A New Orleans death less than 50 years old is an LDH copy, even though the walk-in counter sits in the city. The city vital-records page sends you to LDH. Deaths older than 50 years go to the Louisiana State Archives in Baton Rouge. Jefferson Parish is a different parish.
Who may request
Louisiana is a closed-records state. LDH lists surviving spouse (if named on the record), parent, adult child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, and other documented requestors (insurance beneficiary, succession representative, attorney on letterhead). Confirm the current list on ldh.la.gov before you pay.
What to bring
Photo identification with the application. Walk-in: exact cash, check, or money order. Mail: a copy of photo ID plus the fee. Confirm on the LDH order page.
Where to write or visit
Walk-in: 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mail: Vital Records Registry, PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. The City of New Orleans does not issue recent death copies.
Notes from the desk
LDH fee this check: $7 per certified copy. There is no cheaper extra. Add a $0.50 state charge on each mail or VitalChek order. Participating clerks of court issue deaths on or after 7 Jul 2012 at a higher listed fee ($26 on the LDH fee page). Online, phone, and fax go through VitalChek. That processing fee is not the $7 copy fee. This desk takes no cut. Mail is listed at 8 to 10 weeks.