Metairie Birth Records
Metairie birth records are handled through the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, not through any Metairie city office. Metairie is an unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish, so there is no city government to contact for birth certificates. Residents can request certified copies at the First Parish Court location in Metairie or at other Jefferson Parish Clerk offices, or they can order directly from the Louisiana Vital Records Registry in New Orleans.
Metairie Quick Facts
Find Birth Records in Metairie
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court operates three locations where residents can get birth certificates. One of those is in Metairie itself. The First Parish Court at 924 David Drive, Metairie, LA 70003 is the most convenient option for Metairie residents. This is a walk-in service, and you do not need an appointment. Staff issue certificates on the spot after you complete the application and show proper ID.
The other two Jefferson Parish Clerk locations are the Second Parish Court at 100 Huey P. Long Ave. in Gretna and the Juvenile Court at 1546 Gretna Blvd. in Harvey. All three locations offer birth and death certificate services. Call the main office at (504) 364-2900 if you have questions before your visit.
| Metairie Location | First Parish Court 924 David Drive, Metairie, LA 70003 |
|---|---|
| Main Phone | (504) 364-2900 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | jpclerkofcourt.us |
| Payment | Cash, check, or money order only (no credit cards) |
Note: Arrive before 4:00 p.m. if the person was born before 1983. Older records may need updating from the Bureau of Vital Statistics and that process can take up to an hour.
Fees for Metairie Birth Certificates
Jefferson Parish Clerk fees match the standard rates set for parish clerk offices across Louisiana. A birth certificate costs $34.00. If you need a birth card along with the certificate, the pair is $48.00. You cannot purchase the birth card on its own. Death certificates are available for $26.00, but only for deaths registered in Louisiana.
One thing to know about Jefferson Parish: the clerk does not accept credit cards. Bring cash, a check, or a money order. This is different from some other parish clerks that accept cards. Plan ahead so you are not turned away at the window.
If you want to pay less per copy, order directly from the state. The Louisiana Vital Records Registry charges $15.00 for a long-form birth certificate. Order online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com or call 1-877-605-8562. VitalChek charges a processing fee on top. Mail orders sent to the state at P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160 take 8-10 weeks to process.
Jefferson Parish Clerk Birth Records
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court birth and death certificate page lists all three office locations in detail, including hours and what to bring. It also explains the rules for older records and what to expect during your visit.
The Jefferson Parish Clerk's site makes it easy to find the right location near you and understand what is needed before you go.
The Louisiana Vital Records Registry is the state-level source for all Louisiana birth records. Their website explains online ordering, mail orders, and walk-in options at the central New Orleans office.
The state vital records site also covers eligibility, fees, and what forms of ID are accepted for birth certificate requests.
Who Can Request Metairie Birth Records
Louisiana is a closed-record state. Birth records are confidential for 100 years under LSA R.S. 40:36. You cannot get a certified copy just by asking for it. The law under LSA R.S. 40:41 defines who is eligible to receive one.
Eligible people include the person named on the certificate, their current legal spouse, parents, adult children, brothers and sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, and attorneys who represent any of these individuals under a signed contract. Legal guardians with a court-issued judgment of custody can also request copies. Notarized papers are not enough. The document must be a formal court order signed by a judge.
In-laws, step-parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and ex-spouses do not qualify under Louisiana law. These rules apply at all Jefferson Parish Clerk locations, including the Metairie office.
How to Get a Birth Certificate in Metairie
Getting a birth certificate in Metairie takes a few steps. First, confirm you are eligible under LSA R.S. 40:41. Second, gather your ID. You need one primary document such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you do not have a primary document, bring two secondary ones such as a W-2 plus Social Security card.
Go to the First Parish Court at 924 David Drive during business hours. Walk in and ask for a birth certificate application at the counter. Fill it out and hand it back with your ID and payment. Staff will look up the record in the state database and print the certificate. If the person was born before 1983 and has not recently updated the record, allow extra time.
If you prefer not to visit in person, you have two other options. Use VitalChek online to order from the state. Or mail a written request with your ID copy and payment to the Louisiana Vital Records Registry in New Orleans. Mail orders take much longer, so the parish clerk is usually the fastest path for Metairie residents.
Jefferson Parish Birth Records
Metairie is an unincorporated part of Jefferson Parish, and birth certificate requests go through the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. For more details on all three clerk locations, full fee schedules, and Jefferson Parish birth record resources, see the parish page.