How to Get a Copy of Your Louisiana Birth Certificate

You may a copy of your birth certificate when you apply for a driver's license, enroll in school, apply for benefits like food stamps or Medicaid, apply for Social Security benefits, apply for a marriage license, enlist in the military or conduct other types of business. When asked to provide your birth certificate, you usually need a certified, or official, copy. If you were born in Louisiana, you can get a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.

Things You'll Need

Application
Photo identification
Check or money order for payment

Step One

Download an application for a certified copy of a birth certificate from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals website.

Step Two

Complete the application legibly, providing all requested information including your full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth and names of both parents.

Step Three

Mail the completed application, a legible photocopy of your driver's license or other photo identification and a check or money order for $15.50 (the amount as of March 2011) to Vital Records Registry, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Expect delivery in two to four weeks.

Step Four

Take the completed application, your photo identification and $15.00 (the amount as of March 2011) to any Louisiana Vital Records Service Center if you prefer to request a copy of your birth certificate in person rather than by mail. You can receive your birth certificate in 24 hours or less if you make the request in person.

To Order Online or By Phone

Use the VitalChek program to order a copy of your Louisiana birth certificate online or call 877-605-8562 to order your birth certificate by phone. You'll need to pay by Master Card or Visa. This service is not offered by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and VitalCheck may charge additional fees for providing this service.

Warning

Make sure to fill out the application completely and accurately. If you leave out any important information, Department of Health and Hospitals staff may be unable to locate your birth certificate. They will not refund your fee, however, even if they cannot fulfill your request.

Sources:

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/page.asp?id=252&detail=7752. How to Order Birth Records.

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/miscdocs/docs-252/Administration/Service%20Fees.pdf. Service Fees.