Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry
Louisiana · Vital Records
ldh.la.gov/page/how-to-order-death-recordsState Vital Records in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Louisiana. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •Online: Order through VitalChek
- •By phone: Order by phone or fax through VitalChek with a major credit card (1-877-605-8562)
- •By mail: Mail completed application. Allow 8-10 weeks for delivery
- •In person: Walk-in at New Orleans office (cash, check, or money order - exact amount for cash)
- •In person: Participating Louisiana Clerks of Court issue certified copies for deaths on or after July 7, 2012
- •Primary ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport) OR two secondary documents
- •Completed application
- •Entitlement documents for non-family requesters (e.g., certified Letters for a succession representative; signed policy copy and insurer letter for a beneficiary)
State Vital Records in Louisiana: key facts
What Louisiana says9
- Administering office
Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry.1
- Office location and hours
1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112. 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM (excluding state holidays).1
- Mail orders
Vital Records Registry, PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160.1
- Certificate fee
$7 for the first certified copy; $7 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1
- Processing time
8-10 weeks for mail orders.1
- Who may order
Surviving spouse listed on document; Parent, adult child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of decedent; Person a court names as immediate or surviving family; Succession representative with certified Letters; Universal or general legatee in a judgment of possession; Beneficiary of an insurance policy or trust.1
Beneficiary of a pension, IRA, retirement plan or payable-on-death account; Attorney or notary handling a small succession, or an attorney for an entitled person; Funeral director, within one year of death; Federally insured bank or credit union (letter on letterhead); Surety agent on the decedent's criminal bail bond.1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 50 years after the death.1
- Records available from
1911. Death records older than 50 years are at the Louisiana State Archives (Secretary of State): certified copies $10, photocopies $5, by mail.1
Governing law: La. R.S. 8:1
Sources2
Louisiana vital records offices
Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Louisiana
Free tools for settling an estate in Louisiana: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Louisiana, certified death certificates come from the Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records RegistryLouisiana Department of Health - Vital Records RegistryVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $7Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records RegistryVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Louisiana: creditors have 3 monthsLa. C.C.P. arts. 3241-3249, 3301-3308; La. C.C. art. 3276Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 3 months to 6 months.
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