Get Your Certified California Birth Certificate

The California Department of Public Health Vital Records (CDPH-VR) fee is $31.00 per certified copy, effective January 1, 2026. This reflects the $2 increase enacted under Assembly Bill 64 (Chapter 662, Statutes of 2025). Each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time is also $31.

If you order in person from the County Recorder in the county where the birth was recorded, the fee is typically the same $31, but fees can vary slightly by county. County recorders often accept credit cards and can process walk-in requests the same day.

When you order through VitalRecordsOnline, you pay one flat price that covers the state fee, our application preparation and review, notarization support for the authorized-copy sworn statement, and shipping to your address. No surprise fees after checkout.

Ready to order? Start your California birth certificate application today and pay online securely.

Yes. You can order a California birth certificate online three ways: directly through CDPH-VR’s online portal, through your County Recorder’s online portal (if your county offers one), or through VitalRecordsOnline for a fully managed experience.

For most people, ordering online is the simplest path because you avoid the mail-in form, the in-person notarization step, and the long state processing queue. The long-form certified copy you receive is accepted for passport applications, REAL ID, Social Security, driver’s license applications, school enrollment, and other legal uses.

VitalRecordsOnline reviews every online application within 24 hours, flags any missing or incorrect details before submission, prepares the required notarized sworn statement for authorized copies, and files the request with CDPH-VR or the appropriate County Recorder on your behalf.

Yes, but California applies an important distinction. The state issues two types of birth certificates:

�� Authorized copy — valid for passports, REAL ID, Social Security, employment, and all legal purposes. Only the registrant, parents named on the certificate, certain immediate family members (spouse, adult child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild), legal guardians, legal representatives, and law enforcement or a government agency conducting official business may request an authorized copy. Requires a notarized sworn statement.

• Informational copy — anyone can request, but the document is stamped "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" and cannot be used for passports, REAL ID, or other identity purposes.

If you need a friend, distant relative, or unauthorized party to obtain an authorized copy on your behalf, they must either present a notarized power of attorney or have your notarized authorization on file. VitalRecordsOnline can advise on eligibility before you order so there are no surprises at the state office.

Apply for a California birth certificate on behalf of a family member through our guided online process.

In California, the document you receive from CDPH-VR is officially titled a "Certificate of Live Birth" — not simply a "birth certificate." It’s the same document that’s commonly called a birth certificate in everyday conversation and on other states’ paperwork. California uses this formal terminology because the document is the legal registration that you were born alive in California.

An authorized Certificate of Live Birth is accepted for all standard uses: passport applications, REAL ID, Social Security enrollment, school registration, dual citizenship filings, driver’s license applications, employment verification, and court proceedings. Federal agencies and other states accept it as a California birth certificate without issue.

If a form asks specifically for a "California birth certificate" or "California certificate of live birth," either term refers to the same document. When you order through VitalRecordsOnline we deliver the authorized long-form certified copy by default, which works for every official use case.

Learn more about the differences in our guide: Long Form vs. Short Form Birth Certificate.

Yes — and for many Californians it’s the fastest path. California uses a dual-path system. Certified copies are available from either the state CDPH-VR office OR the County Recorder/Clerk in the county where the birth was recorded.

County Recorder advantages:

• Often same-day walk-in service (CDPH-VR has no public counter) • Credit card accepted at most county offices • Fees typically match the state’s $31, sometimes plus a small processing surcharge • In-person notarization of the sworn statement can usually be handled at the counter

Important limitations:

• The county can only issue certificates for births recorded in that specific county. If you were born in Orange County, Los Angeles County can’t help you. • For births before July 1, 1905, only the county has records — the state’s archive doesn’t extend that far back. • County office hours and ID requirements differ from office to office.

If you don’t want to visit a county office in person, VitalRecordsOnline handles the full application online and routes it through the correct channel for you.

Whether you go through your county recorder or the state, you can also order your California birth certificate online through our secure platform. Need other records? Order a California marriage certificate or California death certificate as well.

Yes. Every major California city’s county recorder issues certified copies of birth certificates for births recorded in that county. Here’s where to go for each of the biggest metros:

• Sacramento — Sacramento County Department of Health Services Vital Records (600 8th Street, Sacramento)

• Los Angeles — Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Vital Records (313 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles)

• San Diego — San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego)

• San Francisco — San Francisco Office of Vital Records (101 Grove Street, San Francisco)

• San Jose / Santa Clara County — Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder (70 West Hedding Street, San Jose)

• Oakland / Alameda County — Alameda County Clerk-Recorder (1106 Madison Street, Oakland)

• Fresno County — Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters (2221 Kern Street, Fresno)

Remember: each county only holds records for births registered in that county. If you’re not sure which county your birth was recorded in, the state CDPH-VR office can handle it (longer wait) or VitalRecordsOnline can route your request correctly based on your birthplace.

No matter which California city you live in, you can apply for your birth certificate online and have it delivered to your door. A certified birth certificate is required for a REAL ID or U.S. passport.

