Obtaining a death certificate is an important process for numerous legal and personal reasons. Louisiana death certificates serve as official records for various purposes, including settling estates, claiming life insurance, and genealogical research. Understanding the process of how to get Louisiana death records ensures individuals receive accurate documentation in a timely manner.
Who Can Request Death Records?
In Louisiana, death records can be requested by immediate family members, including parents, siblings, children, spouses, and grandparents. Legal representatives, such as attorneys, may also request a Louisiana death certificate on behalf of eligible family members.
What Documents Are Required?
When applying for a death certificate, you must provide certain documents to verify your identity and relationship to the deceased. These include:
- • A completed application form, available here;
- • A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport;
- • Proof of relationship to the deceased if applicable;
- • Payment for the applicable fees.
How to Obtain Louisiana Death Records
There are several methods to request death records in Louisiana:
By Mail
Send a completed application form along with copies of the required documents and payment to the Louisiana Vital Records office. Ensure all documents are correctly filled out and verified to avoid delays.
In Person
You can visit the Louisiana Vital Records office in person to submit your application. Bring the completed form, appropriate documents, and payment to expedite the process.
Online
Using an authorized service like VitalChek allows you to order death records online. Follow the instructions provided on the website to complete your application smoothly.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process:
- • Double-check the application form for accuracy;
- • Ensure all required documents are included;
- • Use secure and trackable mail options when sending applications by mail;
- • Keep a copy of all submitted documents for your records.
How Much Do Death Records Cost?
The standard fee for obtaining a Louisiana death certificate is $9 per copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time are also $9 each. Expedited services are available for an extra fee. Payments can be made via check, money order, or credit card.
Processing Time
The processing time varies based on the method used:
- • Mail applications typically take around 8-10 weeks;
- • In-person requests are usually processed the same day;
- • Online requests through services like VitalChek take approximately 5-7 business days.
Ensuring that you follow these guidelines carefully will help streamline the application process for obtaining Louisiana death records. If you have any specific questions or require further assistance, do not hesitate to contact the Louisiana Department of Health directly through their official website.
If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.
Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics
| Address | PO Box 60630, New Orleans, Louisiana 70160 |
|---|---|
| Phone number | (504) 593-5100 |
| Website | https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/subhome/21 |