Where to Request a Death Certificate in Louisiana

The Louisiana Office of Vital Records is the state agency that issues death certificates. You can request one by mail, in person, or online through their official website. The office is located in New Orleans, but you do not need to visit in person — most people order by mail or online and receive their certificate within two to three weeks.

If the death occurred in Louisiana, the certificate is filed with the state vital records office. If the death occurred outside Louisiana but the person was a Louisiana resident, you will need to contact the vital records office in the state where the death happened instead.

You can also request a death certificate from the parish courthouse where the death was recorded, though the state office is usually faster. Some parishes offer in-person service the same day, but processing times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Louisiana Office of Vital Records issues death certificates and accepts requests by mail, online, or in person at their New Orleans office.
  • You will need to provide the full name of the deceased, date of death, and your relationship to them, plus a valid photo ID.
  • Certified copies cost between $15 and $25 depending on how many you order and which method you use.
  • Processing takes two to three weeks by mail and one to two weeks online; some parish courthouses offer same-day service if you visit in person.
  • If the death occurred outside Louisiana, you must request the certificate from the vital records office in the state where the death happened.

What You Need to Provide When You Order

The Louisiana Office of Vital Records requires specific information to locate and issue a death certificate. You will need the full legal name of the deceased, the date of death, and the parish where the death was recorded. If you do not know the parish, you can provide the city or county, and the office will search for it.

You must also prove your relationship to the deceased or explain why you need the certificate. Louisiana recognizes when ready family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling), legal representatives, and people with a documented legal interest in the record. If you are ordering for a will, insurance claim, or other legal matter, be ready to explain that when you submit your request.

A valid photo ID is required — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are ordering by mail, include a photocopy of your ID. If you are ordering online, you will upload an image of it.

Ordering by Mail

To order by mail, send a written request to the Louisiana Office of Vital Records with the deceased's full name, date of death, and parish of death. Include your full name, relationship to the deceased, reason for the request, and your contact information. Enclose a photocopy of your valid ID and a check or money order payable to the Louisiana Office of Vital Records.

The cost is $15 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Mail your request to:

Louisiana Office of Vital Records 628 North Street New Orleans, LA 70112

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your request. You can mail your request using regular postal mail or a tracked service like certified mail if you want confirmation of delivery. Keep a copy of your request for your records.

Ordering Online or by Phone

The Louisiana Office of Vital Records offers online ordering through their official website. You will create an account, provide the deceased's information, upload a photo of your ID, and pay by credit card or debit card. The cost is $20 for a certified copy ordered online. Processing takes one to two weeks.

You can also call the office at (504) 568-5387 to place an order by phone. A staff member will take your information and payment details over the phone. Phone orders are processed the same way as mail orders and take two to three weeks.

Online ordering is usually the fastest method because the office receives your request when ready and begins processing right away. You will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number so you can check the status of your order.

Ordering in Person at a Parish Courthouse

You can request a death certificate in person at the courthouse in the parish where the death was recorded. Bring your valid photo ID and be ready to provide the deceased's full name and date of death. Some parishes issue certificates the same day; others take one to two business days.

Parish courthouse hours and fees vary. Call the courthouse clerk's office in the parish where the death occurred to confirm their hours, whether they issue death certificates, and what they charge. A same-day certificate usually costs $20 to $25, though some parishes charge less.

In-person service is useful if you need the certificate urgently, but it requires you to travel to the courthouse during business hours. If you live far from the parish or cannot visit during office hours, mail or online ordering is more practical.

How Long It Takes and What to Expect

Processing time depends on how you order. Online orders take one to two weeks. Mail orders take two to three weeks from the date the office receives your request — add time for postal delivery on both ends. In-person requests at a parish courthouse can be same-day or one to two business days.

The Louisiana Office of Vital Records will mail your certificate to the address you provide. If you ordered online, you can choose to have it mailed or pick it up in person at their office. Certified copies arrive in a sealed envelope with an official seal and signature, which is what banks, insurance companies, and government agencies require.

If your order is delayed, contact the office to check the status. Delays can happen if the information you provided does not match the record exactly, if the office is processing a high volume of requests, or if the death certificate has not yet been filed with the state.

When You Need Multiple Copies

Order extra certified copies at the same time you order your first one — it is cheaper and faster than ordering them separately later. When you order by mail, the first copy costs $15 and each additional copy costs $5. When you order online, the first copy costs $20 and additional copies cost $5 each.

Most people need between two and five copies. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies each want their own certified copy, and some may not return the original. Ordering five copies at once costs $35 by mail or $40 online, which is much less than ordering them one at a time.

You can order more copies later if you run out, but you will pay the full price for a new order. Keeping extra copies on hand saves time and money if you need them for probate, insurance claims, or other legal matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Louisiana Office of Vital Records can search by approximate date — provide the month and year, and they will look for records within that timeframe. If you know the parish but not the date, they can search the entire year. The more information you provide, the faster they can locate the record.

Can I order a death certificate for someone who is not a close relative?

Louisiana allows non-relatives to order a death certificate if they have a documented legal reason — for example, if you are the executor of an estate, a creditor, or handling a legal matter. Explain your reason when you submit your request. The office will review your request and contact you if they need more information.

What if the death certificate has not been filed yet?

Death certificates are usually filed within a few days of death, but it can take up to two weeks. If you order too soon, the office will not find the record. Wait at least one week after the death before ordering. If your order is rejected because the record does not exist yet, try again after a few more days.

Do I need a certified copy or will an uncertified copy work?

Most government agencies, banks, and insurance companies require a certified copy — one with an official seal and signature. An uncertified copy is not accepted for legal or financial matters. Always order certified copies unless you are certain an uncertified copy will work for your purpose.

What if the death occurred outside Louisiana?

Contact the vital records office in the state where the death happened. Each state has its own vital records agency with different fees, processing times, and ordering methods. You can find the correct office by searching "[state name] vital records office" online or calling the state health department.