Louisiana PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Louisiana State Public Records Search Online

Public records in Louisiana are documents produced by government entities at the local and state levels. These records cover various materials such as books, writings, maps, recordings, and other documents, irrespective of their form.

The Louisiana Public Records Law is state legislation that grants the public access to most records generated by government bodies. Under this law, individuals can submit official requests to purchase physical copies or inspect these records. Governmental entities are, in turn, mandated to respond to these requests for documents in their custody.

Louisiana residents can use public records in numerous personal and professional matters. These records are vital for verifying personal information, researching property ownership, and checking criminal history. They can also be utilized for conducting background checks, legal research, and business and real estate transactions.

What Records are Public in Louisiana?

Records that are government-generated in Louisiana are public, regardless of their form. They are generally accessible to anyone except for confidential or law-restricted information.

What is Considered Public Information in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, public information refers to information anyone can access. It is typically in the custody of government agencies.

Some examples of public information in the state are the following:

• Court proceedings
• Sex offender information
• Bankruptcy filings
• Selected vital records
• Criminal history documents
• Property details

Louisiana Public Records Laws

The Louisiana Public Records Law and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) are essential regulations shaping Louisiana's public records landscape. These laws allow individuals to access and procure public records while outlining limitations on disclosing specific data.

What is the Louisiana Public Records Law?

The Louisiana Public Records Law, also known as the Louisiana Sunshine Act, is a state law that grants the public the right to access records of any public body in the state. It promotes a transparent government by allowing citizens to examine public documents.

Under the Public Records Law, anyone can inspect and copy public records regardless of residency. The law's scope is broad, covering books, records, writings, accounts, letters, maps, drawings, photographs, and electronic data, among other materials.

However, the law recognizes that certain records should be exempt from disclosure for security or privacy reasons. Statutory exemptions include records involved in legislative investigations, records of prosecutive and law enforcement agencies, certain personnel records, medical records, and records related to economic development negotiations.

Individuals can access public records under this law by requesting record custodians. The custodians must respond to requests within a specified timeline and justify any withholding of records.

What is the FOIA in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, residents are granted access to federal government agency records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This legislation allows for the retrieval of documents in various formats at the national level by submitting requests to the relevant agency.

The federal FOIA provides nine exemptions. These exemptions protect sensitive information from public disclosure, balance the public's right to information, and safeguard classified data under the federal government's authority.

Who Can Access Public Records in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 44:31, most individuals and entities have the right to access public records in the state. However, Section 44:31.1 specifies that current inmates are restricted from accessing public records unless they pertain to their application for post-conviction relief.

Interested parties can submit requests to local or state custodian agencies to obtain copies of Louisiana public records. These agencies will review the requests and determine whether the information can be released, considering any exemptions.

Certain public records, like vital records, may limit access to eligible individuals. Custodian agencies will authenticate the requester's identity to establish eligibility for receiving the requested record.

Louisiana Public Records Search

The process for accessing public records in Louisiana varies based on the custodian responsible.

Typically, this requires contacting the appropriate agency overseeing the documentation. Requesters have multiple accessible avenues for obtaining the state's public records, including online searches, mail requests, phone inquiries, and in-person visits.

How To Find Louisiana Public Records Online

Individuals looking to access Louisiana public records online have two main options. They can choose third-party providers or use official online platforms offered by custodians.

Third-party providers aggregate their data from official websites. While they offer convenient and user-friendly search tools, record seekers must utilize them cautiously due to their lack of association with government entities, which may result in varying record content reliability.

Meanwhile, most government bodies in Louisiana maintain their online websites. These websites often contain online platforms or databases that the public can utilize to access public records. Below are the steps that one can follow to access the state's public records online efficiently:

• Identify the specific record needed and determine the custodian agency.
• Visit the agency's official website to check for online record access options.
• If online access is available, submit a request through a designated form or email. The request should include details like the record type, relevant information (such as names and dates), requester's contact information, and preferred delivery method.
• Complete the request, provide any necessary documentation, and pay applicable fees to finalize the process.

How To Find Louisiana Public Records Offline

Accessing Louisiana public records offline can be achieved through traditional methods, such as in-person visits, mailing requests, or phone inquiries.

