Birth Certificates

Our Health Information Management team is here to support you through the process of applying for your baby’s birth certificate. We're committed to making the process as simple and convenient as possible.

After Your Baby Is Born

Following delivery, a birth certificate representative will visit you to gather the information needed to complete your baby’s birth certificate application. Once submitted, you’ll receive a complimentary birth verification letter, which can be used for insurance or pediatric visits until the official birth certificate arrives from the Louisiana Office of Vital Records (typically within 3–6 months).

Contact Information

Need help or an additional birth verification letter?

• Phone: (985) 230-6496
• Email: birthcertificate@northoaks.org
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm

Birth Verification Letter

After completing your baby's birth certificate packet, you'll receive a birth verification letter. This confirms that the hospital has submitted your baby’s birth certificate request. Use it to enroll your baby in health insurance or for their first pediatrician visit. To request another copy, please contact our Birth Certificate Office.

How to Get a Certified Copy

Certified copies are issued by the Louisiana Office of Vital Records approximately 3–6 months after birth. To request an additional copy:

• Call the Office of Vital Records at (504) 593-5100
• Note: A fee applies for each additional copy

Your Child’s Social Security Number

When completing the birth certificate packet, you’ll have the option to request a Social Security number for your baby. Cards typically arrive within 2–4 months. If you need one sooner, you can visit your local Social Security Administration office or call (800) 722-1213. Learn more on the Social Security Number and Card page.

Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP)

To establish paternity, the following legal documents are available:

• Acknowledgement of Paternity: Child Born Outside of Marriage – Used when the mother was not married at the time of the child’s birth or within 300 days before it.
• Acknowledgement of Paternity: Child Born of Marriage – Used when the mother was married to someone other than the biological father or was divorced less than 300 days before birth.

Louisiana state law requires this process for legal paternity acknowledgment. For more information, visit the State Registrar & Vital Records page on the Louisiana Department of Health website.

Important Information for Minor Parents

Louisiana law places special requirements on minors who wish to execute an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP).

• Parents Under Age 16 – An unemancipated minor who is under 16 years of age cannot execute an Acknowledgement of Paternity.
• Parents Ages 16 or 17 – An unemancipated minor who is 16 or 17 years of age must obtain judicial authorization before executing an Acknowledgement of Paternity.
• Judicial Authorization Process – Requests for judicial authorization must be submitted to a court with jurisdiction in the parish where the minor parent resides or where the child resides. The court will consider the best interests of both the minor parent and the child before granting authorization.
• Hospital-Based Acknowledgements – A voluntary acknowledgement of paternity signed through a hospital-based paternity program has the same legal effect as an authentic act when properly completed and notarized according to Louisiana law.

For additional information regarding minors executing an Acknowledgement of Paternity, visit the https://legis.la.gov/ Louisiana State Legislature website.

Commemorative Birth Certificate

Louisiana offers a commemorative birth certificate that is designed for display purposes and may bear the state seal and the governor's signature.

• Commemorative Birth Certificate – A decorative version of a birth certificate available through the Louisiana Office of Public Health. This certificate is intended for display and commemorative purposes.
• Fee – The cost of a commemorative birth certificate is $50. Fees support the production and administration of commemorative certificates, as well as women's and community health programs in Louisiana.

For more information or to request a commemorative birth certificate, visit the State Registrar & Vital Records page on the Louisiana Department of Health website.