How Do I Get a Death Certificate in Louisiana?
Use our free calculator to determine how many certified death certificates to order based on your specific situation, and see exactly what it will cost in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Louisiana, each certified copy costs $7. Copies ordered together cost less than placing separate orders later. The executor checklist outlines each account and institution that typically requires a certified copy.
Death certificates in Louisiana are issued by the Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry. Online ordering is available through VitalChek. Most funeral homes also assist families with ordering certificates at the time of death.
Standard processing in Louisiana takes 8-10 weeks for mail orders. Funeral homes typically handle initial certificate orders at the time of death.
In Louisiana, death certificates can be requested by: Surviving spouse listed on document, Parent, adult child, sibling, grandparent of decedent, Succession representative with certified Letter of Testamentary, Named beneficiary of insurance policy or trust. Requesters typically need to provide Primary ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport) OR two secondary documents and Completed application.
The Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry has death records from 1914 to present. Death records older than 50 years available at Louisiana State Archives Records become public 50 years after the date of death.
The number of certified copies depends on the deceased's accounts and assets. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and retirement plans each typically require an original certified copy. Most families need between 8 and 15 copies. The Louisiana executor checklist lists each step of the estate settlement process to help determine the right number.
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Louisiana Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Louisiana probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
