How to Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in California

Co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD

Last Updated: January 13, 2024 References

Certified copies of birth certificates for you and your children are essential for many common activities. They can be used to establish identification and are often required for passports, school enrolment, social welfare programs, proof of citizenship, and other important activities. To obtain a birth certificate you will need download an application form and a sworn statement, and mail these to the California Department of Public Health.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Downloading the Required Forms

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1
Visit the California Department of Public Health (CDHP) website. In order to obtain a copy of your birth certificate you need to apply through the CDHP. ^{[1]
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- Alternatively you can go straight to the relevant page by following this link: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/pages/vital-records.aspx.
- Here you will see all the steps you need to follow. You can download all the necessary forms directly from this website.
2
Determine which copy you are entitled to. Depending on who you are, and whose birth certificate you are attempting obtain, you will be able to obtain either an "authorized copy," or an "informational copy" of the document. In California, “authorized copies” can only be obtained by the person named on the birth certificate, parents of the person named on the certificate and a few other people.
- The other people who can obtain authorized copies of your birth certificate are: your children, your grandparents, your grandchildren, a member entitled to a record of your birth by court order, a licensed adoption agency complying with Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code, a representative of the law (such as a police officer,) your attorney or anyone court appointed to act on your behalf.
- All other requesters may obtain an informational copy only. An informational copy contains the same information as an authorized copy, but is not a valid document to establish identity.
- All birth certificates issued—whether authorized or informational—are certified.^{[2]
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Download the required forms. The next step is to download a pamphlet for obtaining certified copies of birth records from the CDPH website here, which is available as a PDF here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ControlledForms/VS111.pdf. This pamphlet is a comprehensive guide to the processes and fees. It also includes answers to some frequently asked questions.
- The pamphlet includes the application form, and sworn statement, which you need to complete and submit.
- Be sure to read through all the instructions on how to complete the application before you get started.^{[3]
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- You can also download the application form and the sworn statement directly here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ControlledForms/VS111.pdf.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying for a Birth Certificate

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1
Fill out the application form. Now you will need to complete the application form in full, following the guidelines given. You will need to state what kind of copy you require, authorized or informational, as well as stating your connection to the person named on the birth certificate.
- You must provide personal information about the person applying for the birth certificate. This includes the name and address, as well as the reason for requesting the certificate.
- You will be asked to the name, city of birth, date of birth, and parents of the person named on the certificate, to the best of your knowledge.^{[4]
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Find a notary public to authorize your sworn statement. A notary public is someone who is legally authorized to perform legal formalities. If you're ordering an “authorized copy”, you must have your sworn statement notarized. This means that you need to take your sworn statement to the notary public. They will authorize your sworn statement and seal it.^{[5]
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- You can access a full and updated database of Notary Publics in California by visiting the Secretary of State's website: https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/notary-public-listing/.
- You can also look up Notary Publics by city, zip code, and county through online search tools.
- You don’t need to do this if you are only ordering an “informational copy,” but you must indicate this on your application.
- If you do not state that you want an “informational copy,” and you do not present a notarized statement, your application will be sent back to you and you will have to send it in again with the proper information.^{[6]
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Write a check. A certified birth certificate fee must accompany your application. Requests received without the appropriate fee will be returned. The current fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $25. Check the list of fees online in case of any changes, before you write the check: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records-Fees.aspx.
- Make your check or money order payable to CDPH Vital Records. The check must be from a United States bank.
- Do not send cash. CDPH won't be responsible if cash is lost in the mail.
- Know that if no record is found, the CDPH will issue a statement stating Certificate of No Public Record, and will keep the fee for the search, as per state law.^{[7]
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4
Mail your application into the CDPH. You should send in your completed application, your notarized sworn statement (if you applying for an “authorized copy”), and the check or postal order for the certified copy fee to the California Department of Public Health. Send your application to:
- California Department of Public Health
- Vital Records - MS 5103
- P.O. Box 997410
- Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
- If you are using a courier service, and must send the application to a physical address, use:
- California Department of Public Health
- Vital Records - MS 5103
- 1501 Capitol Avenue
- Sacramento, CA 95814^{[8]
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5
Wait for it to be processed. Once you have submitted all the forms and payment, you just have to wait for your application to be processed. Requests for certified birth certificates typically take around 15 business days to process. This is an estimated time that is subject to change depending on the volume of applications received.^{[9]
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- Sometimes County Record Officers can process applications more quickly.
- If you need the certificate sooner, contact the Officer from the county where the birth took place.

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You most likely want to get an authorized certified copy, as this is the copy that can be used for identification and official purposes.

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Some counties allow you to order your birth certificate online. You will need a valid credit card and will need to fax a notarized request form to the registrar.

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