California (CA) Vital Records

Ordering Online

Ordering California Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves 2-3 simple steps:

1. Complete the online application and upload your documents;
2. Choose a package and process your order;
3. Mail your application packet with payment.

If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can apply to order a California birth, death, or marriage certificate online. Confirm that you possess the required documents beforehand, so you are prepared. You will have to upload copies of these documents during the secure online application process.

Vital Records Online is a simplified system to help you quickly collect and generate the required documents. It also directs you on how and where to submit the requisite documents efficiently. The application is easy to execute from any device with an internet connection, and you can finish the entire process in as little as five minutes. Vital Records Online’s process ensures your application will not get rejected because of a common mistake or missing document.

• All packages include first-class mail tracking, including the lowest $49 electronic-download option. Download your completed application and documents to ship on the same day.
• The notary of your application required by the CDPH-VR can be conducted virtually during the online ordering process.
• You can bypass the last (third) step by choosing the premium rush or full-service package that includes your state’s fee(s), automated document processing, and shipping handling.

✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and finding a notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.

Ordering In-Person or By Mail

Applying in person is not feasible for everyone, such as those who do not live near a state health department office that issues certified copies of their vital records. You may deal with long in-person wait times even if you live near a provider. You can rely on mail or order online to avoid the hassle.

The requirements for requesting vital records are the same for applying in person, by mail, or online. An in-person application has several additional steps you will have to perform manually, including

• gathering your documents;
• getting photocopies of your documents;
• obtaining a public notary;
• completing the correct form;
• purchasing an envelope;
• including a physical check or a money order;
• issue it to the CDPH-VR; and
• presenting everything to the health department during regular business hours.

❗️Before receiving approval, you must also get your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification purposes.

Alternatively, you can rely on mail or order online if the office is not currently open and you prefer to avoid long wait lines. Mail is ideal if you currently reside in a state other than the issuing state, and ordering online is often the only option if you live overseas.

If you choose to mail your application and documents, we recommend purchasing mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office. There are risks of having your application rejected due to errors or missing information. Be sure to check for unique requirements for each vital record type.

❗️Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.

Requirements

Understanding the conditions and requirements is essential before gathering the documents for your vital record application.

Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization

The California Department of Public Health requires all applicants to prove their identity. You will need a photocopy of your ID and a notarized sworn statement attesting that you are authorized to obtain the record. A driver’s license or a state photo ID will suffice for most types of records (check other acceptable IDs per certificate needed.)

What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in California?

The CDPH-VR stipulates that an individual seeking a certified vital record must present the following information to authenticate their request:

• Full legal name;
• Proof of identity of the person requesting the birth certificate, such as a government-issued ID (driver’s license, permanent resident card, or a passport);
• A phone number;
• Relationship to the person listed on the certificate;
• The city where the health department recorded the event;
• The county where the health department recorded the event;
• Include a method of payment for the Vital Records fees.

The CDPH-VR also defines unique conditions for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Check the details of eligibility conditions and requirements for California birth, death, and marriage replacements.

❗️The Vital Records processing department of the CDPH-VR can produce an informational copy if your application is not entirely approved. You cannot get a refund in this scenario. Avoiding a rejection can save you from accumulating additional costs and an extended wait time.

Who is Authorized to Order

Who can request vital records in California?

The certificate holder can request a certified copy of their vital records and must prove their identity when obtaining a notarized sworn statement for their application.

If you need to request a vital record on another person’s behalf, you can check the eligibility requirements for each birth, death, and marriage certificate to ensure you are authorized. The third party may legally request a copy of a vital record declared by the CDPH-VR unless the requester is a family member or legal representative of the individual on record.

✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.

Notarized Sworn Statement

Do I need a notary with my application?

The Health Department of California requires applicants to prove their identity by notarizing a sworn statement with their application and documents. Many states use this process. Please refer to our Notarized Process Page to learn more about this process. We have analyzed and included this document as part of your application packet. You must bring your ID to a public notary to create this document.

❗️The Health Department does not require a photocopy of your ID. The notarized application document will be enough proof of identity.

Costs and Fees

The costs for vital record replacements depend on the CDPH-VR’s fees for each type of certificate. How you submit your application and whether a notary is required to prove your identity will add to the total cost.

When ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the online Application Assistant starts at $49. CDPH-VR will charge a $29.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth record, a $17.00 fee for each certified marriage certificate copy, and $24.00 for each death certificate copy.

✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.

VitalRecordsOnline.com Starting package $49. View all Packages.

Processing and Delivery Times

How long will it take to receive my vital records from California?

Birth, death, or marriage certificate processing and replacement times vary. When processing your order on Vital Records Online, you can choose to include the notarization online as an extra step during the checkout. Otherwise, account for additional time to obtain a notary from a local entity.

• You can request birth and death certificates from the CDPH-VR or your County Recorder’s Office within the first three months after they recorded the event.
• A marriage record will be available from the County Recorder’s Office within the first six months after the wedding.

❗️If a record is requested from CDPH-VR during the 3 or 6 months waiting period, then there will be a record not yet available in its database. When that happens, a “Certificate of No Public Record” (CNPR) will be issued, and a fee for this service will be required, as authorized by State law.

❗️We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure that you obtain a notary and meet your state’s application submission deadline.

How to Track My CA Vital Record?

If you submit your application through Vital Records Online, you can check the order status to monitor your application and order processing status. You can track your application packet to the CA Department of Public Health with the prepaid mail postage included with every package.

Once your local vital records issuer has processed the application and documents, you can track the certificate with the first-class prepaid mail tracking included in Vital Records Online’s Rush or Full-Service Packages.

If you mail the application packet to the vital records health department, remember to purchase first-class mail tracking to know if and when your application arrives successfully. The CDPH-VR ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail to your home for protection. The CDPH-VR does not claim responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates. You should immediately file a report if your birth certificate is lost. A simple error, typo, or missing document can multiply your waiting time, repeat shipping costs, or put your personal information in the wrong hands.