Louisiana Public Records

Louisiana has a long and varied past, having been owned by France and named for King Louis XIV before being bought in the famous Louisiana Purchase by the U.S. in 1803. Today, many records are available, both historic and current, to the public. Louisiana birth records and death records are restricted, however. These can be requested from the state Department of Health and Hospitals only by authorized individuals. Other Louisiana public records, like marriage and divorce records, and civil and criminal court records, are available from individual Clerks of Court. The Louisiana State Police control access to criminal records, which are also restricted. Only the person of record may request personal criminal records. To access genealogical Louisiana public records, visit the State Archives to access Louisiana military records, vital and cemetery records and some obituaries. The State Archives is located in Baton Rouge.

About Louisiana Public Records

Although Louisiana is considered a closed records state due to its restrictions on birth, death and criminal records, these may still be obtained. Louisiana birth records are released to the public after 100 years, and death records are released after 50 years, when they are moved to the State Archives. Only restricted vital records are maintained in the state repository at the Department of Health and Hospitals, which can be released to the person of record, immediate family members or legal representatives for a fee.

Louisiana public records also include unrestricted access to marriage records and divorce records through individual Clerks of Court. These must be requested from the parish where the event occurred (Louisiana has parishes instead of counties). Although some Clerks of Court might offer online access, most records must be requested in person, by mail or phone.

Accessing Free Public Records in Louisiana

There is no central database of court records in Louisiana available. Instead, you must visit the specific Clerk of Court associated with the parish where the event occurred in order to access court records. Available under the Clerks of Court are access to civil court records, criminal and family court records, which include divorce records. While some parishes might offer online access to free public records in Louisiana, most require copies of Louisiana court records to be made in person, by mail or phone.

Louisiana free public records are limited due to the closed record status of the state. Although viewing most Louisiana court records in person is a free service, there will always be a charge for copies. Whereas criminal records are protected in Louisiana, performing a criminal court records search at individual Clerks of Court can paint a picture of someone’s criminal history.

Historic Louisiana Public Records Search

The Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge is open to the public. Their vast records collection is important for anyone performing family history research of Louisiana ancestors. Included in their collection are Louisiana military records, including Freedom Train records, from various conflicts of an historic and more current nature. A Louisiana public records search will also yield Louisiana cemetery records in various formats for cemeteries across the state. Limited obituaries for Louisiana are also available as is a vast vital records collection. Some Louisiana birth records available date back to 1790, which are specific to Orleans Parish.

Anyone may visit the Archives in person to conduct research. However, if an in-person visit isn’t feasible, the Archives accepts research requests by mail, phone, email or fax. Online is a link to their request form that should be filled out. This is a fee-based service, which is helpful to those wanting access to Louisiana genealogical records, but can’t make it to Baton Rouge to conduct research in person.