St Tammany Parish Public Records are official documents created and maintained by government agencies in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. These records include court files, arrest reports, property deeds, marriage licenses, inmate logs, and more. Under Louisiana Public Records Law, most of these documents are available to the public unless specifically exempted. Residents, researchers, attorneys, and background check services use these records for legal, personal, or business purposes. The parish offers both online access and in-person request options. Fees vary by document type and delivery method. This page explains how to find, request, and obtain St Tammany Parish Public Records quickly and correctly.
How to Request St Tammany Parish Public Records
Anyone can request St Tammany Parish Public Records by submitting a written application to the appropriate agency. The Clerk of Court handles most civil and criminal court records. The Sheriff’s Office manages arrest reports and inmate information. Property records come from the Clerk’s Land Records Division. Requests must include a clear description of the documents needed. Agencies respond within three business days as required by law. If records are denied, the agency must explain why under Louisiana Revised Statutes §44:1. Most requests are approved. Processing times range from 24 hours to 10 days depending on volume and format.
Required Information for Requests
- Full name and contact information of the requester
- Specific description of the record (e.g., case number, date, names involved)
- Purpose of the request (optional but helpful)
- Preferred delivery method (email, mail, or in-person pickup)
Providing accurate details speeds up processing. Vague requests may cause delays. Use official forms when available. Include a valid photo ID if requesting sensitive records like criminal histories.
Fees and Payment Methods
St Tammany Parish charges reasonable fees for copying and processing public records. Black-and-white copies cost $0.10 per page. Color copies cost $0.25 per page. Digital scans sent by email cost $0.15 per page. Paper copies mailed to requesters cost $0.30 per page. Additional fees apply for media like CDs or USB drives—$5 extra. Processing fees for mail or electronic requests range from $15 to $25 based on complexity. No fees are charged if you view records on-site and make your own copies using personal equipment.
Accepted Payment Types
- Cash (in person only)
- Check (made payable to the agency)
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover accepted online and in person)
Receipts are issued for all transactions. Payment must be made before records are released unless prior arrangements are approved. Fee waivers are rare and only granted in special circumstances.
Online Access to St Tammany Parish Public Records
Many St Tammany Parish Public Records are available online at no cost. The Clerk of Court’s website provides free searches for civil and criminal court cases, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and property deeds. The Sheriff’s Office offers an online portal for arrest reports, incident summaries, and inmate lookup. Users can filter results by date, name, or record type. Downloads are available in PDF or CSV format. No subscription is required. The databases update nightly to reflect new filings.
Search Tips for Online Portals
- Use exact names and dates when possible
- Try alternate spellings if no results appear
- Check multiple sections (e.g., civil vs. criminal court)
- Bookmark frequent searches for faster access
For technical help, call the Records Help Desk at (985) 809-8225 during business hours. Staff can assist with search strategies and explain data fields.
Court Records in St Tammany Parish
Court records in St Tammany Parish include civil lawsuits, criminal cases, probate matters, and family court decisions. These documents are managed by the Clerk of Court and stored at the Justice Center in Covington. Records date back decades and are digitized for easy access. Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney. Each record shows filings, judgments, motions, and hearing dates. Certified copies are available for legal use.
Types of Court Records Available
- Civil case files (contracts, property disputes, small claims)
- Criminal dockets (misdemeanors, felonies, traffic violations)
- Probate records (wills, estate administrations)
- Family court orders (divorce, child custody, adoptions)
All court records follow Louisiana state law. Some older files may only be available in physical form at the courthouse. Call (985) 809-8710 to confirm availability before visiting.
Arrest and Criminal Records
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports, booking photos, and criminal history summaries. These records are public unless sealed by a judge. Requests can be made online through the GovQA portal or in person at the Sheriff’s Office. Fees are tiered: $15 for a single-page summary, $22 for a detailed report with fingerprints, and $30 for a full dossier including chain-of-custody logs. Electronic delivery takes 48 hours. Mailed copies take 5–7 business days.