Those who prefer to visit in person must do so during regular office hours. In-person requests typically require completing a request form or providing necessary details about the sought-after record. Paying the required fee is also essential to finalize the request process.

For those opting to request public records through mail, the subsequent steps can be followed:

• Find the custodian's mailing address on their official website.
• Fill out the official form or write a detailed request letter stating the desired public record and the requester's contact information.
• Send the completed form or letter and any required documentation and payment to the agency's address.

Another option for accessing Louisiana public records is via phone inquiries. It is recommended to directly contact the record custodian using the provided contact details on their official website to inquire about the feasibility of this method.

Types of Public Records in Louisiana

Public records in Louisiana have different types that cover different functions. Each type is crucial for the state's legal and administrative systems.

Below are the most common types of public records in the state:

• Court records
• Bankruptcy records
• Criminal records
• Arrest records
• Vital records
• Property records
• Inmate records
• Traffic records

State of Louisiana Public Court Records

Louisiana public court records are documents generated or filed during legal proceedings. These records typically include summonses, court calendars, case files, judgments, and injunctions.

The state has two types of court records: civil and criminal. Civil court records cover many matters, such as traffic violations, bankruptcies, small claims, tax and property liens, and contract disagreements. On the other hand, criminal court records may contain details about felonies, arrests, warrants, incarceration, lawsuits, and misdemeanors.

Designated court clerks oversee the management of Louisiana court records. For instance, the clerk of the district court is responsible for maintaining civil and criminal court documents. Additionally, individuals can access court records at the Louisiana Supreme Court.

These records are accessible through online search databases, mail requests, or by physically visiting the court premises.

Louisiana Public Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy records in Louisiana are documentation stemming from bankruptcy court cases. These records typically comprise the debtor's original name, details of the legal representative(s), case type and number, presiding judge's name, case outcome, current status, and the bankruptcy trustee's name.

To obtain copies of these records, individuals must formally request them in writing, accompanied by valid identification, from the specific bankruptcy court responsible for the case. Louisiana hosts three bankruptcy courts in the Middle, Western, and Eastern Districts.

Apart from physical access, individuals can remotely retrieve Louisiana's bankruptcy records through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) platform. This platform requires users to register an account and charges a per-page fee for document retrieval.

Moreover, access to bankruptcy records is possible via mobile phones using the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (MCVCIS). Requesting parties can utilize the toll-free number 1-866-222-8029 and follow the voice instructions for retrieval.

Parish Court Records in Louisiana

Parish court records in Louisiana refer to the official documents and materials generated, maintained, and preserved by the parish-level courts in the state. These records provide detailed information about civil and criminal cases heard at the parish level, including personal details of the parties involved, case filings, court proceedings, rulings, and judgments.

The availability and process of accessing parish-level court records can vary significantly across Louisiana's 64 parishes.

Some parishes maintain an online database that allows the public to search and access court records remotely. For example, the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court offers Clerk Connect, which allows interested parties to search and print court records.

For parishes without an online database, individuals can retrieve court records by visiting the court's physical location. Advance communication with the court clerk's office is recommended to understand the requirements and procedures for accessing court records, as these can differ from parish to parish.

Below are the contact details for some clerks of courts in Louisiana:

• East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court: (255) 389-7642
• Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court: (504) 364-2914
• Rapides Parish Clerk of Court: (318) 473-8153
• Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court: (337) 291-6400

Louisiana Criminal Records

Louisiana criminal records detail a person's alleged and confirmed criminal involvements within the state. Commonly referred to as a rap sheet, these records offer a chronological account of an individual's past and ongoing criminal convictions within Louisiana's parishes and jurisdictions.

While Louisiana criminal records are generally not accessible to the public, specific provisions outlined in Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 15:574.12 allow for limited public access to certain information within a criminal record. This includes details such as the individual's age, the type of offense committed, the sentence length, the date of conviction, and any infractions.

The Louisiana State Police (LSP), through its Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCII), oversees the maintenance of the state's criminal records. These are accessible through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System and the Louisiana Computerized Criminal History System (LACCH).

