When you need to apostille a Louisiana birth 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.
Who May Order A Birth Certificate:
The person named on the document
The current spouse of the person named 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
An attorney representing one of the above with a signed contract of representation or authorization.
When another adult other than the legally entitled individuals listed above is requesting the record of a child, they must present a judgment of custody for the child. Notarized custody papers or provisional custody mandates are not acceptable.
You may also request Apostille copies of vital records.
There are three ways to obtain a certified copy of a Louisiana birth 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 birth 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 the application to obtain a certified birth certificate.
Clerks of Court
Participating Louisiana Clerks of Court offer certified copies of birth records (long and short form) at locations around the state. 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.
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 birth 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.
Apostille for Louisiana Birth Certificate
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.
Comments