Where to Request a Death Certificate in Louisiana

In Louisiana, you request a death certificate from the Office of Vital Records, which is part of the Louisiana Department of Health. This office maintains all death records filed in the state. You can request a certificate by mail, in person, or online through their official website.

The Office of Vital Records is located in New Orleans, but you do not need to visit in person—mail and online requests work just as well and often faster. If you do go in person, bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, closed on state holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • Request death certificates from the Louisiana Office of Vital Records by mail, online, or in person; online is usually the fastest method.
  • You will need the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the parish (county) where the death occurred.
  • Standard processing takes 5 to 10 business days by mail; expedited service costs extra and takes 1 to 3 business days.
  • Certified copies cost $15 each; uncertified copies cost $5 each, and most institutions require certified copies.
  • You can order multiple copies at once, which is cheaper per certificate than ordering them separately later.

Information You Need Before You Order

Gather these details before contacting the Office of Vital Records. You will need the full legal name of the deceased, the date of death, and the parish (county) where the death was recorded. If you do not know the exact date, the office can search using the month and year, though this takes longer.

If the deceased was born outside Louisiana, that information helps the office locate the record faster. You will also need to know your relationship to the deceased—the office asks this to confirm you have a legitimate reason for the request. Most relationships are accepted without additional proof, including family members, legal representatives, and people with a documented need for the certificate.

Ordering Online Through the Louisiana Website

The fastest way to order is through the Louisiana Department of Health's online portal. Go to the Office of Vital Records section of their website and select "Order a Death Certificate." You will create an account, enter the deceased's information, and choose how many copies you want.

You can pay by credit card or debit card. Standard processing takes 5 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your order; expedited service (1 to 3 business days) costs an additional fee. The certificate will be mailed to the address you provide. Keep your order confirmation number—you can use it to check the status of your request.

Ordering by Mail

Complete the death certificate request form, available on the Louisiana Department of Health website. Print it, fill it out by hand or type, and mail it along with a check or money order to the Office of Vital Records. Include your phone number and email address so the office can contact you if there are questions.

Mail requests take longer than online orders because of postal delays on both ends. Budget 2 to 3 weeks total from the time you mail the form to the time you receive the certificate. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to speed up the return. If you need the certificate urgently, online ordering or in-person pickup is faster.

Ordering in Person in New Orleans

The Office of Vital Records is located at 628 North Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806. (Note: The mailing address and the physical office address are different; use the Baton Rouge address if you visit in person.) Bring a photo ID, the deceased's full name, date of death, and the parish where the death occurred.

You can request the certificate and pay on the spot. If you choose standard processing, you will receive the certificate by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you pay for expedited service, you may be able to pick up the certificate the same day or within 1 to 3 business days, depending on how busy the office is. Call ahead to confirm current wait times.

Cost and Number of Copies to Order

A certified copy costs $15 per certificate. An uncertified copy costs $5 per certificate. Most institutions—banks, insurance companies, courts, and government agencies—require certified copies, so order those unless you know otherwise. Certified copies have the state seal and are legally acceptable as proof of death.

Order multiple copies at once if you think you will need them. You will likely need one for the funeral home, one for life insurance claims, one for Social Security, one for the bank, and possibly one for the will or probate court. Ordering five copies at once costs less per certificate than ordering them separately later. You can always order more if needed, but having extras on hand saves time and money.

What Happens If the Death Was Not Recorded in Louisiana

If the person died in another state or country, you will need to contact that state's or country's vital records office instead. Louisiana can only issue certificates for deaths that occurred within Louisiana. The National Center for Health Statistics maintains a directory of vital records offices in all 50 states and U.S. territories; you can search by state on their website.

If the person died abroad, contact the U.S. State Department or the embassy or consulate of the country where the death occurred. These processes take longer and may require translation of documents if they are in another language.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a death certificate in Louisiana?

Standard processing takes 5 to 10 business days by mail or online. Expedited service takes 1 to 3 business days and costs extra. In-person requests may be processed the same day if you pay for expedited service, but this depends on how busy the office is that day.

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

Yes. Louisiana allows anyone with a documented need to order a death certificate. This includes legal representatives, creditors, employers, and others with a legitimate reason. The office will ask your relationship to the deceased; most reasons are accepted without additional proof.

What if I do not know the exact date of death?

You can search using the month and year instead of the exact date. The search will take longer, and the office may contact you if multiple deaths match your description. Provide as much detail as you can—the parish, the deceased's age, or the name of the funeral home—to narrow the search.

Do I need to notarize the request form?

No. Louisiana does not require notarization for death certificate requests. A signature is sufficient. If you are ordering by mail, sign the form and mail it with your payment.

Can someone else pick up my death certificate if I order it in person?

Yes, if you give them written permission and they bring a photo ID. You can also have the certificate mailed to a different address than your own. Specify this when you place your order.