Records Registry office at 628 North Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Bring your valid photo ID and be ready to provide the deceased's full name, date of death, and your relationship to them. You do not need an appointment.

Tell the staff member how many certified copies you need. Pay the fee ($15 per copy) by cash, check, or card—the office accepts all three. The staff will search the records and print your certificate on the spot. You will walk out with it the same day, usually within 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.

If you live outside Baton Rouge and cannot travel there, the in-person option is not practical. Use the online system if the death was more than a year ago, or mail your request if the death is recent.

What to do if you cannot find the record

If your search does not find a death certificate, the record may not have been filed yet, or it may be filed under a different name (for example, a maiden name or a nickname the person went by). Call the Vital Records Registry at (225) 342-6003 and describe the situation. The staff can search manually and may find the record even if the online search did not.

If the death occurred in Louisiana but the certificate still cannot be found after a thorough search, you may need to file a delayed death certificate. This is a separate legal process that involves a court petition. The Vital Records Registry can explain the steps, or you can speak with a lawyer who handles vital records matters in your parish.

If the death occurred outside Louisiana, you will need to contact the vital records office in the state where the death happened. Each state maintains its own records and has its own procedures.

How many copies to order and why

Order at least two or three certified copies even if you think you only need one. Certified copies are required for many purposes—settling an estate, claiming life insurance, changing beneficiaries on accounts, or explore for survivor benefits. Each institution (bank, insurance company, Social Security) may want its own copy, and some may keep it on file. Having extras saves you from ordering again later.

A certified copy is a photocopy of the original death certificate with an official seal and signature from the Vital Records Registry. It is legally equivalent to the original and is accepted everywhere. You cannot use an uncertified photocopy or a copy you make yourself.

If you are unsure how many you will need, order three. The cost is low ($15 each), and you can always use extras for your own records or give them to family members who may need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a death certificate for someone who is not a family member?

Yes. Louisiana does not restrict who can order a death certificate. You will need to state your reason—for example, you are the executor of an estate, handling legal matters, or settling accounts. The registry will not deny your request based on your relationship to the deceased.

How long does it take to get a death certificate if I order online?

Online orders are processed within 5 to 10 business days after you submit, and the certificate is mailed to you. Total time from order to delivery is usually one to two weeks. In-person orders at the Baton Rouge office are completed the same day.

What if the death certificate has an error on it?

Contact the Vital Records Registry and explain the error. You may need to file an amendment, which requires supporting documents (a doctor's statement, court order, or other official record showing the correct information). The registry will guide you through the process. Call (225) 342-6003 to start.

Can I order a death certificate if the person died more than 50 years ago?

Yes. Louisiana keeps death records going back many decades. The older the record, the longer the search may take, but the registry can usually find it. Provide as much information as you can—full name, approximate date of death, and place of death—to help the search.

Do I need a death certificate to plan a funeral?

No. The funeral home handles the paperwork and files the death certificate with the state on your behalf. You do not need to order one yourself until after the funeral, when you need it for legal or financial matters like settling the estate or claiming insurance.