Where to order a death certificate in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Office is the only place that issues official death certificates for deaths that occurred in Louisiana. You can order by mail, in person, or online through their website. The office is located in New Orleans, but you do not have to visit in person — most people order by mail or through the online portal.

If the death occurred in a different state, you will need to contact that state's vital records office instead. Louisiana only issues certificates for deaths registered in Louisiana.

Key Takeaways

  • The Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Office is the only source for official death certificates, and you can order online, by mail, or in person.
  • You will need the deceased person's full name, date of death, and place of death to place an order.
  • Standard processing takes 5 to 10 business days by mail; online orders are faster but cost more.
  • A certified copy costs between $15 and $25 depending on the method you choose, and you should order multiple copies since institutions often keep them.
  • If you do not know the exact date of death or the person died before 1914, contact the office directly before ordering.

What information you need before ordering

Have the deceased person's full name, date of death, and city or parish where the death occurred. If you do not know the exact date, the office can search for a small fee, but having it ready speeds up the process.

You will also need to show your relationship to the deceased — parent, spouse, child, sibling, or legal representative. The office has a list of who can order a death certificate. If you are ordering on behalf of a business or estate, bring documentation of your authority to do so.

Ordering online through the Louisiana Department of Health

The Louisiana Department of Health website has an online ordering system. You fill in the deceased person's information, pay by credit card, and the office emails you a PDF copy or mails a certified copy to your address. Online orders typically arrive within 3 to 5 business days.

The online fee is higher than mail ordering — usually $25 to $30 for a certified copy plus shipping. If you need the certificate quickly, this is the fastest route. You can order multiple copies at once and save on shipping.

Ordering by mail

Send a written request to the Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Office, with the deceased person's full name, date of death, place of death, and your relationship to them. Include a check or money order for $15 to $20 per copy, made payable to the Louisiana Department of Health.

Mail your request to: Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Office, 628 N. Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the office receives your letter. Include your return address and phone number so they can contact you if they need more information.

Ordering in person at the Vital Records Office

If you are in the New Orleans area, you can visit the office in person at 628 N. Foster Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Bring your ID and the deceased person's information. You can walk out with a certified copy the same day if the record is on file and you pay in cash or card.

Hours and location details change, so call ahead at the number on the Louisiana Department of Health website before making the trip. The office is closed on state holidays.

How many copies to order

Order at least three to five copies. Banks, insurance companies, courts, and the Social Security Administration each keep a copy when you submit paperwork. If you lose one or need to file documents with multiple agencies, you will need extras. Ordering several copies at once costs less per copy than ordering them separately later.

If you are settling an estate, the executor or administrator may need even more copies. Ask the probate court or the deceased person's attorney how many they recommend.

Death certificates for older records or unusual situations

If the death occurred before 1914, the record may be held by a different office or may not be digitized. Contact the Louisiana Department of Health directly to ask where to look. Some very old records are kept in parish courthouses or church archives instead.

If the death was never registered — which can happen with very old deaths or deaths outside a hospital — you may need to file a delayed registration first. The Vital Records Office can tell you whether this applies and what paperwork you need. This process takes longer and may require a court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a death certificate cost?

A certified copy costs $15 to $20 by mail and $25 to $30 online, depending on how many copies you order and the shipping method. In-person orders at the office are usually $15 to $20 per copy. Prices change occasionally, so check the Louisiana Department of Health website for current fees.

Can I get a death certificate if I am not a family member?

The office has a list of who can order. Generally, when ready family members, spouses, and legal representatives can order. If you are ordering for a business reason — such as settling an account or closing a business — bring documentation showing your authority. Call the office to ask if your situation qualifies.

What if I need the certificate in a few days?

Online ordering is the fastest option and usually arrives within 3 to 5 business days. If you are in the Baton Rouge area, visiting in person is fastest — you can leave with a copy the same day. Overnight shipping is not always available, so order as soon as you know you need it.

What if the death certificate has an error on it?

Contact the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records Office and explain the error. You may need to file a correction request and provide documentation of the correct information. The office will guide you through the process. Corrections can take several weeks.

Do I need an original certified copy or will a photocopy work?

Most institutions — banks, insurance companies, courts — require an original certified copy with the state seal. A photocopy is not accepted. Order certified copies from the Louisiana Department of Health, not copies you make yourself.