Vital Records Online is a safe, secure, and simple U.S.-based online service for ordering your CA vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates. Your documents will arrive safely, and your private information will remain confidential.
Summary:
- Find more information about how to order California vital records.
- Search for California health department locations.
- Learn about the requirements for requesting California vital records.
- Calculate the costs and fees associated with requesting replacements.
- Confirm that you are legally authorized to request the replacement for someone else.
- Check current processing and wait times for orders.
- How to track your order for a vital record replacement.
- Get answers to other frequently asked questions about California vital records.
- Find free California public records online.
Find your county’s vital record office: 
History of Vital Records in California
California Government-Issued Vital RecordsCalifornia is home to over 39 million residents. The Golden State’s birth, death, 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 Marriage records have been archived at both county and state levels since 1850, while divorce records have been archived by Superior Courts from 1804 to the present day and by CDPH-VR from 1962 to 1984.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.
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.
California Birth Certificate
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
California Marriage Certificate
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
California Death Certificate
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My California Vital Records?
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential for many life events. CA vital records are critical documents to prove your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. Vital records can help settle legal disputes, claim an inheritance, and investigate family history. They can provide key details about your ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations. If you lost a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or death certificate, you should file a police report and request a certified replacement immediately.
Where to Get CA State Vital Records
Each county certifies and issues vital records that take place within its jurisdiction. You can search where to request replacement California vital records from the complete list of CA County vital record issuing agencies. The list contains locations, contact information, and access to online applications for requesting birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in California, they’re freely available from various public archives.
Local Vital Records Office
- Required In-Person Application
- Long Waiting Lines
- Complex & Tedious Application Process
- Strict Business Hours & Closed During Holidays
- Extremely Busy Phone Lines
- No Trackable Application
- Only Accept Checks & Money Orders
Vital Records Online
- No Waiting in Long Lines
- Simplified & Streamlined Application Process
- Open 24 Hours/Day — 365 Days/Year
- Online Assistance By Specialists
- Verification And Error-Checking
- Custom Trackable Application Interface
- Convenient Credit Card Fee Payments
- Additional Service Fee
- Remote Processing Time
How to Order California Vital Records
Californians have several ways to request vital records from their home state. In-person and mailing options can work, but online requests are the most reliable and often the only option.
The California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records produces and certifies copies of CA vital records if you meet the requirements and follow the detailed instructions for each birth, death, and marriage certificate. Each type of vital record has different requirements. Once you understand those requirements, the process becomes straightforward.
The type of certificate you need and how you order it impacts the associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. Whether ordering by mail or in person, it is crucial to study the steps and conditions before requesting certified copies of California vital records from the CDPH-VR.
Ordering CA State Vital Records Online
Ordering vital records online is quick and easy and involves three simple steps:
- Complete the online application.
- Upload your documents.
- Receive your vital records by mail.
If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can apply for California birth, death, or marriage certificates online. Confirm that you possess the required documents beforehand so you are prepared. You must 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 documents required to obtain California vital records. 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 CA vital records application avoids rejections from common mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ 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 California Vital Records In-Person or By Mail
Applying in person is only feasible for those who live near a state Health Department office that issues certified copies of their vital records. You may deal with long wait times even if you live near a provider. You can rely on mail or order online to avoid the hassle or if you live overseas.
The requirements are generally the same whether you apply for vital records in person or by mail. However, if you choose to apply in person at the Vital Records Office, prepare to complete the following tasks:
- Gather your documents.
- Get photocopies of your documents.
- Complete the correct form(s).
- Present everything to the Health Department during regular business hours.
Additionally, when requesting California vital records by mail, you will need to perform the following tasks:
- Purchase an envelope.
- Include a physical check or a money order.
- Obtain a notarized sworn statement (if required).
- Issue it to the California Department of Public Health Office – Vital Records.
❗️ Before receiving approval to obtain CA vital records, you must also get your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification purposes.
If you mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office. Your application may be rejected due to errors or missing information. Be sure to check for unique requirements for each type of California vital records.
❗️ Ensure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the preserved original record.
Requirements
Understanding the conditions and requirements is essential before gathering the documents for your CA state vital records application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
The California Department of Public Health requires all applicants to prove their identity. If you are applying by mail or online, this must be done by obtaining a notarized sworn statement to attest that you are authorized to obtain the record. If you are applying in person, the requirements will depend on which county in which you apply for California vital records.
