Jefferson County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Jefferson County?
Public records in Jefferson County, Louisiana are defined as documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that are made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. This definition is established under the Louisiana Public Records Law § 44:1, which governs access to public records throughout the state.
Jefferson Parish maintains a comprehensive collection of public records that are available to citizens and interested parties. These records include:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court proceedings maintained by the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments, and property transfers
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
- Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax sale documents
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of Jefferson Parish Council meetings and other governmental boards
- Budget and Financial Documents: Parish financial statements, budgets, and expenditure reports
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (with certain restrictions)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and planning documents
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, particularly court and property records. The Clerk's Office maintains an extensive archive of public documents dating back many decades, with newer records increasingly available through digital platforms. Other records are maintained by specific parish departments according to their functions and responsibilities.
Citizens seeking access to public records in Jefferson Parish may contact the appropriate department directly or submit a formal public records request through the parish government.
Is Jefferson County an Open Records County?
Jefferson Parish fully adheres to the Louisiana Public Records Law, making it an open records jurisdiction. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:31, "any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, and except as otherwise provided by law." This statute establishes a presumption of openness for government records in Louisiana.
The law specifically states that "providing access to public records is a responsibility and duty of the appointive or elective office of a custodian and his employees." This provision underscores the obligation of Jefferson Parish officials to facilitate public access to government records.
Jefferson Parish has implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state transparency laws. The parish government maintains a dedicated public records request process that allows citizens to submit formal requests for documents. This process is designed to fulfill the parish's obligations under § 44:32, which requires custodians to "present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests."
In addition to the Public Records Law, Jefferson Parish also complies with Louisiana's Open Meetings Law (R.S. 42:11-28), often referred to as the "Sunshine Law," which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public. Together, these laws create a framework for governmental transparency in Jefferson Parish.
The parish has established an official public records policy that outlines procedures for requesting and obtaining public documents. This policy is designed to balance the public's right to information with the practical considerations of records management and the protection of confidential information as required by law.
How to Find Public Records in Jefferson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking access to Jefferson Parish public records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The parish currently provides multiple avenues for records access:
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Online Access: Many Jefferson Parish records are available through the parish's official website. Citizens may access:
- Property records through the Assessor's Office online database
- Court records through the Clerk of Court's online portal
- Parish Council meeting minutes and agendas
- Building permits and code enforcement records
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Submit a Formal Public Records Request: For records not readily available online, individuals may submit a formal public records request to the appropriate parish department. Requests can be submitted:
- Online through the Jefferson Parish Public Records Request portal
- In person at the relevant department office
- By mail to the custodian of the requested records
- By email to the designated records custodian
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Visit Parish Offices: Many records may be inspected in person during regular business hours at:
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Thomas F. Donelon Building
200 Derbigny Street, Suite 5600
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 364-2900
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Jefferson Parish Assessor's Office
Joseph S. Yenni Building
1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 901
Jefferson, LA 70123
(504) 736-6300
Jefferson Parish Assessor
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, and other vital records can be obtained from:
Louisiana Department of Health - Vital Records Registry
1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 593-5100
Louisiana Vital Records
When submitting a public records request, individuals should:
- Be as specific as possible about the records being sought
- Include relevant dates, names, and document types
- Provide contact information for follow-up questions
- Specify preferred format (electronic or paper copies)
Parish officials are required to respond to records requests promptly. Under Louisiana law, if the record is immediately available, it must be presented at once. If not immediately available, the custodian must promptly certify this in writing and fix a day and hour within three working days for the exercise of the right to inspect the records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Jefferson County?
Jefferson Parish assesses fees for public records in accordance with Louisiana Public Records Law § 44:32(C), which permits charging reasonable fees for copying public records. The current fee structure for obtaining public records in Jefferson Parish is as follows:
Standard Copy Fees:
- Black and white copies: $0.25 per page (letter or legal size)
- Color copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
- Large format documents (maps, plans, etc.): $5.00 per page
Electronic Records:
- Records provided via email: No charge for the electronic delivery (copying fees may still apply)
- Records provided on CD/DVD: $5.00 per disc plus copying costs
- Records provided on USB drive: $10.00 per drive plus copying costs
Specialized Records:
- Court records: Fees vary by document type as set by the Clerk of Court
- Property records: Recording fees and copy fees as established by parish ordinance
- Vital records: Set by the Louisiana Department of Health (currently $9.00 for first copy, $7.00 for each additional copy of the same record)
Research and Compilation Fees:
- Standard records search: No charge for the first 30 minutes
- Extended research: $25.00 per hour after the first 30 minutes
- Computer programming or data compilation: Actual cost based on staff time
Jefferson Parish accepts the following payment methods:
- Cash (in-person requests only)
- Personal checks (made payable to Jefferson Parish)
- Money orders
- Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
- Electronic payment for online requests
It is important to note that under Louisiana law, fees may be reduced or waived if the custodian determines that the request is in the public interest. Additionally, while fees may be charged for copies, the inspection of public records is generally free of charge, unless extensive staff time is required to locate or prepare records for inspection.
Requestors should be aware that fees may vary depending on the specific department or office maintaining the records. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, for example, maintains its own fee schedule for court documents as authorized by state law.
Does Jefferson County Have Free Public Records?
Jefferson Parish provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Louisiana Public Records Law. Under § 44:32(A), the public has the right to inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. This provision ensures that citizens can view public documents without incurring costs, even if obtaining copies may involve fees.
