New Orleans Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics

The average processing time for a vital record request made through the Louisiana Vital Records Registry is 8-10 weeks.

There is no priority service, therefore you should allow the maximum time for your application to be processed.

You are strongly advised to check your details carefully before submitting your application. Any errors or missing information could cause delays, or even a rejected request.

The Louisiana Vital Records Registry charges $15 for a certified copy of a birth record. An additional fee of $0.50 is added to each mail or online order.

Checks and money orders should be made payable to “Louisiana Vital Records.”

For more information on fees and payments, please contact the Vital Records Registry in New Orleans. The office can answer any questions you may have about their vital records application process.

You must have a completed application form and a valid form of identification to request a vital record.

To prove your identity, you must have either 1 primary ID or 2 secondary IDs.

Primary IDs include:

• Driver’s license 

• State ID

• Passport

Secondary IDs include:

• School ID card

• Social security card

• W-2

• Original adoption papers

You can find the full list of accepted IDs on the Louisiana Department of Health website.

If you are not named on the birth certificate as the child or a parent, you must also prove that you are a direct relative, spouse, or attorney.