St. Tammany County Public Records
What Are Public Records in St. Tammany County?
Public records in St. Tammany Parish are defined under the Louisiana Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, as "all books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers...prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business" of public bodies. These documents provide citizens with transparency into government operations and are fundamental to maintaining an open democracy.
St. Tammany Parish maintains numerous categories of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court proceedings maintained by the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments
- 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 and assessment records maintained by the St. Tammany Parish Assessor's Office
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Documentation from Parish Council meetings, boards, and commissions
- 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 land use plans maintained by the St. Tammany Parish Permits and Inspections Department
The St. Tammany Parish Government serves as the central authority for many public records, while specialized records are maintained by specific departments:
St. Tammany Parish Government
21490 Koop Drive
Mandeville, LA 70471
(985) 898-2700
St. Tammany Parish Government
Is St. Tammany County an Open Records County?
St. Tammany Parish fully adheres to Louisiana's Public Records Law as established in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This comprehensive statute establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records with limited exceptions. Under § 44:31, the law explicitly states that "any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record" and "any person may obtain a copy or reproduction of any public record."
The parish operates under the principle that all government records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law. This presumption of openness aligns with the state constitution, which declares in Article XII, Section 3 that "No person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law."
St. Tammany Parish has implemented specific procedures for handling public records requests in compliance with state law. The parish maintains a dedicated public records request portal where citizens can submit formal requests for documents. Parish officials are required to respond to these requests promptly, typically within three business days as mandated by state law.
Additionally, St. Tammany Parish complies with Louisiana's Open Meetings Law (R.S. § 42:11-28), which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to public observation and that adequate notice be provided prior to such meetings.
How to Find Public Records in St. Tammany County in 2026
Accessing public records in St. Tammany Parish involves several straightforward methods depending on the type of record sought. The parish has established multiple channels to facilitate public access to government information.
For general parish records, individuals may:
- Submit an online request through the St. Tammany Parish public records request portal
- Visit the appropriate parish department in person during regular business hours
- Mail a written request to the specific department that maintains the desired records
- Contact the department by telephone to inquire about record availability
For court-related documents, the process involves:
- Access the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court's online records portal
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office in person at either the Covington or Slidell location
- Submit a written request by mail with appropriate identification and fees
For property records, individuals may:
- Use the St. Tammany Parish Assessor's online property database
- Visit the Assessor's Office in person to review property assessment records
- Request certified copies of property documents from the Clerk of Court
For vital records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees:
- Contact the Louisiana Vital Records Registry for birth and death certificates
- Visit the Clerk of Court for marriage licenses and divorce decrees
When submitting any public records request, requestors should:
- Clearly identify the specific records sought
- Provide contact information for follow-up questions
- Specify the preferred format for receiving the records (electronic or paper)
- Include any relevant dates, names, or file numbers to facilitate record location
Parish officials are required by Louisiana law to respond to requests within three business days, either by providing the requested records or explaining why additional time is needed.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in St. Tammany County?
St. Tammany Parish assesses fees for public records in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, which permits charging "reasonable fees" for copies of public records. The current fee structure for obtaining public records in St. Tammany Parish is as follows:
- Standard paper copies: $0.25 per page for black and white copies
- Color copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
- Electronic records: $0.25 per page for conversion from paper to digital format
- Records provided on CD/DVD: $5.00 per disc plus applicable conversion fees
- Large format documents (maps, plans): $5.00 per square foot
Additional fees may apply for specialized records:
- Property record searches: $20.00 per name or property
- Court record searches: $10.00 per name
- Marriage licenses: $27.50
- Certified copies of birth certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $15.00 for each additional copy
- Certified copies of death certificates: $14.00 for the first copy, $14.00 for each additional copy
The parish currently accepts the following payment methods:
- Cash (in-person requests only)
- Check or money order (made payable to the specific department)
- Credit/debit cards (for certain departments and online requests)
If the cost of fulfilling a request is expected to exceed $25.00, parish officials may require advance payment before processing the request. For extensive or complex requests requiring substantial staff time, additional research fees may be assessed at a rate of $25.00 per hour after the first hour.
It is important to note that while fees are charged for copies, Louisiana law provides that examination of public records must be permitted at no charge during regular business hours.
Does St. Tammany County Have Free Public Records?
St. Tammany Parish provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, which states that "the custodian shall allow any person...to examine public records at reasonable times during regular office hours." This statutory provision ensures that while copies may incur fees, the inspection of public records remains free of charge.