The following free public records services are currently available in Jefferson Parish:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Court records at the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court's office
- Property assessment records at the Assessor's Office
- Parish Council meeting minutes and agendas
- Building permits and planning documents
- Budget and financial reports
Free Online Resources:
- Jefferson Parish Government website provides access to:
- Parish Council meeting agendas and minutes
- Parish ordinances and codes
- Budget documents
- Public notices
- The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court offers limited online access to court record indexes
- The Jefferson Parish Assessor's Office provides property assessment information online
- The Louisiana Secretary of State's website offers business entity searches
Public Access Terminals: Jefferson Parish provides public access computer terminals at several government facilities where citizens can search and view digital records at no cost:
- Jefferson Parish East Bank Regional Library
- Jefferson Parish West Bank Regional Library
- Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court's Office
While inspection is free, it is important to note that copying or printing documents from these resources may still incur standard fees. Additionally, some specialized databases or comprehensive searches may require staff assistance, which could potentially involve research fees for extensive requests.
For individuals with limited financial resources, Jefferson Parish may consider reducing or waiving copy fees if the request is determined to be in the public interest or if the requestor demonstrates financial hardship, though this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Who Can Request Public Records in Jefferson County?
Under Louisiana Public Records Law § 44:31, "any person of the age of majority" may request public records in Jefferson Parish. This broad eligibility requirement establishes that:
- Requestors must be at least 18 years of age
- Louisiana residency is not required to request public records
- Citizenship status is not a factor in determining eligibility
- No statement of purpose or justification is generally required
The law specifically states that the custodian shall make no inquiry of any person who applies for a public record, except to establish the identity of the requestor or to determine if there are any applicable fees. This provision ensures that access to public records is not contingent upon explaining why the information is being sought.
For most general public records in Jefferson Parish, requestors:
- May remain anonymous for records inspected in person
- Must provide basic contact information for records to be copied or sent
- Are not required to disclose the intended use of the records
- Do not need to demonstrate any "legitimate interest" in the records
However, certain specialized records do have additional restrictions:
Vital Records (Birth, Death Certificates):
- Only the person named in the record, immediate family members, or legal representatives may obtain full copies
- Must provide identification and proof of relationship
- Governed by Louisiana R.S. § 40:41
Voter Registration Records:
- Commercial use is restricted
- Certain personal information is redacted
- Governed by Louisiana Election Code
Criminal History Records:
- Complete criminal histories are restricted to authorized agencies
- Individuals may request their own records with proper identification
- Public may access limited court records of criminal proceedings
Juvenile Records:
- Generally confidential with limited exceptions
- Access typically restricted to the juvenile, parents, attorneys, and authorized agencies
When requesting your own records versus those of others, different standards may apply. For personal records containing confidential information, proper identification is typically required to verify that the requestor has the right to access such information.
What Records Are Confidential in Jefferson County?
While Jefferson Parish operates under Louisiana's Public Records Law, certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure or have restricted access. These exemptions are primarily established by Louisiana R.S. § 44:4.1, which incorporates numerous statutory exceptions throughout Louisiana law. The following records are generally considered confidential in Jefferson Parish:
Court and Legal Records:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court proceedings and records
- Grand jury proceedings and testimony
- Pending criminal investigation records
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Records related to pending litigation involving the parish
Personal and Private Information:
- Social Security numbers, financial account information, and other personal identifiers
- Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
- Personnel records containing private information (though general employment information is public)
- Individual tax returns and financial information
- Student education records protected under FERPA
- Library user records and information about specific materials borrowed
Sensitive Government Information:
- Security procedures and plans for public buildings and infrastructure
- Computer security information that would compromise government systems
- Certain law enforcement investigative techniques
- Emergency preparedness plans that could compromise public safety
- Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted to government agencies
- Economic development negotiations prior to final agreement
Family and Social Services Records:
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Adoption records and proceedings
- Certain domestic violence and abuse records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Records of social services provided to individuals
Other Protected Records:
- Certain environmental and public health investigations prior to completion
- Records specifically protected by other state or federal laws
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
It is important to note that under Louisiana law, when a record contains both public and confidential information, the custodian must separate the public portions and make them available while protecting the confidential content. This process, known as redaction, allows for maximum disclosure while still protecting legally confidential information.
The determination of whether a record is exempt from disclosure often involves a balancing test weighing the public's right to know against privacy interests or other statutory protections. Jefferson Parish officials are required to interpret exemptions narrowly to favor disclosure when possible.
Jefferson County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Thomas F. Donelon Building
200 Derbigny Street, Suite 5600
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 364-2900
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and parish holidays
East Bank Office Location:
Joseph S. Yenni Building
1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 603
Jefferson, LA 70123
(504) 736-6390
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and parish holidays
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official recorder of documents for the parish. The office is responsible for maintaining and providing access to a wide range of public records, including:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, conveyances)
- Civil and criminal court records
- Marriage licenses
- Notarial archives
- Judgments and liens
- Business records
- Election records
The Clerk's Office provides the following services related to public records:
- Document recording and filing
- Certified copies of recorded documents
- Marriage license applications
- Passport application processing
- Court record searches
- Notarial services
For specific inquiries about property records or to conduct research, the public may contact:
Land Records Division
(504) 364-2954
Civil Records Division
(504) 364-2971
Criminal Records Division
(504) 364-2929
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court maintains both physical and electronic records. Many recent records are available through computer terminals at the office locations. The Clerk's Office staff is available to assist with locating records, though research services may incur additional fees for extensive requests.
Lookup Public Records in Jefferson County
Jefferson Parish Official Website
Jefferson Parish Public Records Request Portal
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court