Full access to criminal records is granted exclusively to the document subject and authorized government agencies. Eligible individuals or entities must submit specific documentation to obtain these records. The required documents include:

• Right to Review Authorization Form
• Right to Review Disclosure Form
• Attorney or Authorized Representative Form (if applicable)
• A government-issued ID copy
• $250 payment via money order or check payable to the Louisiana State Police

The completed forms must be submitted in person or via mail to the address below:

Louisiana Public Arrest Records

Louisiana arrest records serve as concise profiles of individuals detained by law enforcement within the state. These records include the individual's name, photographs, fingerprints, and details of the charge they are facing.

The custodian of arrest records in Louisiana is the specific law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, whether at the city, parish, or state level. Therefore, individuals seeking access to these records can do so by making a formal request to the arresting agency.

Requesters must be prepared to present a valid ID and sufficient information about the individual in question. Additionally, a fee is required to cover the expenses of obtaining and reproducing the arrest record.

Note that if the release of such information could impede an ongoing investigation, the arresting agency can deny the request for these records.

Louisiana Vital Records

Louisiana vital records provide official documentation of significant life events such as birth, death, marriage, or divorce for state residents. These records are generally confidential and accessible only to specific individuals but become public after a designated period.

The confidentiality period varies depending on the record type, with death and marriage records becoming public after 50 years and birth records after a century. Only individuals listed on the record, immediate family members, and authorized representatives can obtain certified copies of Louisiana vital records during this confidentiality period.

To access closed vital records in Louisiana, interested parties must contact the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), the parish clerk where the event occurred, or the Louisiana State Archives. Applicants must submit a formal request for the vital record, include the necessary fees, and provide a valid government-issued photo ID copy to the record custodian.

Additionally, some vital records that are publicly available can be accessed through selected third-party aggregate platforms.

Louisiana Public Birth Records

A Louisiana birth record is an official document containing details about an individual's birth in the state. It serves as proof of citizenship and includes the individual's name at birth, birth date, place of birth, and parents' full names and ages.

Birth records in the state are considered public after 100 years. Before this period, access is limited to individuals named on the record, immediate family members, and legal representatives.

Eligible individuals can obtain copies of birth records less than 100 years old from the LDH Bureau of State Registrar and Vital Records. Access can be done by visiting the department in person, visiting the appropriate parish clerk of court locations, or through vital records kiosks.

Individuals can also access records through the mail by sending a written request, proof of identification, and fee to the department's address below:

Those interested in birth documents older than 100 years can turn to the Louisiana State Archives. They can either utilize the Louisiana Birth Index tool or mail requests to the following address:

Besides that, individuals can access most birth records via the state-approved independent company.

The fee for requesting the state's birth records is $5 for uncertified copies and $10 for certified ones. Obtaining them online can incur additional processing fees.

Louisiana Public Death Records

Louisiana death records are official confirmation of an individual's passing. Key details found in these records include the deceased's personal information, such as name, age, gender, race, marital status, parental information, the location of death, and the medical cause of death.

Public access to Louisiana death records is granted after 50 years from the filing date. Before this period, access was limited to specific individuals such as the deceased's relatives, legal representatives, or the deceased's beneficiaries on insurance policy.

Interested parties can request death records less than 50 years from the LDH (Louisiana Department of Health) by visiting the LDH central office, clerk of court locations, or vital record kiosks.

The department also accommodates mail requests which require individuals to send a written statement, photo ID copy, and a fee to the address below:

Those interested in accessing death documents older than 50 years can utilize the Louisiana Death Record Index tool.

The cost for obtaining death records is $7. However, an additional $0.50 is charged for mail requests.

Louisiana Public Marriage Records

Louisiana marriage records provide information about couples' unions, including their full birth names, marriage dates and locations, parents or guardians' names, and witnesses' identities.

Access to these records is initially restricted to the individuals named, their immediate families, and authorized legal representatives. However, after 50 years, these records become public and accessible to anyone.

For marriages less than 50 years old that occurred in Orleans Parish, individuals can obtain them from the Vital Records Registry. Access requests can be submitted by mailing a completed Orleans Marriage Copy Request form, identification document copy, and a $5 fee to the address below:

For marriage records outside Orleans Parish, individuals should visit the respective parish's office of the clerk of the court where the marriage occurred.

Meanwhile, those seeking marriage records that are older than 50 years old can submit their requests to the address below:

Louisiana Public Divorce Records

Divorce record in Louisiana provides an overview of the process leading to marriage dissolution. It includes the couple's full names, filing date, parish of divorce grant, presiding judge's name, and pertinent orders and notices.

