Getting your ID and documents back in Louisiana
The short answer
Get your Louisiana birth certificate in person at Vital Records in New Orleans (1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400), at a participating Clerk of Court, by mail, or through VitalChek. Questions: 504 593 5100.
Need help tonight?
Birth certificate
- In person: Vital Records Central Office, 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, 8 AM to 3:30 PM. Bring photo ID and the fee (exact cash, check or money order).
- Many Louisiana Clerks of Court also sell certified copies, for an extra fee.
- By mail: application, a copy of your photo ID and the fee to Vital Records Registry, PO Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. Allow about 8 to 10 weeks.
- Online or phone with a credit card through VitalChek: 1 877 605 8562 (extra fees).
- Questions: 504 593 5100.
Official page: ldh.la.gov/page/how-to-order-birth-records
Help with the cost
Ask Louisiana 211 about local groups that help pay for an ID or birth certificate.
Official page: louisiana211.org
Social Security card
You may be able to request a replacement Social Security card online at ssa.gov. Replacing a card costs nothing.
Official page: ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card
More help in Louisiana
Sources last checked October 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or a spot in any program. Each place decides who it can serve. You choose what feels right for you.
