How much does a birth certificate cost in Louisiana?

A certified birth certificate in Louisiana costs $15.00 per birth certificate copy (plus $0.50 state charge on mail/VitalChek orders and additional VitalChek security/shipping fees where applicable). Processing typically takes Mail requests should allow approximately 8-10 weeks for delivery; online/phone/fax expedited ordering is available via VitalChek with additional fees. Use the official Louisiana vital records office for current details: https://ldh.la.gov/page/635. Remember: you must order from the state where you were born, not where you currently live.

What voter ID do I need in Louisiana?

Louisiana requires voters should bring an approved photo id for election day voting; voters without qualifying photo id may still vote by signing a voter affidavit for voting. Check with your local election office or visit the Louisiana Secretary of State website for specific details on acceptable forms of identification.

Can I register to vote online in Louisiana?

Yes, Louisiana offers online voter registration. Visit your state's election office website to register or update your registration. The registration deadline is 30 days before election if registering in person or by mail; 20 days before election when registering through the geauxvote online system.

What documents count as proof of citizenship in Louisiana?

Documents generally accepted as proof of U.S. citizenship include: U.S. Passport (book or card); U.S. Birth Certificate; Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570); Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561); Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). Requirements may vary, so check with the Louisiana election office for the most current list of accepted documents.

Louisiana Voter Registration Guide

Q: Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in Louisiana?

Louisiana has a proof-of-citizenship law on the books, but it is not currently being enforced. You do not need to provide documentary proof of citizenship at this time, though this could change. It is still a good idea to have your documents ready. Louisiana SB 436 (2024, eff. Jan 1, 2025) requires POC attached to every voter registration application, but SOS has issued zero implementation guidance — no operational enforcement. Active litigation: LWV of LA v. Landry (Campaign Legal Center/NAACP LDF); EAC rejected LA's request to modify federal form Sep 11, 2025. Court denied LA's motion to pause proceedings Dec 8, 2025 (validated Mar 13, 2026).

Current voter registration requirements, birth certificate ordering information, voter ID rules, deadlines, and official election office links for Louisiana.

POC: On books - Not enforcedPhoto ID required

Active POC Law

POC Law (Not Enforced)

No POC Requirement

Voter ID Requirement

Voters should bring an approved photo ID for Election Day voting; voters without qualifying photo ID may still vote by signing a voter affidavit

Online Registration

Available

Registration Deadline

30 days before election if registering in person or by mail; 20 days before election when registering through the GeauxVote online system

Proof of Citizenship Law

On books - Not enforced

NoteLouisiana SB 436 (2024, eff. Jan 1, 2025) requires POC attached to every voter registration application, but SOS has issued zero implementation guidance — no operational enforcement. Active litigation: LWV of LA v. Landry (Campaign Legal Center/NAACP LDF); EAC rejected LA's request to modify federal form Sep 11, 2025. Court denied LA's motion to pause proceedings Dec 8, 2025 (validated Mar 13, 2026).

What to Do Now

1Check if you have one of the accepted documents (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)
2If your name has changed, get a passport in your current legal name
3Order your birth certificate now if you don't have one
4Verify your voter registration is current
5Keep originals safe - the SAVE Act requires originals, not photocopies

Louisiana Voter Registration Guide

What to Do Now

How to Order in Louisiana

Online

By Mail

In Person

Louisiana Resources

Louisiana Election Office(opens in new tab)

Louisiana Vital Records(opens in new tab)

Federal Resources

USA.gov Birth Certificates(opens in new tab)

U.S. Passports(opens in new tab)

Vote.gov(opens in new tab)

VoteRiders(opens in new tab)

Verification Sources

Source 1(opens in new tab)

Source 2(opens in new tab)

Source 3(opens in new tab)

Source 4(opens in new tab)

Source 5(opens in new tab)

Source 6(opens in new tab)

Contact Your Senators

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need proof of citizenship to register to vote in Louisiana?

How much does a birth certificate cost in Louisiana?

What voter ID do I need in Louisiana?

Can I register to vote online in Louisiana?

What documents count as proof of citizenship in Louisiana?