Louisiana § RS 40:40 - Fees for certified copies

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:40 — Fees for certified copies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 40:40. Fees for certified copies

Fees for filing, searching, and furnishing copies of vital records shall be determined as follows:

(1)  A fee of five dollars for the issuance of a short-form birth certification card.

(2)  A fee of eleven dollars for the issuance of a certified photocopy or certified record of an original birth record, or "long-form" copy.

(3)  A fee of nine dollars for the issuance of an initial certified copy of a death certificate sold to funeral directors, and a fee of seven dollars for all subsequent issuances of the same death certificate.

(4)  A nonrefundable fee of eighteen dollars for filing a delayed certificate of birth or death.

(5)  A fee of five dollars for each certified copy of a delayed certificate of birth or death.

(6)  A fee of fifteen dollars for each marriage license and a fee of five dollars for each certified copy of a marriage certificate.

(7)  Repealed by Acts 2003, No. 657, §2.

(8)  A nonrefundable fee of eighteen dollars for filing an acknowledgment in connection with a certificate of birth on file.

(9)  A nonrefundable fee of eighteen dollars for filing an adoption judgment in connection with a certificate of birth on file.

(10)  A nonrefundable fee of eighteen dollars for filing of any correction of a birth or death certificate, except corrections that are initiated within ninety days of the filing date shall be made without charge.

(11)  A fee of five dollars for each certified copy of a certificate after amendment by the filing of an acknowledgment, adoption, or correction.

(12)  In the event that there is no record on file, the fee shall be retained to cover time consumed in searching for any record.

(13)  Services provided to public bodies shall be subject to regulations duly promulgated in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

(14)  Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Paragraphs of this Section to the contrary, in no case shall a fee be charged for the first certified copy of a birth certificate mailed to the address of the parent shown on the newborn child's birth certificate.  This certified copy shall be mailed as soon as practical after the birth certificate has been accepted for registration and numbering.  Fees for subsequent certified copies of birth certificates shall be charged in accordance with other Paragraphs of this Section.

(15)  A fee of ten dollars for each certified copy of an evidentiary document.

(16)  A fee of ten dollars for each certified copy of a divorce certificate.

(17)  A fee of ten dollars for issuance of a putative father registry certificate.

Acts 1979, No. 776, §1.  Amended by Acts 1982, No. 460, §1; Acts 1983, No. 477, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1983; Acts 1985, No. 347, §1, eff. July 9, 1985; Acts 1986, No. 876, §1; Acts 1990, No. 237, §1; Acts 1992, No. 461, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 1138, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 125, §1, eff. July 1, 2000; Acts 2003, No. 657, §§1 and 2; Acts 2004, No. 26, §13.

Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 40:40

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:40 cover?

Section RS 40:40 ("Fees for certified copies") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Louisiana § RS 40:40?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 40:40" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Louisiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.

How does Louisiana § RS 40:40 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.