Note: You must provide a government-issued photo ID and sign a sworn statement while at the appointment.
What Documents Are Required to Order CA Vital Records?
The CDPH-VR stipulates that an individual seeking a certified vital record must present the following information to authenticate their request:
- Full legal name of the individual on record
- Proof of identity of the person requesting the vital record certificate, such as a notarized sworn statement (required for mail-in and online requests) or a government-issued ID (driver’s license, permanent resident card, or passport)
- A phone number
- Relationship to the person listed on the California vital records
- The city where the health department recorded the event
- The county where the health department recorded the event
The CDPH-VR also defines unique conditions for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Check the requirement details and eligibility conditions for California birth, death, and marriage replacements.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Email, Father's Name, Full Name at Birth, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Notarized Sworn Statement | |
| Death Certificate | County of Death, Date of Birth, Date of Death, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Phone Number, SSN, Spouse Name, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Notarized Sworn Statement | |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, County of Marriage, Date of Marriage, Email, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
❗️ 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.
Authorized Parties
Who can request CA vital records?
The certificate holder can request a certified copy of their California 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. Certain third parties, such as family members and legal representatives of the individual on record, can request authorized copies of CA state vital records.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Adoption Agencies, Attorneys, Children, Government Officials, Grandparents, Law Enforcement, Legal Guardian, Other Person Empowered by Statute, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Funeral Director, Government Officials, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Heir, Law Enforcement, Legal Guardian, Other Person Empowered by Statute, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Siblings, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Government Officials, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Law Enforcement, Legal Guardian, Other Person Empowered by Statute, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Siblings, Spouse |
✔︎ 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 Sworn Statement
Do I need a notary with my application for CA vital records?
❗️The CDPH-VR requires applicants to prove their identity by notarizing a sworn statement with their application and documents.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service as part of your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when choosing to use a local public notary to create this document.
✔︎ The California Department of Public Health Office – Vital Records does not require a photocopy of your ID; the notarized application document will be enough proof of identity.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational copies of California vital records.
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 fee is $29. 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.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $29.00 | $29.00 |
| Death Certificate | $24.00 | $24.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $17.00 | $17.00 |
| Divorce Certificate | $16.00 | $16.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies of California vital records can be requested in the same order to save future costs from shipping and notary if your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
Vital Records Online processing fee is $29.
Processing and Delivery Times
How long will it take to receive my CA vital records?
Birth, death, or marriage certificate processing and replacement times vary. When processing your order on Vital Records Online, you can include the notarization online as an extra step during the checkout—otherwise, account for additional time to obtain a notary from a local entity.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 10 to 12 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 10 to 12 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | 3 to 4 weeks | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | 5 to 7 months | N/A |
- You can request birth and death California vital records from the CDPH-VR or your County Recorder’s Office within the first three months after they recorded the event.
- If you are requesting a marriage certificate within 6 months after the date of marriage, it is recommended to request it from the county recorder’s office where the marriage license was issued, as the CDPH-VR may not yet have the record available.
❗️ If a record is requested from CDPH-VR during the 3 to 6-month waiting period, then a record may not be 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.
❗️ Expect 2-3 additional days in your application process if you choose to obtain a notarized sworn statement from a local notary.
How Can I Track California Vital Records?
If you submit your application through Vital Records Online, you can check the order status to monitor your application and order processing status. When you order through us, first-class mail postage is included when ordering CA vital records so you can track your application packet that was sent to the CA Department of Public Health. Once your local vital records issuer has processed the application and documents, the CDPH-VR will ship your certified vital records to your home with first-class mail tracking to ensure their secure arrival.
If you manually 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 California 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.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the California counties office locations directory.
