In response to the recent California fires, both the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Vital Records Online (VRO) have implemented initiatives to assist affected individuals in replacing essential documents. CDPH is waiving fees for certified copies of vital records—such as birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage certificates—for those who lost them due to the fires. Additionally, VRO is waiving its processing fees further to alleviate the burden on residents during this challenging time. Please note that while VRO’s processing fees are waived, state-mandated and notary fees still apply and cannot be waived by VRO.
Table of Contents
- What Records Are Eligible for Replacement?
- How to Obtain Free Replacement Records
- Additional Steps for Obtaining Free Replacement of Vital Records
- Contact Information
- Vital Records Online (VRO) Processing Fee Waiver
- A Message from VRO
- Additional Resources
- Stay Safe and Prepared
What Records Are Eligible for Replacement?
If you were impacted by the Palisades Fire, you can request free replacements for:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Dissolutions of marriage records / Divorce certificates
These documents are crucial for rebuilding your life, securing identification, and accessing important services.
How to Obtain Free Replacement Records
To facilitate the process, electronic submissions for free certificate requests have been made available in Local Assistance Centers (LACs) through the collaboration of CDPH and local agencies. Follow these steps to reclaim your vital records:
- Locate Your Local Assistance Center (LAC):
- Visit designated LACs in your area, where trained staff can guide you through the application process.
- Provide Proof of Impact:
- Be prepared to explain or document how the Palisades Fire resulted in the loss of your records.
- Complete an Application:
- Fill out the required forms for your specific document replacement request.
- Submit Electronically at LACs:
- Electronic submissions make the process faster and more efficient, ensuring your replacement certificates are processed promptly.
Additional Steps for Obtaining Free Replacement of Vital Records:
In addition to the above steps, please follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth application process:
- Application Notation:
- Clearly indicate “Palisades Fire” on your application to specify the reason for the fee waiver.
- Sworn Statement:
- Complete a sworn statement declaring under penalty of perjury that you are a survivor of the Palisades Fire. This combined sworn statement also fulfills the requirement under Health and Safety Code Section 103526.
- Mailing Envelope:
- For requests sent to the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR), write “Palisades Fire” on the front of the mailing envelope to facilitate faster processing.
- Submission:
- Send your completed application and sworn statement to the appropriate agency. For events that occurred in Los Angeles County, you may contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office. Alternatively, for state-level processing, submit your request to CDPH-VR.
Contact Information:
- CDPH – Vital Records:
- Phone: (916) 445-2684
- Website: cdph.ca.gov
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk:
- Phone: (800) 201-8999
- Website: lavote.net
These proclamations will remain in effect until the Governor terminates the state of emergency. For the most current information and access to the necessary forms, please visit the official websites of the California Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
Vital Records Online (VRO) Processing Fee Waiver
As part of our commitment to supporting the community during these challenging times, Vital Records Online (VRO) is waiving our processing fees for individuals who lost their vital records due to the Palisades Fire. Please note that while VRO’s processing fees are waived, state-mandated and notary fees still apply and cannot be waived by VRO.
How to Avail VRO’s Processing Fee Waiver:
- Place Your Order:
- Initiate your vital record replacement request through our standard online system.
- Order a Certified copy of your Birth Certificate
- Order a Certified copy of a Death Certificate
- Order a Certified copy of your Marriage Certificate
- Order a Certified copy of your Divorce Certificate
- Initiate your vital record replacement request through our standard online system.
- Contact Customer Service:
- After placing your order, reach out to our customer service team.
- Provide Proof:
- Submit documentation verifying your residence in the affected area and evidence that your home was destroyed in the fire.
- Receive Refund:
- Upon verification, we will process a refund for VRO’s processing fees.
This initiative is designed to assist those who may not have access to Local Assistance Centers (LACs) and prefer to utilize our online services for vital record replacement.
A Message from VRO
The team at Vital Records Online stands with those who have been affected by the devastating Palisades Fire. We extend our heartfelt support to everyone navigating this difficult time and remain committed to helping you access the resources you need to rebuild.
Additional Resources
If you need further guidance, check out our detailed article on what to do if you lost your vital records in a fire. It provides comprehensive steps and tips to help you recover crucial documents quickly and efficiently.
Stay Safe and Prepared
Recovering from a disaster like the Palisades Fire takes time, but resources are available to help. Replacing your vital records is a critical step in rebuilding your life, and we at Vital Records Online are here to provide you with guidance and resources during this challenging time.
For assistance, please reach out to your nearest Local Assistance Center or contact Vital Records Online’s 24-hour customer service team at [email protected] or 844-387-0200.