How To Update Your Louisiana Birth Certificate

The process to make changes to a Louisiana birth certificate varies. Depending on the type of legal change needed you may have to follow a different specific process. The process may also vary depending on when the record was filed.

Below you can read more about what you need to know about updating your birth certificate.

What You Need To Know

To amend a birth certificate in Louisiana, you must submit a completed application form, supporting documentation, and the required fee to the Louisiana Vital Records Office. The documentation required will vary depending on the type of amendment being requested.

Amendments can include:

• Changes to the name
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Parent's information

Each type of amendment may require different supporting documents. For more information, see Amendments to Birth Records on the Louisiana Department of Health State Registrar and Vital Records website.

To change your name on your birth certificate, you will need a court order from a Louisiana court approving the name change. Submit the court order along with the amendment application and fee to the Louisiana Vital Records Office.

For more information about getting a name change court order, see Getting A Name Change.

Changing a parent's information may require a court order, paternity acknowledgment or disavowal documents, or adoption papers, depending on the specific change requested. It is recommended to contact the Louisiana Vital Records Office for specific requirements. You can contact the Vital Records Amendments department by calling 504-593-5122.

For more information, see Amendments to Birth Records on the Louisiana Department of Health State Registrar and Vital Records website.

Yes, to change the gender marker on a birth certificate in Louisiana, you need a court order indicating the change of gender. Submit the court order with the amendment application and fee.

For more information about how to update your gender marker on your birth certificate, see How To Get A Gender Maker Court Order.

Processing times can vary, but typically, it takes several weeks for the Louisiana Vital Records Office to process and mail the amended birth certificate. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.

Yes, you can request multiple amendments to your birth certificate in one application. Ensure all supporting documents for each amendment are included with the application.

Yes, there is a fee to amend a birth certificate. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of amendment and whether expedited processing is requested. The fee is generally $27.50. This includes one certified copy of the amended birth certificate. Additional copies can be purchased at the time of the amendment for $9.00 each.

If the requestor cannot provide the original (incorrect) birth certificate, an additional $15.00 search fee must be included.

You can contact the Vital Records Amendments department by calling 504-593-5122 if you have questions about fees.

Louisiana is a "closed record" state. Here are the key points on how to order birth records in Louisiana:

Who May Order a Birth Certificate:

• The person named on the document
• Current spouse, parents, adult children, siblings, grandparents, or grandchildren of the person named on the document
• An attorney representing one of the above individuals, with proper documentation
• Another adult with a judgment of custody for the child (notarized custody papers are not acceptable)

Methods to Get a Certifed Copy of a Louisiana Birth Certificate

1. In-person:
   1. Visit the Vital Records Central Office at 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112.
   2. Walk-in Service Hours: 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. (excluding state holidays).
   3. Payment methods: exact cash amount, check, and money order.
   4. Option to use the VitalChek ordering process with "Will Call" delivery.
   • Certified copies are available at participating Louisiana Clerks of Court locations for an additional fee.
   • Send a completed request, a copy of your photo ID, and correct fees to Vital Records Registry, PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160.
   • Expect approximately 8-10 weeks for delivery.

   For more information, see How To Order Birth Records on the Louisiana Department of Health State Registrar & Vital Records website.

   What should I do if my amendment request is denied?

   If your amendment request is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reason for the denial. You may need to provide additional documentation or take further legal action, such as obtaining a court order, to resolve the issue. Consult with an attorney if needed. For more information, see Finding and Hiring a Lawyer.

   Related Resources

   • How to Update Your State ID Or Driver's License
   • How to Update Your U.S. Passport
   • Getting A Name Change
   • How To Update Your Social Security Information

   How To Submit Your Birth Certificate Amendment Request

   How To Submit Your Birth Certificate Amendment Request

   You can follow the steps below to submit your birth certificate amendment request.

   For specific questions or help related to your situation, you may contact the Louisiana Department of Health Vital Records Registry at 504-593-5122.

   Steps To Submit Your Birth Certificate Amendment Request

   1. Gather Required Documents

   You'll need a certified copy of your current birth certificate, a valid government-issued photo ID, and any legal documents that support the change (e.g., court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers).

   For more information about getting a name change court order, see Getting A Name Change.

   For more information about how to update your gender marker on your birth certificate, see How To Get A Gender Maker Court Order.

   2. Calculate and Gather the Fee

   When you are requesting a correction to your birth certificate you must pay the required fee to Louisiana Vital Records. There is a non-refundable fee of $27.50 to correct or amend a birth certificate. The fee includes one certified copy of the amended birth certificate. You can buy additional certified copies for $9.00 each when you make the amendment.

   If you cannot provide the original (incorrect) birth certificate, you must include an additional $15.00 search fee.

   Make checks or money orders payable to the Vital Records Registry. Do not send cash.

   There is no fee if you are requesting a hospital correction within 90 days of the birth certificate being filed.

   3. Complete the Application

   Use the Louisiana Vital Records form, the Application to Amend. Fill out the completed application form and specify the correction(s) desired to the birth certificate.

   4. Submit the Application

   Mail or bring the completed application along with the supporting documents and any applicable fees to the Vital Records Office.

   The mailing address is:

   Louisiana Vital Records

   New Orleans, LA 70160

   5. Wait for Processing

   Processing times can vary. It's a good idea to check the current processing times when you submit your application. Expedited services may be available for an additional fee.

   6. Receive Updated Certificate

   Once the update is processed, you will receive a certified copy of your updated birth certificate.