by The need to find one’s genealogical history is important and so is being able to access birth records as they play a role in obtaining certain important documents like passport, divers license and so on. This article will look at the methods on how to find birth records in Louisiana.
Located in the deep south and south central parts of the United States, Louisiana has a population of about 4.6 million. There are methods you can use to find birth records on people who were born in Louisiana since records started being recorded statewide in 1911.
A Louisiana birth record is regarded as the formal registration of important information on any birth that took place in Louisiana. Such information proves that the individual is a Louisiana citizen in the United States. Birth records are essential when it comes to individual and social benefits. These include social security benefits, legal entitlements, access to health and educational benefits. Birth records become public information in Louisiana after 100 years.
The state of Louisiana did not record any births before 1911. It is only a few parishes that recorded birth prior to 1911. One such example would be the Orleans Parish which started recording birth in 1790. A more complete version of these records began around 1860s. More details on parish recorded can be found from Louisiana Vital Records or visit parish pages where they cover each individual parish.
There are two types of birth certificates that offered by Louisiana state. There is the short form birth certificate and the long form birth certificate. Short form birth certificates are also referred to as birth cards.
Table of Contents
Birth Records Information in Louisiana
The short form birth certificate normally has the following birth related details:
- Name of the person at birth
- Date of birth of the individual
- Parish of birth of the individual
- Father’s initials
- Mother’s last name and first initial
- File date
- Issue date
The long form birth certificate usually has the following details:
- Name of the individual at birth
- Date of birth of the individual
- Parish where birth took place
- Hospital of birth of the person
- Mother’s residence at the time of birth
- Mother and father’s full names
- Parent’s place of birth
- Age of parents at the time of birth
- File date
- Issue date
Legally certified birth records that are issued in Louisiana come with a raised seal. Birth cards are normally not accepted as legal identification data for a number of reasons.
Individuals with Access to Birth Records in Louisiana
Birth records that are less than 100 years in Louisiana can only be accessed by the following individuals:
- The individual named on the document.
- The current spouse of the individual named on the document.
- Mother or father of the individual named on the document.
- An adult child of the individual named on the document.
- Sister/brother of the individual named on the document.
- Grandmother or grandfather of the individual named on the document.
- Grandchild of the individual named on the document.
- A legal representative on behalf of one of the above with a signed agreement of representation or authorization.
If it so happened that the person listed above who is requesting the records is a legal guardian of a child, they are expected to provide a judgement of custody for the child.
How to Obtain Birth Records in Louisiana
Louisiana birth certificates can be obtained in three ways, which is in person, by mail and internet, fax or telephone.
IN PERSON
Vital Records Central Office
Walk-in Service Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. (except on state holidays)
You may be needed to fill in an application for a certified copy of a birth certificate. You will be needed to provide your photo identification and required fees to the Vital Records Central Office. Types of services available through a walk-in are payment through cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards.
Please complete the application to obtain a certified birth certificate.
Clerks of Court
Participating Louisiana Clerks of Court issue certified copies of birth records (long and short form) at places all over the state. There is an extra fee for this provision.
Vital Records Kiosks
Kiosk Service Locations Hours of Operation: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (except on state holidays)
You may also request in person from a kiosk service location. Kiosk requests need the user to successfully go through an identity verification screening. The moment the kiosk request is made, the request is transported using USPS or expedited shipping, or placed for pickup at Vital Records Central Office. A security fee and shipping costs apply to kiosk requests.
You may send by mail your completed application, a copy of your photo identification and required fees to:
Vital Records Registry
PO Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
Please fill in the application to get a certified birth certificate and allow roughly 8-10 weeks for delivery.
INTERNET, FAX AND TELEPHONE
With a major credit card you can place internet, fax or telephone requests using VitalChek Network, an approved service provider. You will incur additional fees when with this service provider or when requesting expedited services.
You can request birth records from VitalChek Network, by visiting their website or call them on 1-877-605-8562.
If you have already sent a request to VitalChek Network, you may also check the status.
These methods can be used on how to find birth records in Louisiana. Remember, birth records that are more than a hundred years are now public information and can be accessed by anyone.