The following free public record resources are available to the public:
- In-person inspection of any non-exempt public record during regular business hours at the appropriate parish office
- Online access to the St. Tammany Parish Council meeting agendas and minutes
- The St. Tammany Parish Assessor's property database for basic property information
- Parish ordinances and codes available through the parish website
- Public notices and announcements posted on the parish government website
- Parish budget documents and financial reports accessible online
- Election results and voter information through the Secretary of State's website
For in-person inspection, visitors may:
- Visit the appropriate parish department during regular business hours
- Request to view specific records
- Examine the records on-site without charge
- Take notes or photographs of records (where permitted)
The St. Tammany Parish Library system also provides public access computers where residents can access online parish records at no cost. Additionally, many departments maintain public terminals specifically for accessing digital records within their offices.
While inspection is free, it should be noted that if copies are requested after inspection, standard copying fees will apply as outlined in the fee schedule.
Who Can Request Public Records in St. Tammany County?
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:31, "any person of the age of majority" may request public records in St. Tammany Parish. This broad eligibility criterion reflects Louisiana's commitment to government transparency and open access to public information. The law specifically states that the nationality, state citizenship, or residency status of the requestor is not relevant to their right to access public records.
Key points regarding eligibility to request public records include:
- Requestors must be at least 18 years of age (the age of majority in Louisiana)
- Non-residents of St. Tammany Parish or Louisiana have the same rights to access public records as residents
- Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request for most public records
- Identification is generally not required for routine record requests, though it may be necessary for certain sensitive records
- Corporate entities, media organizations, and other non-individual requestors may also submit public records requests
For most general public records, requestors need only provide:
- A clear description of the records sought
- Contact information for communication regarding the request
- Payment of applicable fees for copies (if copies are requested)
However, certain types of records do have additional requirements:
- Vital records (birth/death certificates): Requestors must demonstrate a legitimate interest and may need to provide identification
- Criminal history records: Access may be restricted to the subject of the records or their authorized representatives
- Medical records: Generally restricted to the patient or their authorized representative
- Juvenile court records: Access is typically limited to parties to the case or their legal representatives
The parish custodian of records may not inquire about the requestor's motivation except in limited circumstances where such inquiry is necessary to determine if an exemption applies. Additionally, the custodian may not discriminate among requestors based on their identity or intended use of the records.
What Records Are Confidential in St. Tammany County?
While St. Tammany Parish operates under a presumption of openness regarding public records, Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:4.1 establishes numerous exceptions to public records disclosure. These exemptions protect privacy, security, and other important interests. The following categories of records are generally considered confidential and exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile Records: Court proceedings, arrest records, and other documents related to minors are confidential under Louisiana Children's Code Art. 412
- Medical and Health Information: Records containing personal health information protected under HIPAA and state medical privacy laws
- Ongoing Criminal Investigations: Active law enforcement investigative records that would impair ongoing investigations if released
- Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifiers contained within otherwise public records
- Personnel Records: Employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information, though certain personnel information remains public
- Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and communications between parish attorneys and officials
- Executive Session Minutes: Discussions held in properly convened executive sessions of public bodies
- Security Information: Details about security systems, emergency response plans, and critical infrastructure
- Trade Secrets and Proprietary Business Information: Confidential commercial or financial information submitted to the parish
- Adoption Records: Documents related to adoption proceedings are sealed by court order
- Child Abuse and Neglect Records: Reports and investigations of child abuse maintained by protective services
- Tax Return Information: Individual and business tax returns and related documents
- Library User Records: Information about specific materials borrowed by library patrons
- Economic Development Negotiations: Certain records related to business recruitment until agreements are finalized
Louisiana law requires that when a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the custodian must redact only the confidential portions and release the remainder. Additionally, under § 44:33, if a record custodian has any question as to whether a record is public, they must resolve the question in favor of the public's right to access.
It is important to note that exemptions are narrowly construed, and the burden of proving that a record falls under an exemption rests with the custodian denying access. Any denial of a public records request must cite the specific statutory exemption being invoked.
St. Tammany County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The recording of official documents in St. Tammany Parish is handled by the Clerk of Court's Office, which maintains land records, mortgages, conveyances, and other official documents. The office operates from two locations to serve parish residents:
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court - Covington Office
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court - Slidell Office
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays
The Clerk of Court's Office provides the following recording services:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other property documents
- Issuance of marriage licenses
- Recording of military discharge papers
- Notarial registrations
- Filing of civil and criminal court documents
- Certification of official documents
For property records specifically, the St. Tammany Parish Assessor's Office maintains assessment records and property tax information:
St. Tammany Parish Assessor's Office - Covington
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8180
St. Tammany Parish Assessor
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays
St. Tammany Parish Assessor's Office - Slidell
520 Old Spanish Trail
Slidell, LA 70458
(985) 646-1990
St. Tammany Parish Assessor
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and state holidays
Lookup Public Records in St. Tammany County
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St. Tammany Parish official information
Permits and inspections records
Louisiana vital records services
Louisiana Division of Administration public records request information