BIRTH/DEATH CERTIFICATE APPLICATIONS

CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER 3:30pm.

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Where do I go to get a birth/death certificate?
Birth/Death Certificates may only be obtained at our West Calcasieu Office located in Sulphur, LA.
Birth/Death Certificates are NOT issued at the Lake Charles / Calcasieu Courthouse location.

 

What will I need to bring with me?
You will need a valid ID. If you are purchasing a birth certificate/card for a family member, proof of relationship would be helpful in expediting the process. All identification presented to obtain a birth record must be current. All identification must clearly have dates of issue and expiration. Identification with dates missing, unclear, or names or photos worn away will not be accepted. Identification must be legible and may not be torn, broken, or mutilated.

What is considered a valid ID?

• A current state issued Driver's License that includes a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant as the same; OR

• A current state issued identification card that includes a photograph which clearly identifies the applicant as the same; OR

• A current U.S. passport with photograph which clearly identifies applicant as the same; OR

• A current U.S. military photo identification card which clearly identifies applicant as the same; OR

• Students (high school or below), a current school yearbook or a current official school identification document with a photograph that clearly identifies applicant as the same.

• Please contact our office in advance for special ID circumstances.

How much does it cost?
Birth Certificate $34
Birth Certificate + Card $48
Death Certificate $26

 

What forms of payment are accepted?

• CASH and CREDIT CARDS are accepted.

• Credit Cards: Minimum processing fee of $2.95.

• No bills over $20. 

• Checks and money orders are NOT accepted.

 

What time is the office open?
We are open Monday through Friday 8:00-4:00 (including lunch)
**OUR OFFICE CANNOT ACCEPT CERTIFICATE APPLICATIONS AFTER 3:30pm.

 

How long does the process take?
Our average wait time is 30 minutes depending on the number customers. Births before 1983 could take up to 1 hour.

 

Who can obtain a certificate?

• Any immediate family member (mother, father, current legal spouse, child, grandparent or sibling) may obtain a registrant's birth certificate, death certificate or birth card by filling out and signing an "Application For A Certified Copy Of Birth/Death Certificate Form.” The relative must present their own required current photo identification.
  document.

• An individual that has a certified document of custody regarding a minor from a Court proceeding may obtain a birth record for the minor registrant named in the document.

• An individual named as a beneficiary on a deceased person's insurance policy is also eligible to apply for a copy of the deceased person's death certificate. Applicant must present an original of the insurance policy which clearly names the deceased person as well as the beneficiary.

 

Certified copies of Death Certificates registered in Louisiana from July 9, 2012 to present may be obtained from the Clerk of Court's office. If the death occurred prior to July 9, 2012 you will have to submit your request by mail. For more information contact:

LA Vital Records Registry (504) 593-5100
P.O. Box 60630
1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400
New Orleans, LA 70160

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What is the wait time for a death certificate?

Death certificates are usually available to us 30 days after the date of death.

What if I need to make changes to the information on the certificate?
The information on the certificates is provided by the state, therefore the Clerk’s Office can NOT make changes. You will have to contact the LA Office of Vital Records directly.

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