Key Takeaways
- California birth certificates are issued by the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) and county recorders for births registered in California since July 1, 1905.
- You can order a California birth certificate by mail, in person at the county of birth, or online through approved third-party vendors and authorized services.
- California issues two main formats: an authorized certified copy (valid for passports, Real ID, Social Security, and other legal purposes) and a certified informational copy (for genealogy or reference only, not accepted for identity verification).
- The standard state fee is $29 per copy as of 2025 for CDPH, with some counties and third-party vendors charging additional service or shipping fees.
- Only legally authorized individuals—including the registrant, close relatives, legal guardians, and legal representatives—can receive an authorized copy; everyone else is limited to an informational copy.
If you need document authentication for international use, such as an apostille, make sure to follow the correct state and federal procedures.
Overview of California Birth Certificates
A California birth certificate is the official record documenting a live birth that occurred within the state. This vital document serves as primary proof of identity, age, and citizenship, making it essential for obtaining a driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, and accessing government benefits.
Permanent birth records for California births have been maintained centrally by the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) since July 1, 1905. Records dating before that period may only be available through local county offices or historical archives, which can require additional research to locate.
When people refer to a “US birth certificate California,” they mean a state-issued certificate for a birth that took place in California. This document is accepted nationwide for federal purposes when it is an authorized certified copy with the proper registrar’s seal and signature.
The document typically includes:
- Child’s full legal name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth (city and county)
- Sex
- Parent information (including mother’s maiden name)
- Registrar’s official seal and signature
California classifies birth certificates as vital records protected by state privacy laws under the Health and Safety Code. This protection is especially relevant when requesting an authorized certified copy, which requires proof of eligibility before issuance.
Types of California Birth Certificates: Authorized vs Informational
California issues two main categories of certified birth certificates: authorized certified copies and certified informational copies. Understanding the difference between these two types is crucial before submitting your request.
Authorized Certified Copy
An authorized certified copy functions as the legal equivalent of the original record. This is the document you need for:
- US passport applications
- Social Security number applications or replacements
- California driver’s license or Real ID
- School registration and enrollment
- Immigration and naturalization processes
- Employment verification (I-9 forms)
This type of birth certificate is a valid document to establish identity and is required whenever you need official proof of your birth for legal purposes.
Certified Informational Copy
A certified informational copy is clearly marked with the inscription: “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY.” This marking makes it unusable for most government services.
Who commonly needs an authorized copy:
- Adults replacing lost or damaged birth certificates
- Parents obtaining documents for minor children
- An attorney representing clients in legal proceedings
- Individuals applying for citizenship documentation
- Families processing adoption or parentage matters
Typical uses for informational copies:
- Genealogy research and family history projects
- Personal record-keeping
- Historical documentation
- Situations where no proof of identity is required
- Researchers compiling family trees
Who Is Eligible to Obtain a California Birth Certificate?
California law restricts access to authorized certified copies to protect against identity theft and misuse. This means not everyone can walk into a county office and obtain a copy of any birth record they want. If you need similar document authentication in another state, such as Missouri apostille services, specialized agencies are available to assist with expedited, secure processing.
Eligible Parties for an Authorized Copy
Under Health and Safety Code §103526(c), the following individuals qualify as a party entitled to receive an authorized certified copy:
| Category | Description |
| Registrant | The person named on the birth certificate |
| Parent | Biological or adoptive parent listed on the record |
| Legal Guardian | Court-appointed guardian of the registrant |
| Spouse/Domestic Partner | Legal spouse or registered domestic partner |
| Child | Son or daughter of the registrant |
| Grandchild | Grandchild of the registrant |
| Grandparent | Grandparent of the registrant |
| Sibling | Brother or sister of the registrant |
| Legal Representative | An attorney representing the registrant or registrant’s estate |
Additional Authorized Requesters
Certain agencies may also request authorized copies when conducting official business:
- A law enforcement agency acting within official duties
- A government agency or governmental agency representative on official business
- A licensed adoption agency seeking records in compliance with Family Code §3140 or §7603
- Any agency empowered by statute to obtain vital records
- Parties with a valid court order
Anyone not fitting these categories—including distant relatives, friends, employers, or general researchers—may only receive a certified informational copy of a California birth certificate.
Important: When requesting an authorized copy by mail or electronically, you must complete a sworn statement under penalty of perjury and typically have it notarized to confirm your eligibility for document legalization.