California (CA) State Vital Records Office Locations
Search (A-Z) California vital records issuing agencies in your county.
| Address | Hours | Application |
|
(CDPH-VR) Physical address (not open to the public), Mailing Address: California Department of Public Health Vital Records, |
Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST Time Saturday to Sunday - Closed The CDPH-VR Only accepts mail-in applications |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate |
|
Berkeley Vital Statistics 1947 Center Street, 1st Floor Berkeley, CA 94704 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
168 West Alisal Street, First Floor (or P.O. Box 29) Salinas, CA 93902 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Francisco Health Department 101 Grove Street, Room 105 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 554-2700 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Alameda County 1106 Madison Street, First Floor Oakland, CA 94607 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Alpine County 99 Water Street, (or P.O. Box 155) Markleeville, CA 96120 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Amador County 810 Court Street Jackson, CA 95642 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Butte County 155 Nelson Avenue Oroville, CA 95965 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Calaveras County 891 Mountain Ranch Road San Andreas, CA 95249 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Colusa County 546 Jay Street, Suite 200 Colusa, CA 95932-2491 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Contra Costa County 555 Escobar Street, (or P.O. Box 350) Martinez, CA 94553 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Del Norte County 981 H Street, Suite 160 Crescent City, CA 95531 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
El Dorado County 360 Fair Lane Placerville, CA 95667 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Fresno County 2281 Tulare Street Room 302 (or P.O. Box 766) Fresno, CA 93712 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Glenn County 516 West Sycamore Street, Second Floor Willows, CA 95988-2746 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Humboldt County Courthouse, 825 Fifth Street, Fifth Floor Eureka, CA 95501 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Imperial County Courthouse, 940 West Main Street, Suite 202 El Centro, CA 92243-2865 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Inyo County 168 North Edwards Street (or P.O. Drawer F) Independence, CA 93526 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Kern County 1655 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Kings County Government Center, 1400 West Lacey Boulevard Hanford, CA 93230-9910 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Lake County Courthouse, 255 North Forbes Street Lakeport, CA 95453 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Lassen County 220 South Lassen Street Suite 5 Susanville, CA 96130 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Los Angeles County 12400 Imperial Highway Norwalk, CA 90650 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Madera County 200 West Fourth Street Madera, CA 93637 (559) 675-7724 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Marin County 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 232 San Rafael, CA 94903 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Mariposa County Hall of Records Building 4982 Tenth Street (or P.O. Box 35) Mariposa, CA 95338 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Mendocino County 501 Low Gap Road, Room 1020 Ukiah, CA 95482 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Merced County 2222 M Street, Merced, CA 95340 (209) 385-7627 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Modoc County 204 South Court Street, Room106 Alturas, CA 96101 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Mono County 74 School Street, Annex 1 (or P.O. Box 237) Bridgeport, CA 93517 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Monterey County |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Napa County 900 Coombs Street, Room 116, (P.O. Box 298) Napa, CA 94559-0298 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Nevada County 950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 210 Nevada City, CA 95959 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Orange County 12 Civic Center Plaza, Room 101 (or P.O. Box 238) Santa Ana, CA 92702-0238 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Placer County 2954 Richardson Drive Auburn, CA 95603 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Plumas County 520 Main Street, Room 102 Quincy, CA 95971 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Riverside County 2724 Gateway Drive, (or P.O. Box 751) Riverside, CA 92502-0751 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Sacramento County 600 Eighth Street, (or P.O. Box 839) Sacramento, CA 95812-0839 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Benito County Courthouse, 440 Fifth Street, Room 206 Hollister, CA 95023 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Bernardino County 222 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor San Bernardino, CA 92415-0022 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Diego County 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, (or P.O. Box 121750) San Diego, CA 92112-1750 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Joaquin County 44 North San Joaquin Street, Suite 260, (or P.O. Box 1968) Stockton, CA 95201-1968 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Luis Obispo County 1055 Monterey Street, Room D120 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Mateo County Center Drive, First Floor Redwood City, CA 94063-1665 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Santa Barbara County 1100 Anacapa Street, (or P.O. Box 159) Santa Barbara, CA 93102-0159 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Santa Clara County 70 West Hedding Street, East Wing, First Floor San Jose, CA 95110 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Santa Cruz County 701 Ocean Street, Room 230 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Shasta County 1450 Court Street, Suite 208 Redding, CA 96001-1670 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Sierra County 100 Courthouse Square, Room 11, (or P.O. Drawer D) Downieville, CA 95936 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Siskiyou County 311 Fourth Street, Room 107 Yreka, CA 96097 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Solano County 675 Texas Street, Suite 2700 Fairfield, CA 94533-6338 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Sonoma County 585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103 Santa Rosa, CA 95402 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Stanislaus County 1021 I Street, Suite 101, (or P.O. Box 1670) Modesto, CA 95353-1670 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Sutter County 433 Second Street Yuba City, CA 95991 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Tehama County Courthouse, 633 Washington Street, Room 11, (or P.O. Box 250) Red Bluff, CA 96080-0250 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Trinity County 11 Court Street, (or P.O. Box 1215) Weaverville, CA 96093-1215 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Tulare County Civic Center, 221 South Mooney Boulevard, Room 103 Visalia, CA 93291 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Tuolumne County 2 South Green Street, Third Floor Sonora, CA 95370 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Ventura County Hall of Administration, Main Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009-1260 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Yolo County 625 Court Street, Room B01, (or P.O. Box 1130) Woodland, CA 95776-1130 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
Yuba County 915 Eighth Street, Suite 107 Marysville, CA 95901 |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
|
San Francisco County |
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate | |
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Apostille
+ What is an apostille?
