Find Louisiana Public Records
Is Louisiana a Public Records State?
The mission of this platform is to ensure that all residents of Louisiana have the right to access, review, and inspect public records. This initiative aligns with the Louisiana Public Records Act, which mandates that government information and records be accessible to the public. Louisiana State Records provides access to criminal records, court records, vital records, and over 42 million other public records.
What is Public Information in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Public Records Law guarantees that most records generated by state agencies are accessible to the public. Interested individuals can submit official requests to inspect or obtain copies of these records. Governmental entities are required to respond to all such requests.
Public records in Louisiana encompass a wide range of documents used by an agency to conduct public business, as defined by the Louisiana Constitution. These records include books, writings, maps, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and other documentary materials, regardless of their form (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 44:(2)(a)).
How Do I Look Up Public Records in Louisiana?
To inspect or copy public records in Louisiana, individuals must submit an official request to the relevant agency. The following steps outline how to access public records:
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Determine the Type of Record: Identify the specific information needed. Different agencies at the state and parish levels maintain various types of public records. For example, arrest records are maintained by county sheriff's offices, while vital records like marriage, birth, and death certificates are kept by parish or county clerks.
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Identify the Agency in Charge: Confirm which agency holds the record. Court records are available from the clerk of the court that heard the case, while inmate information can be obtained from the relevant sheriff’s office.
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Create a Request: Describe the desired record adequately. Although oral requests are accepted, written requests are often preferred. Requests should include the type of record, information on the record (e.g., names and dates), the requester’s contact information, and the preferred delivery method.
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Submit the Request: Follow the agency’s submission instructions, which may include in-person, fax, mail, phone, or online submissions. Some methods may incur fees, while others may be free.
Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Louisiana Public Records Obtaining
City Records
Third-party websites may provide access to public city records. These platforms offer intuitive tools for expansive searches. Users must provide sufficient information, such as the name of the subject, the address of the requester, a case or file number, and the location of the document or person involved. Note that these sites are not government-sponsored, so record availability and accuracy may vary.
Public Records
Public records can also be accessed through third-party aggregate websites. These sites offer non-geographically limited search services. Users must provide enough information to assist with the search, such as the name and last known location of the record subject. As these sites are not government-sponsored, the availability and accuracy of results can vary.
How To Look Up Public Records in Louisiana for Free?
Free access to Louisiana public records is possible through inspection. According to La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 44:32(C)(3), agencies may charge fees for physical copies but must not charge for inspecting non-confidential records. Agencies may also waive or reduce fees for indigent citizens or requests made for public purposes (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 44:32(C)(2)).
Some public records are available online at no cost. For example, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) maintains a Sex Offender and Child Predatory Registry with free information. Additionally, self-service computers at county clerks' or recorders' offices can be used to research public records for free, though a nominal fee may be required for obtaining copies.
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