Louisiana Public Records

Louisiana's public records are maintained by a number of different government offices, some at the state level and some at the level of the parish. In New Orleans, some public records are kept by the city. Many of the most commonly-searched Louisiana public records are available online.

Public Libraries

If a quick search online does not tell you where you can find the public records you are interested in, you might want to visit your local library. Librarians can often help you look up Louisiana public records for free. It all depends on what type of information you are looking for. Certain things like property records and liens are available for free. Other types of records can have fees associated with requesting them.

Vital Records

The Louisiana Vital Records Registry, which is a subdivision of the Department of Health & Hospitals, maintains records for Louisiana births and deaths. There are three ways to order copies of these vital records. Note that birth and death records are not public information in Louisiana, so people can only order their own records and must provide identification.

Online - To request records online, visit this search page. The database is operated by a third-party processor, VitalChek, which offers online ordering service for several U.S. states. There is an extra fee associated with VitalChek's service, but it is often the most convenient way to request vital records.

By Mail - To request records by mail, print and fill out this application. Then mail it, along with the required fee and a copy of a photo ID, to:

Center For Records and Statistics
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160

In Person - To request records in person, visit the Vital Records Central Office or any kiosk service location. For more information, call Vital Records at (504) 593-5100.

Criminal Records

Criminal history records are available for order and viewing online through the the Louisiana State Police. The search page is here: ibc.dps.louisiana.gov. Users must register for an account in order to access the search feature.

Records are also available by mail. There are a couple of different forms required, so it's best to review the Louisiana Criminal Background Check page or call the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information at (225) 925-6096.

Court Records

Louisiana Supreme Court opinions are searchable online. Other court records are available from the relevant court. A list of Louisiana court contact information can be found here.

Business Records

The Louisiana Secretary of State maintains a searchable database of business entity information online. Search results will include the name and file number of the corporation or limited liability company, the entity file number, the names of officers and agents, and the date of formation.

For more information, call the Secretary of State at (225) 922-2880.

Property Records

The Louisiana Office of State Lands serves as a repository of records related to real property currently- or previously-owned by the State of Louisiana. For more information, visit their website.

Records related to privately-owned land, including tax records and property valuations, are kept at the parish level, by the local Assessors Office. A list of parish Assessor contact information can be found here.

Driving Records

Driving records are available for order and viewing online through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Records include an accident statement, license status, and offenses on record; they are available for viewing for a period of 30 days after the request has been processed. For more information, visit the Official Driving Record page or call (225) 925-6146.