An apostille is needed when California vital records are filed with a foreign government. Apostilles are issued for CA vital records initially filed with the California Department of Health. You can request apostilles for CA birth, death, and marriage certificates.
+ How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The only way to obtain an apostille for CA state vital records is through the California Secretary of State Notary Public Section. The following documents must be provided to apply for an apostille:
- A vital record is certified by a California Health Department, county clerks and their deputies, county recorders and their 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 California vital records will be used.
- A check or money order is 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 and documents to the California Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento at one of the following addresses:
California Secretary of State,
Notary Public Section,
P.O. Box 942877 Sacramento,
CA 94277–0001
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
California Secretary of State,
Notary Public Section,
1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor,
Sacramento, CA 95814
You can reach the Secretary of State’s office for more information at (916) 653-3595 or online at www.sos.ca.gov/notary/request-apostille.
Corrections and Amendments
+ Can I correct or amend California vital records?
To assist, CDPH has provided a list of common scenarios that require an amendment to the person’s birth and/or marriage certificate.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides a straightforward process when an individual must correct or amend a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a family member’s death certificate as authorized by law. There are different forms depending on the information that needs to be amended. An amendment is required when CA vital records are changed. Supplemental changes become addendums to the original vital record. However, no entity can alter the original document.
The requirements for requesting the changes or amendments vary depending on which vital record needs changing.
Typically, requests to correct or amend California vital records will require:
- A completed amendment application
- Supporting documentation
- Appropriate fee(s)
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Searching Public Records
+ Are California vital records open to the public?
Most CA state vital records are public. However, access will depend on the type of CA vital records you are looking for and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
Some third-party websites make it easy to research specific types of vital records. Often, third-party vital record websites are not limited by eligibility or your geographic location and can be a great point of reference when researching records. However, the data on these third-party sites may differ from official government reports. To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
- The location of the California vital records, including the city, county, or state where they were recorded.
- The name of the person on record, if they are not a minor.
Californians have the right under the California Public Records Act (CPRA) to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records.
+ Where can I search for free public records?
Many vital records in California are readily publicly available and free to obtain. You can search through California’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the information you want, but be prepared to devote substantial time reviewing records.
Other
+ How can I verify if California vital records are official?
Each state, county, and municipality has different vital records. Depending on which municipality or agency issued your birth, death, or marriage certificate, you may want to check what the documents look like to ensure you have the official certified copy. One way to recognize informational copies of CA vital records is that they come with a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
+ What are the differences between authorized copies versus informational copies of California vital records?
Authorized Copy:
Certified copies constitute legal documents that can be used for official identification, while parties cannot use informational copies to establish identity. As a result, certified copies of vital records are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document.
To request an authorized birth, death, or marriage certificate, you must complete the sworn statement, which includes an acknowledgment of your legal rights to the authorized copy.
Anyone who requests a birth, death, or marriage certificate must provide a notarized sworn statement attesting they are eligible to request authorized copies of California vital records (declaring under penalty of perjury that you are entitled by law to receive them). Without the notarized sworn statement, the request will be rejected as incomplete and returned to you without processing, leading to further delays.
Informational Copy:
If you request an informational copy, you do not need to provide a sworn statement. No documentation is required to obtain informational copies of public CA vital records. In compliance with the California Public Records Act (CPRA), citizens have the legal right to inspect or obtain copies of public records.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Find More Online Resources and Information for Vital Records
Visit the official California government website at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx
