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Apostille for Louisiana Death Certificate

Writer's picture: Jared LeimanJared Leiman

Updated: Jul 20, 2024

When you need to apostille a Louisiana death certificate, you will need to make sure to have a certified copy of the vital record beforehand. If you need to order one, your best bet is to go through the Louisiana Department of Health. Here's what their website says about obtaining one:


Louisiana is a "closed record" state. This means that birth and death certificates are not public records. All requests for birth or death certificates must include proper identification, appropriate fees, and a completed application.


Fetal death certificates and Certificates of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth may also be ordered.


Who May Order A Death Certificate:

  • Surviving spouse of the person named on the document. (Must be listed as the Surviving Spouse on the document)

  • Mother or father of the person named on the document

  • An adult child of the person named on the document

  • Sister/brother of the person named on the document

  • Grandmother or grandfather of the person named on the document

  • Grandchild of the person named on the document

  • A person named in a court proceeding as a member of the immediate or surviving family of the person named in the certificate.*

  • The beneficiary of an insurance policy or trust (must have a signed copy of the policy listing applicant as beneficiary).*

  • A succession representative (Must provide a certified Letter of Testamentary or Letter of Administration certified by the Clerk of Court).* (effective 8/1/2017)

  • The credentials of an attorney, together with a written declaration that he is preparing a small succession pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Article 3431 et seq for the deceased person whose death certificate is being requested OR is representing one of the above entitled named parties (must be on letterhead and include bar roll number).* (effective 8/1/2017)

*These requests must be submitted to the LA Bureau of Vital Records and Statistics central office in person or by mail.


You may also request Apostille copies of vital records.


There are three ways to obtain a certified copy of a Louisiana death certificate:

IN PERSON


Vital Records Central Office

New Orleans Vital Records Walk-In Services are currently not available due to COVID-19

Walk-in Service Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. (excluding state holidays)

You may complete an application for a certified copy of a death certificate, bring your photo identification and correct fees to the Vital Records Central Office. Walk-in services accepts cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards as forms of payment.


Please fill out an application to obtain a certified death certificate.


Clerks of Court

Participating Louisiana Clerks of Court offer certified copies of Louisiana Death Certificates for deaths occurring on or after July 7 2012. There is an additional fee for this service


Vital Records Kiosks

Kiosk Service Locations Hours of Operation: 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (excluding state holidays)

You may also order in person from a kiosk service location. Kiosk orders require the user to successfully complete an identity authentication screening. Once the kiosk order is placed, the order is shipped via USPS or expedited shipping, or made available for pickup at Vital Records Central Office. A security fee and shipping costs apply to kiosk orders.


MAIL

You may mail your completed request, a copy of your photo identification and correct fees to:


Vital Records Registry

PO Box 60630

New Orleans, LA 70160


Please complete the application to obtain a certified death certificate and allow approximately 8-10 weeks for delivery.


INTERNET, FAX AND TELEPHONE

You may use a major credit card to place internet, fax or telephone orders through VitalChek Network, an authorized service provider. There are additional fees when using this service provider or requesting expedited services.


To order using the VitalChek Network, visit their website or call 1-877-605-8562.

If you have already placed a VitalChek Network order, you may also check the status.


To inquire about an order placed with VitalChek, please call 1-877-605-8562.


Louisiana Death Certificate Apostille

There is no margin for error with the Authentication or Apostille process. If mistakes are made, both your time and money will be wasted and you'll have to start all over again. If you want to look into outsourcing this part of preparing to studying abroad to someone with experience, please email me at jared@apostillellc.com or call 848-467-7740 to request my services or learn more.


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