Louisiana charges a flat $7 per certified death certificate copy — one of the lowest state fees in the country. Here's every ordering option, what it actually costs, and how many copies your family will need to settle the succession (Louisiana's name for probate).
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Louisiana?
Death certificates in Louisiana are issued by the Louisiana Vital Records Registry, part of the Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Public Health, headquartered in New Orleans. Regional Vital Records Service Centers around the state can also issue certified copies. Website: ldh.la.gov/vital-records.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Louisiana
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Typically 2–3 weeks, plus a VitalChek security fee on top of the state fee.
- By mail: Submit a completed application, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to "Louisiana Vital Records." Mail to: Louisiana Vital Records Registry, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. A $0.50 state charge applies to mail orders. Allow 4–8 weeks.
- In person — New Orleans: Walk-in service is available at the Vital Records Central Office in New Orleans. Same-day service in many cases.
- Regional Service Centers: Vital Records operates Service Centers in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and several other parishes — typically the fastest local option outside New Orleans.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
- Through the Clerk of Court: Some parish Clerks of Court also issue certified death certificates, at a separate, higher fee (see below).
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Louisiana?
The Vital Records Registry charges a flat $7.00 per certified copy — among the lowest state fees in the country. Ten copies cost $70 total. A $0.50 state charge is added to mail and VitalChek orders, and VitalChek adds its own separate processing fee on top. If you instead order through a parish Clerk of Court, the fee is different — $26.00 per copy — so ordering directly from Vital Records or through the funeral home is generally the more economical route.
Pro tip
Louisiana's $7 flat fee is excellent value, and there's no need to over-order defensively — extra copies just cost $7 each, with no reason to wait and reorder later. Order what you actually expect to need (see below), and know you can always order more at the same flat rate.
What will it cost in Louisiana?
- First certified copy
- $7
- Each additional copy
- $7
- Total for 10 copies
- $70
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Louisiana families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the district court where the succession is opened, Social Security, immovable property (real estate) transfers, vehicle titles through the Office of Motor Vehicles, and retirement accounts.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Louisiana.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Louisiana?
Louisiana restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased; the succession representative (Louisiana's term for executor/administrator); attorneys representing the succession; legal guardians; and authorized government officials. You must provide government-issued photo ID.
Processing Timeline
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online via VitalChek | 2–3 weeks |
| By mail | 4–8 weeks |
| In person, New Orleans | Often same-day |
| Regional Service Centers | Often same-day, depending on location |
| Through funeral home | Typically within the first 1–2 weeks |
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Louisiana. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Louisiana may change. Consult a licensed Louisiana attorney for guidance specific to your situation.