Eligibility to Request Criminal Records
- Individuals requesting their own records
- Employers with written consent
- Attorneys representing clients
- Researchers with valid justification
All requesters must provide a valid photo ID. Records involving minors or active investigations may be restricted. Refer to Louisiana Revised Statutes §17:714 for disclosure rules.
Property and Land Records
Land records in St Tammany Parish include deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and historical maps. These are maintained by the Clerk of Court’s Land Records Division. Certified copies are used for real estate transactions, title searches, and legal disputes. Digital scans are available via secure email. Physical copies are printed on archival-grade paper. Search by parcel number, owner name, or filing date. Results display in chronological order.
Common Uses for Land Records
- Buying or selling property
- Resolving boundary disputes
- Checking for unpaid taxes or liens
- Researching family history
Staff are available at (985) 809-8710 to verify authenticity or schedule research appointments. Walk-in visits are welcome at the Justice Center, 701 N. Columbia Street, Covington.
Inmate and Jail Records
Current inmate information is updated daily on the Sheriff’s Office website. Users can search by name or booking number. Records show charges, bond amounts, court dates, and release status. Historical inmate logs date back to 2005. These are useful for background checks, victim notifications, or family inquiries. No fee is charged for online viewing. Certified copies require a formal request and payment.
How to Locate an Inmate
- Visit the STPSO inmate search page
- Enter the full name or booking ID
- Review the results for current status
- Call (985) 809-8242 for additional details
Visitation rules and schedules are also posted online. All visits must be scheduled in advance.
Vital Records: Birth, Death, Marriage
St Tammany Parish issues marriage licenses and maintains records of divorces. Birth and death certificates are handled by the Louisiana Department of Health, not the parish. However, the Clerk of Court keeps copies of marriage licenses and divorce decrees. These records are searchable online. Certified copies cost $25 each. Requests must include the full names of both parties and the date of the event.
Marriage License Requirements
- Both parties must appear in person
- Valid government-issued photo ID required
- No waiting period in Louisiana
- License valid for 30 days
Divorce records are sealed for 50 years after the final judgment. Only parties involved or their attorneys can access them without a court order.
Business and Licensing Records
The Finance Department issues business licenses and maintains records of local permits. These documents are public and show business name, address, owner, and license status. Researchers can verify if a company is legally operating in the parish. Records are updated monthly. Downloadable lists are available in CSV format for bulk analysis.
Types of Business Records
- General business licenses
- Contractor permits
- Liquor licenses
- Home occupation permits
For questions, contact the Finance Department at (985) 809-8000. Applications for new licenses are submitted online.
School and Education Records
St Tammany Parish Public Schools manage student transcripts, attendance logs, and staff personnel files. These records are protected under FERPA but can be released with written consent. The Custodian of Records, Steve Alfonso, oversees all requests. A $10 processing fee applies. Records are stored securely and backed up nightly. Contact the office at (985) 809-8230 or visit 321 N. Theard Street, Covington, LA 70433.
Common School Record Requests
- Transcripts for college applications
- Attendance verification for court
- Employment background checks
- Alumni verification
Requests must be submitted in writing. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
Budget and Government Meeting Records
The Clerk of Court posts public hearing notices, budget documents, and renovation plans online. Meetings are open to residents and streamed live. Agendas include line-item reviews of the General Fund and capital projects. Written comments can be submitted in advance. Past meeting minutes and financial reports are archived and searchable. This promotes transparency and citizen engagement.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Thursday, March 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., the Clerk will hold a hearing at the Justice Center to review the FY 2021–2022 budget and discuss courthouse renovations. Remote participation is available via live webcast.
Free Public Records Portals
Several free websites aggregate St Tammany Parish Public Records from multiple sources. These include business licenses, court filings, warrants, inmate logs, voter registration, and property assessments. Data is refreshed nightly. Users can filter by type, date, or keyword. No login or subscription is needed. Each entry includes a direct download link.
