Louisiana public records
Louisiana uses parishes: parish clerks hold court and recorded property documents, while assessors hold valuations. Vital Records handles birth/death certificates and Orleans marriage records; other marriage records follow parish routes. Recent vital-record access is restricted, unlike ordinary public agency files.
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Agency records law
Louisiana Public Records Act
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 44:1 et seq.
Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsLouisiana Supreme Court court directory | Find the parish or district court, then contact its clerk for case files. | Parish online access, copy and certification charges vary. Louisiana court records are distributed across courts; a single parish search does not cover the whole state. |
| Property and land recordsLouisiana government parish services | Choose the parish clerk of court for conveyance/mortgage records and assessor for valuations. | Parish document and online access fees vary. Louisiana uses parishes; state land-office records are not a complete private-property deed search. |
| Business recordsLouisiana Secretary of State | Search Louisiana business filings and select the entity record. | Basic lookup and certified copies have distinct charges. Entity filings and professional licensing records are separate. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceLouisiana Department of Health | Follow birth/death and Orleans Parish marriage instructions; use parish clerks for other marriages and divorces. | Certificate and clerk-copy charges differ. Louisiana is a closed-record state for recent vital records; relationship, age and record type control access. |
| Criminal-history checksLouisiana State Police | Choose an authorized agency background-check or personal record procedure. | Fingerprint and processing services may carry fees. State Police applicant screening is not unrestricted public access to every resident's history. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in Louisiana
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- The Louisiana Public Records Law generally gives adults access to non-exempt records. Some incarcerated-person requests are subject to special restrictions.
- How to submit
- Identify the Louisiana agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- Available records should be produced when requested. If unavailable because of use or storage, the custodian must explain and arrange access under the statutory procedure.
- Fees and estimates
- Inspection is generally free. Copies, certification and delivery can carry authorized charges; request a fee estimate before ordering a large set.
- If access is denied
- Ask for a written explanation and segregable portions. Louisiana permits a district court action to enforce access; preserve evidence of receipt and any delay.
Louisiana records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: Louisiana public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 44:1 et seq.), I request electronic copies of the parish's approved meeting minutes and executed public-works contract for [project]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
Louisiana public records FAQ
Where can I find Louisiana court records?
Find the parish or district court, then contact its clerk for case files. Louisiana court records are distributed across courts; a single parish search does not cover the whole state.
Sources: Louisiana Supreme Court court directoryAre Louisiana public records free?
Inspection is generally free. Copies, certification and delivery can carry authorized charges; request a fee estimate before ordering a large set. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: Louisiana official public-records guidance; Louisiana Supreme Court court directory; Louisiana Department of HealthHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in Louisiana?
Follow birth/death and Orleans Parish marriage instructions; use parish clerks for other marriages and divorces. Louisiana is a closed-record state for recent vital records; relationship, age and record type control access.
Sources: Louisiana Department of Health; Louisiana Supreme Court court directoryIs a Louisiana court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. State Police applicant screening is not unrestricted public access to every resident's history. Choose an authorized agency background-check or personal record procedure.
Sources: Louisiana State Police; Louisiana Supreme Court court directorySources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- Louisiana official public-records guidance — checked
- Louisiana Supreme Court court directory — checked
- Louisiana government parish services — checked
- Louisiana Secretary of State — checked
- Louisiana Department of Health — checked
- Louisiana State Police — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions