California Vital Records

History of Vital Records in California

California is home to over 39 million residents. The Golden State’s birth, death, divorce, and marriage records go back to the early 1800s, and the state has made many California vital records freely available in public archives.

Since 1905, the California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records (CDPH-VR) has officially maintained CA vital records, with access to certified copies restricted to authorized individuals. Before that, County Clerks/Recorders were responsible for documenting and preserving birth, adoption, death, fetal death, marriage, and divorce records. Marriage records have been archived at both county and state levels since 1850, while divorce records have been archived by Superior Courts from 1804 to the present day and by CDPH-VR from 1962 to 1984. Privacy restrictions apply to records less than 100 years old, while California vital records older than 100 years are typically available to the public.

The State Archives holds a limited collection of vital records from certain counties that are available for research.

Please note that the California State Archives is not the official repository for vital records. County offices and the California Department of Public Health maintain these records.

Learn how to obtain certified copies of official CA state vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Find out what information they contain, where to order them, and why they are essential.

Where to Get California Vital Records

Each California county certifies and issues vital records within its jurisdiction. View the complete list of CA County vital record issuing agencies for more information.

You can order online with our secure application process or alternatively through the county office by mail-in and walk-in services. Check the availability of services, times, and locations for mail-in and walk-in applications.

For more information on accessing birth, death, marriage, or divorce records, visit our FAQs.

Ordering California Vital Records Online

Easy 3-Step Online Application Process
Ordering California vital records online with VRO is quick and involves three simple steps:

1. Completing the online application by uploading your documents
2. Online Notary (through 3rd party vendors)
3. Processing your order

Do you have all the necessary documents prepared? You’ll be required to upload them during the secure online application process.

✔︎Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased during the online application to save future processing costs.

✔︎ Online Notary Services are available through our partners for your convenience. Find out more about the online ordering and premium handling process.

Ordering California Vital Records In Person or By Mail

You can apply in person if you live near a county health department office that issues certified vital records. Ordering in person is not available through the state health department and must be done in the county where the event occurred. If going in person ensure the county office is open to the public, and be prepared for long lines. You can also order online or by mail to save time and avoid waiting. Ordering online with VRO can be done anywhere at your convenience.

The process is similar whether you apply in person or by mail. If you’re applying in person at the vital records office, be ready to complete the following steps:

• Gathering your documents
• Getting photocopies of your documents
• Completing the correct form
• Presenting everything to the health department during their regular business hours

Additionally, to apply by mail, you will need the following:

• Purchasing an envelope
• Including a physical check or a money order
• Obtaining a notarized statement
• Issuing it to the correct health department office.

Ensure a successful application by carefully reviewing the specific criteria for each document before sending it to prevent denial due to errors or incomplete information.

❗️ To prevent rejection of your application, review the criteria for each required document before mailing.

❗️ Ensure your application and payment are sent to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the original record.

❗️ If you mail your application and documents, it is recommended that you use tracking to confirm that they arrive at the correct office.

Requirements

Understanding the terms and requirements of your vital records application before gathering the required documents is crucial.

Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:

The information and documents you must provide are listed in the table below.

The CDPH-VR requires you to verify your identity by presenting a photocopy of your valid, government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, a state photo ID, and a notarized sworn statement for online requests.

What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in California?

The California Department of Health provides a guide to gathering the required identification documents. Refer to the Department of Health’s website for complete details regarding eligibility terms and requirements for obtaining California birth, death, divorce, and marriage certificates.

State ID Requirements

At VRO, we simplify collecting and generating the required documents and guide you through the process. You can quickly complete our application on any internet-connected device in as little as five minutes.

We ensure your application avoids rejections from common mistakes or missing documents.

If your application isn’t fully approved, the CDPH-VR’s processing department can provide an informational copy. However, no refunds are available in this case.

The CDPH-VR outlines specific requirements for each type of certificate and personal situation. Be sure to check the eligibility conditions for California vital records replacements.

To avoid rejection, we ensure your application is complete to save extra costs and prevent delays.

❗️ When applying for California vital records in person, you will need to provide one of the accepted IDs. Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.

❗️ 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.

What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in California?

When applying for a vital record in California, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.

Who is Authorized to Order

Who can request vital records in California?

The individual on record can acquire a certified copy of their vital records. They must provide an accepted form of ID when applying to verify their identity.