Popular Free Search Platforms
- Louisiana State Records
- OnlineSearches.com
- PublicRecords.onlinesearches.com
These sites are not official government sources but provide convenient access. Always verify critical information with the originating agency.
Legal Basis for Public Access
Louisiana Public Records Law (La. Rev. Stat. 44:1 et seq.) guarantees the right to inspect and copy government documents. Exemptions include ongoing investigations, personal privacy, trade secrets, and juvenile records. Agencies must respond within three business days. Denials must be justified in writing. Appeals can be filed with the district attorney or through civil court. The law ensures accountability and open government.
Key Provisions of the Law
- All records created by public bodies are presumed open
- Fees must be reasonable and based on actual cost
- Electronic records must be provided in usable formats
- Agencies cannot require a reason for the request
For legal guidance, contact the Records Compliance Officer at (985) 809-8230.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Most St Tammany Parish agencies operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Clerk of Court and Sheriff’s Office are located at the Justice Center, 701 N. Columbia Street, Covington, LA 70433. Phone numbers and services vary by department. Always call ahead to confirm hours, especially during holidays.
| Agency | Phone | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Court | (985) 809-8710 | 701 N. Columbia St, Covington |
| Sheriff’s Office Records | (985) 809-8242 | 701 N. Columbia St, Covington |
| Public Schools Custodian | (985) 809-8230 | 321 N. Theard St, Covington |
| Records Help Desk | (985) 809-8225 | Online and phone support |
Official website: www.sttammanyclerk.org Sheriff’s portal: www.stpso.com Parish government: www.stpgov.org
Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask about fees, access rights, and record types when searching for St Tammany Parish Public Records. Below are answers to the most common questions based on current policies and Louisiana law.
Can I get public records for free?
Yes, many records are free to view online. You can search court cases, property deeds, and inmate status at no cost. However, certified copies, mailed documents, or special formats usually require payment. In-person viewing with your own copying equipment avoids all fees. Always check the specific agency’s policy before submitting a request.
How long does it take to receive records?
Electronic requests are typically processed within 48 hours. Mailed copies take 5–10 business days. Complex or large requests may take longer. The agency must provide an estimated timeline upon receipt. Delays can occur during peak periods or if additional verification is needed. Follow up by phone if you don’t receive a response within the promised timeframe.
Are criminal records public in St Tammany Parish?
Yes, most criminal records are public unless sealed by a judge. Arrest reports, booking details, and court dispositions are available to anyone. However, records involving minors or active investigations may be restricted. You must provide a valid ID and may need to specify the purpose. Refer to Louisiana Revised Statutes §17:714 for full disclosure rules.
Can I request records by mail?
Yes, you can mail a written request to the appropriate agency. Include your contact information, a clear description of the records, and a check for fees. Mail to: Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 1129, Covington, LA 70434. Processing begins once payment is received. Allow extra time for postal delivery. For faster service, use the online portal or visit in person.
What if my request is denied?
If your request is denied, the agency must explain the reason in writing within three business days. Common reasons include exemptions for privacy, ongoing investigations, or incomplete information. You can appeal the decision by contacting the Records Compliance Officer or filing a complaint with the district attorney. Legal action is also an option if the denial violates state law.
Do I need a lawyer to get public records?
No, you do not need a lawyer. Any person can request public records under Louisiana law. However, attorneys often request records for clients and may have expedited access in some cases. Individuals should still be prepared to provide identification and a clear description of the documents needed. Staff are available to assist with the process.
Are online records legally valid?
Online records are accurate and up to date but may not be certified. For legal proceedings, you usually need an official copy with a seal from the issuing agency. Downloadable PDFs from government sites are reliable for research. Always confirm with the agency if you need a certified version for court, employment, or official use.