How to Request a California Birth Certificate by Mail
Mail-in requests are processed by CDPH-VR in Sacramento or by individual county recorders. This method works well for those living outside California or unable to visit an office in person.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Complete the Application Form
Download and fill out the “Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record” (form VS 111) or the Spanish version (VS 111SP). Ensure all fields match the original birth information as closely as possible, including:
- Full name of the person on the certificate
- Date of birth
- Place of birth (city and county)
- Mother’s full maiden name
- Father’s full name
For information on how to authenticate your birth certificate, check out the top 3 birth certificate apostille services.
2. Prepare the Sworn Statement (for Authorized Copies)
If requesting an authorized certified copy, attach a notarized sworn statement affirming your relationship to the registrant and your eligibility under California law. Out-of-state notarizations are accepted under California Civil Code 1189(b). For those needing to use a birth certificate internationally, consider trustworthy apostille services for birth certificates to ensure your documents are properly authenticated.
3. Submit Payment
- Make your check or money order payable to “CDPH-VR” or the relevant county recorder
- The fee is $29 per copy for CDPH as of 2025
- Never send cash through the mail
- Insufficient payment will result in application rejection
4. Mail to the Correct Address
For state-level requests, send to:
Vital Records – MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
For county-specific requests, mail directly to the county recorder where the birth was registered. Each county has its own mailing address (for example, Shasta County uses 1450 Court Street Suite 208, Redding, CA).
Processing Times
Mail requests typically take several weeks to process, depending on CDPH volume. County offices generally process requests within 1-3 business days after receipt. Always check the official CDPH website at cdph.ca.gov for current timelines and updated fees.
How to Request a California Birth Certificate In Person
In-person requests are handled by the county recorder, registrar, or clerk in the county where the birth was recorded. This method typically offers the fastest turnaround time.
Before Your Visit
- Locate the correct county office using an official County Recorder/Registrar directory
- Verify office hours and confirm they are open on your intended visit date
- Check accepted payment methods (cash, check, credit/debit with surcharge)
- Confirm the fee for certified copies in that county
Note: The birth must have occurred in that specific county to obtain a record there. If the birth happened in a different county, contact that county’s recorder or CDPH-VR directly.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID (California driver’s license, state ID card, US passport, or military ID)
- Payment for the applicable county fee per certified copy
- Information about the birth (full name, date, place, parent names)
At the Counter
You will complete a request form similar to VS 111 at the counter, indicate whether you need an authorized or informational copy, and sign any required statements in the presence of staff. The advantage of in-person requests is that you don’t need to have your sworn statement notarized separately—staff will witness your signature on-site.
Many county offices can produce the certificate the same day or within a few business days. However, processing times vary by county workload. Some offices in larger metropolitan areas may experience longer wait times during peak periods.
How to Request a California Birth Certificate Online or Electronically
California allows electronic birth certificate requests through approved third-party vendors and some county or state online portals. This provides a convenient alternative to mail or in-person visits for those who prefer digital transactions.
How Online Ordering Works
Applicants start the process on a trusted website that connects to the CDPH-VR system or county offices. You’ll need to provide:
- Full birth details (name, date, place)
- Parent information
- Your relationship to the registrant
- Government-issued ID information
- Secure payment
Getting an Authorized Copy Online
To obtain an authorized copy electronically, you may need to:
- Upload a copy of your government-issued ID
- Sign a digital sworn statement
- Complete remote online notarization (depending on vendor and jurisdiction requirements)
For a detailed walkthrough on international document authentication, see How to Obtain a Birth Certificate Apostille in California.
Processing times begin once CDPH-VR or the county receives your complete request and payment. Rush options may be available for an additional fee through some vendors.
Before Submitting Your Request
- Review current state and vendor fees (service fees often range from $10-$25 on top of the base certificate cost)
- Understand shipping options (standard mail vs. express delivery)
- Verify the service is officially authorized to process California vital records
- Check for order tracking capabilities
Fees, Processing Times, and Upcoming Changes
California sets standard fees for certified birth certificates, though amounts may differ between state-level CDPH-VR and individual counties. Third-party vendor services add their own convenience fees.