If you are ordering a certificate for vital records that is not your own, you must verify that you are eligible and authorized to apply. The California Department of Health defines eligible individuals for each type of certificate, which varies between birth, death, divorce, and marriage certificates. You may be asked for additional documentation proving your eligibility as a third-party applicant. If your relationship with the individual on record does not qualify you as an eligible individual, it is still possible to obtain the certificate.

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

Notarized Statement

Do I need a notary with my application for CA vital records?

The CDPH-VR requires applicants to verify their identity by submitting a notarized sworn statement.

✔︎We offer an online notary service through 3rd party partners in your application options.

✔︎ The CDPH-VR does not require a photocopy of your ID with the notarized application document.

✔︎ Informational copies of CA vital records do not require a notarized sworn statement.

Costs and Fees

Depending on the state and county, processing times vary from several days to months. We offer expedited shipping and processing when applicable.

The costs for vital records replacements depend on the CDPH-VR’s fees for each type of certificate.

Submitting a California online or mail-in application requires a notary service to prove your identity, which is an additional cost. We’re partnered with an online notary service to save you time.

Our Application Assistant fee is $29.00 when ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through VRO.

CDPH-VR charges a $29.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth record, a $17.00 fee for each certified marriage certificate, a $16.00 fee for each divorce certificate, and a $24.00 fee for each death certificate.

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

Processing and Delivery Times

How long will it take to receive my CA vital records?

Processing and replacement times for birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates can vary.

How to Track the Status of My California Vital Records

When you apply on our VRO secure site, you can check the order status on your customer dashboard to follow your application.

Once our expert team verifies your information, it will be sent to the CA Department of Public Health. After your local vital records issuer has processed the application and documents, the CDPH-VR will ship your certified vital record(s) with USPS first-class mail to ensure its secure arrival.

The CDPH-VR does not claim responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates.

❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the California counties office locations directory.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Apostille

Apostilles for Arkansas vital records can be obtained online through VRO or the Secretary of State’s office.

An apostille is needed when a document is filed with a foreign government. It is a special certificate that verifies the authenticity of a vital record for international use and is accepted in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

The following documents must be provided to apply for an apostille:

• A vital record is certified by a California Health Department, county clerks and deputies, county recorders and deputies, and the State Registrar (California Department of Public Health) or an original notarized or certified record. Photocopies are not accepted.
• A cover sheet stating the country in which the document will be used
• A check or money order payable to the Secretary of State for the amount set for each apostille
• A self-addressed envelope for the processed document to be returned

You must submit any request for vital records certificates and documents to the California Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento to one of the following addresses:

For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:

For more information, contact the Secretary of State’s office at (916) 653-3595 or online at www.sos.ca.gov/notary/request-apostille.

Corrections and Amendments

The California Department of Public Health has created a list of common reasons for amending a birth or marriage certificate.

CDPH offers a simple process for correcting or amending a birth, marriage, or family member’s death certificate as the law permits.

Different forms are required based on the type of amendment needed.

When changes are made to a vital record, an amendment is needed. In contrast, supplemental changes are added as addendums to the original record.

No one can alter the original document.

Requirements for requesting changes vary based on the vital records being amended.

Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:

1. A completed amendment application
2. Supporting documentation
3. Appropriate fee(s)

Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.

Searching Public Records

Most state records are public in California. However, access will depend on the type of record you are looking for and the year when the birth, death, divorce, or marriage occurred.

Some third-party websites make searching for specific types of vital records easy.

These sites are not restricted by eligibility or location and can be helpful in research. The information on these sites may differ from official government reports.

To find a record on a third-party website, you need to provide the following information:

• The location of the record (city, county, and state), and
• The name of the person on the record (if not a minor).

Californians can inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA).

How Can I Verify That My CA Vital Records Are Official?

Each state, county, and municipality keeps different vital records. Depending on which public sector issued the certificate, you can check the document’s appearance to ensure you have the official certified copy.

One way to recognize informational copies of vital records is by a stamp or large print across the top of the document that reads, Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity, or something similar.

What Are the Differences Between Authorized Copies of California Vital Records Versus Informational Copies?

Certified copies constitute legal documents that can be used to establish identity, while informational copies cannot be used for identification purposes.

Certified copies of vital records are issued only to individuals with a direct and valid interest in the document. You need the required documentation and a notarized statement to obtain a certified copy to verify your identity.

Informational copies do not require a notarized statement or documentation. The CPRA gives citizens the legal right to obtain or inspect public records.

Find more references for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates in the resources section.