In Louisiana, divorce records are maintained by the parish clerk of the court where the divorce decree was issued. The public can request these documents, but the custodian can only reveal sensitive data to the record's subject, the couple's parents, grandparents, legal representatives, and adult descendants.

Those seeking access to divorce records can physically visit the parish clerk of the court. They can also mail a written request, which must include the individual's name, divorce certificate number, case file number, and the year of the divorce.

Note that mail requests must be accompanied by a valid ID and a money order or check for payment.

To get the mailing address and latest fee details, it is best to visit the parish clerk's website or contact them via phone in advance.

Louisiana Property Records

Louisiana property records are official documents detailing real property information within the state. These records feature deed transfers, title dates, mortgage papers, and other documentation related to any land parcel in Louisiana.

The primary caretakers of Louisiana property records are the clerk of court in each parish. The parish assessor and the Louisiana Division of Administration at the state level also maintain property records. These entities diligently document all property transfer and sales transactions within their jurisdictions.

Residents of Louisiana can obtain property records by contacting the record custodians in the relevant jurisdiction. Requests for these records can usually be made in person or via mail to the appropriate office.

In certain instances, property records may be accessible online through the parish clerk's online database. Platforms like eClerks LA offer a user-friendly interface where search parameters like parcel information, property address, and legal descriptions can be conducted.

Louisiana Inmate Records

Louisiana inmate records contain details of individuals in custody across various facilities within the state. These records enclose information like the nature of the offense, trial location, and facility where the inmate is held. Additionally, they contain personal identifiers like name, registration number, date of birth, gender, and even Louisiana inmate mugshots.

Note that inmate records in the state are not entirely public. Those containing confidential data, such as juvenile inmate records, are only accessible to the subject, legal representatives, and parents/guardians.

Individuals can contact the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) to access these records. This department offers an Inmate Locator System, which provides key details like housing assignment and release date.

The Louisiana Victim Notification System offers another avenue for accessing inmate records, which requires interested parties to sign up for updates on inmate status.

Louisiana Traffic Records

Louisiana public traffic records contain an individual's complete driving history. These include personal details, license information, traffic violations, accidents, convictions, and suspensions.

The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and state courts generate the state's traffic records. The public can access these, but certain data are restricted under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

License Plate Lookup in Louisiana

A license plate lookup in Louisiana allows individuals to obtain information about a vehicle based on its license plate number. The information that can be revealed in this process includes vehicle details, ownership history, accident history, recall information, vehicle identification number (VIN), title and registration status, and lien information.

Individuals can contact the Louisiana OMV or visit their office to request vehicle information associated with a license plate. Those interested can also utilize various third-party websites for a license plate lookup.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Records Law in Louisiana?

Per the Louisiana Public Records Law, individuals can access all government-generated documents. However, certain documents are exempt from disclosure under this law. Below are a few examples of exempted public documents:

• Accident records or reports
• Building plans of public buildings' interiors, such as schools
• Investigative records, including pending criminal litigation held by law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and the attorney general
• Video or audio recordings from law enforcement body cameras that may infringe on the privacy rights of individuals
• Names of minors in police records, with exceptions for victims to access names of minor delinquents
• Personnel data of specific public employees

Other Public Records in Louisiana

Below are the other types of public records accessible in Louisiana:

• Louisiana Public Sex Offender Records: Sex offenders in the state are obligated to register their information with law enforcement. This information is then made publicly accessible per state laws. The LSP (Louisiana State Police) and DPS&C (Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections) oversee a sex offender registry at both state and local levels that is easily searchable for public access.
• Louisiana Warrant Records: These records provide information about outstanding or active warrants issued by state judges. The public can access them by contacting or visiting city courts, parish sheriff's posts, or city/town police departments.
• Louisiana Election Records: Voter registration information, campaign finance reports, and election results are all considered public records in Louisiana. The public can access these by visiting the Louisiana Secretary of State (in person or through their website) or contacting the local parish registrar of voters office.
• Louisiana Professional License Records: The state maintains public records for various professional licenses, such as those for doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, etc. These records can be accessed to verify an individual's licensure status and disciplinary history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals seeking more information about Louisiana public records may benefit from reviewing the following commonly asked questions:

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