Current Fee Structure (2025)
| Source | Base Fee per Copy | Notes |
| CDPH-VR | $29 | State-level requests |
| Most Counties | $29-$31 | Varies by county |
| Nevada County | $31 | As of 2025 |
| VitalChek/Online Vendors | $29 + service fees | Additional shipping costs may apply |
Upcoming Fee Changes
Assembly Bill 64 (Chapter 662, Statutes of 2025) increases vital record fees effective January 1, 2026. Key changes include:
- Certified birth certificate copies increasing by $2-$5 in most counties
- New fee of $34 in counties like Shasta, Sacramento, San Diego, and Stanislaus
- Marriage, death, and fetal death certificate fees also increasing
- Requests postmarked by December 31, 2025, may still be processed under 2025 fees in some counties
Payment and Refund Policies
- Applications with incorrect or insufficient payment will be rejected
- State and county fees are generally non-refundable, even if no record is found
- A “Letter of No Record” may be issued after searches for records that cannot be located
- Per Health and Safety Code §103650, fees remain payable regardless of search outcome
Processing Time Expectations
| Method | Typical Timeline |
| In-person (county) | Same day to 3 business days |
| Mail (county) | 1-3 business days after receipt |
| Mail (CDPH-VR) | Several weeks |
| Online/Electronic | Varies; rush options available |
Always consult the latest posted timelines on the CDPH website, as high-volume periods can extend processing times significantly.
Correcting or Amending a California Birth Certificate
If there is an error on a California birth certificate or certain life events occur—such as legal name changes, adoption, or parentage changes—California allows amendments through CDPH-VR.
Types of Corrections and Amendments
| Change Type | Common Examples |
| Minor corrections | Misspelled names, incorrect dates |
| Legal name changes | Court-ordered name change, marriage |
| Parent information | Adding/updating father’s name via VDOP |
| Adoption | New certificate issued with adoptive parents |
| Parentage changes | Court-ordered parentage determination |
Required Documentation
Most amendments require supporting documentation, which may include:
- Certified court order (for name changes, adoptions, or parentage)
- Hospital records or affidavits (for factual corrections)
- Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP) for unmarried parents
- Amendment fees plus certified copy fees
For out-of-state adoptions, CDPH charges $20 to register the adoption, which includes one free amended copy. Each additional copy costs $29.
How to Submit an Amendment
Specific amendment forms and instructions are available from the California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records. The correct form depends on the type of change needed. Contact CDPH-VR or the county registrar directly for guidance on:
- Which amendment form to use
- Current fees
- Where to send the completed packet
- Required supporting documents
Using an Authorized Online Vital Records Ordering Service
Several private companies are officially authorized to submit California birth certificate requests electronically. These services can simplify the process for people who prefer online ordering and need guidance through eligibility requirements.
What These Services Offer
Authorized online services typically:
- Guide you through eligibility questions
- Help differentiate between authorized and informational copies
- Generate the necessary sworn statement and application form
- Provide secure payment processing
- Offer order tracking and status updates
Customer Support
A reputable authorized online service should provide clear customer support contact information, such as a toll-free phone number, to answer questions about:
- Documentation requirements
- Identity verification steps
- Order status and delivery
- Expedited processing options
Cost Considerations
While these services charge additional convenience fees on top of state or county fees, they often provide:
- Faster processing through established relationships with vital record offices
- Order tracking from submission to delivery
- Secure payment options with fraud protection
- Rush shipping availability
Caution: Only use vendors listed or endorsed by official California vital records agencies. Avoid third-party sites that appear in search results but lack official authorization—these may charge excessive fees, delay your order, or fail to deliver valid certificates altogether.
FAQ
Can I get a California birth certificate if I was born in another state?
No, California can only issue birth certificates for births that occurred within California. If you were born in another US state, you must contact that state’s vital records office or the county of birth to obtain your certificate. Each state maintains its own birth records independently.
What if I don’t know the exact date or county of my California birth?
You can still submit a request using approximate dates and possible counties, but searches may take longer and may incur additional search fees. For births before 1905 or uncertain locations, you might need to contact multiple counties or work with CDPH-VR to locate the record. Be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the birth to help narrow the search.
Can I order a California birth certificate for someone who is deceased?
Yes, close relatives such as children, parents, grandchildren, or legal representatives can usually obtain an authorized copy of a deceased person’s birth certificate. You’ll typically need to provide proof of your relationship and may need to include a copy of the death certificate with your request. An attorney representing the registrant’s estate may also request copies on behalf of the estate.
Is a California hospital record the same as a birth certificate?
No, hospital souvenirs, commemorative documents, or footprint cards are not official vital records. Only a certified birth certificate issued by CDPH-VR or a county recorder is recognized for legal and federal purposes. The official report of birth is filed with the county registrar, which then becomes the basis for certified copies.
How do I get a California birth certificate if I am currently living abroad?
US citizens living overseas can request a California birth certificate by mail or through authorized online vendors. You’ll need to:
- Use international payment methods (money order payable in US dollars)
- Provide a complete international mailing address
- Allow extra time for international delivery
- Consider using expedited shipping for faster delivery
Some online vendors offer international shipping options, though additional fees typically apply.