California birth records are not public records during the individual’s lifetime. California uses a unique two-tier system that’s different from most other states:

• Authorized copies (the legal, ID-valid version) are restricted. You must be the person named, a parent, spouse, adult child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, legal guardian, legal representative, or law-enforcement/government requester. Authorized copies require a notarized sworn statement.

• Informational copies (marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY") are available to anyone. They show the same information as an authorized copy but cannot be used for passports, REAL ID, Social Security, or any identity purpose.

When do California birth records become fully public? Birth records more than 100 years old are considered public records and can be accessed by anyone for genealogy and historical research. This makes older California birth records an excellent resource for family history — particularly for descendants of Gold Rush-era settlers, early 20th-century immigrants, and California’s diverse pioneer communities.

Learn more about tangible interest vs. public access for vital records if you’re unsure whether you qualify to request a specific California birth certificate.

An officially certified birth certificate will display distinct features to indicate the CDPH-VR issued it. The appearance may differ depending on the year it was issued. It will often include essential information to verify a person's identity and the legitimacy of their citizenship at birth.

A long-form official birth certificate is used for legal purposes, whereas a short-form (informational) copy is usually not. The CDPH-VR defines specific guidelines for counties that may use unique colors and layouts on the official birth certificate, however, they will generally display features such as:

• Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

• Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

• Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

• Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

• Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

• Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

• Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

You may also need to order a California death certificate through our secure online service.

If you lose your birth certificate:

1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the

a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the County Clerk’s office during hours of availability.

b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the CDPH-VR at:

c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).

2. CDPH-VR will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Start your replacement application now — you'll need a certified copy to apply for a REAL ID, renew a passport, or update your Social Security card.

The CDPH-VR provides a straightforward legal process for correcting or amending a birth certificate. Different forms are used depending on the information that needs to be amended.

An amendment is required when a birth record is changed, while supplemental changes become addendums to the original birth record as a multi-page document. However, no entity can alter the original document.

To correct or amend a California birth certificate, follow these steps and requirements based on the type of change needed:

1) Determine the Type of Amendment:

1. 1. Minor clerical corrections: Fix spelling errors, add missing names, correct dates/places of birth, or update sex identity. For name changes without a court order, use Form VS 24 only if correcting a clerical error (e.g., misspelling).
   2. Court-ordered changes: Legally change a name or gender marker via a court decree.
   3. Parentage updates: Add, remove, or correct parent information (requires a court order or Acknowledgement of Paternity. Parentage changes require court adjudication and cannot be processed via simple amendment.)

2) Required Forms:

3) Fees

1. Within 1 year of birth: No fee to amend, but certified copies cost $31.00 each.
2. After 1 year: $26.00 processing fee (includes one certified copy). Additional copies cost $31.00 each.

4) Submission process

1. Complete the appropriate form in black ink without alterations.
2. Attach supporting documents (e.g., court orders, notarized affidavits, or hospital records).
3. Include payment via check or money order payable to CDPH Vital Records.
4. Mail to the following address:

If you need a corrected certificate for a legal name change, start by ordering a current certified copy first.

Apostilles are required when filing documents with a foreign government. It is a special certificate that verifies the authenticity of a vital record for international use and is acceptable in countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

Apostilles are only provided for birth certificates initially filed with the CDPH-VR. Apostilles for California birth certificates must be requested through the California Secretary of State Notary Public Section. Alternatively, you can submit a request online using VRO’s Apostille Express Service.

To manually apply for an apostille, you must provide the following documents:

1. An original certified birth certificate issued by the CDPH-VR, county clerks and deputies, county recorders and deputies, or the State Registrar (California Department of Public Health). (Photocopies are not accepted).
2. A cover sheet specifying the country where the document will be utilized.
3. A check or money order made out to the Secretary of State for the designated amount of $20.00 for each document to be apostilled.
4. A self-addressed envelope is needed to return the processed document.
5. Submit your request with the documents to the California Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento at one of the following addresses:

You can submit the form and certified copy to the California Secretary of State, Notary Public Section in person or by courier to the following addresses:

Standard Mail:

Express Courier: (UPS, DHL, FedEx):

A long-form birth certificate (also called the "full" or "certified" copy) is a complete reproduction of the original California birth record. It includes your full legal name, date and place of birth, parents' names, birthplaces, and occupations, the attending physician or midwife, and the file date and registration number. This is the version you'll need for passports, REAL ID, Social Security, adoption, immigration, dual citizenship, and most legal purposes.

A short-form birth certificate (sometimes called a "certification" or "abstract") is a condensed version that shows only your name, date of birth, place of birth, and sex. It does not include parents' information. The short form is accepted for many everyday purposes, like enrolling in school, applying for a driver's license, or joining sports leagues, but it is not always accepted for federal documents or international travel.

When you order a California birth certificate through VitalRecordsOnline, you receive the long-form version by default, since it is the most widely accepted. If you're unsure which version you need, check with the agency requesting the document.

For a detailed comparison, read our guide: Long Form vs. Short Form Birth Certificate: What You Need to Know. You can order either version online through our platform.

Processing times for a California birth certificate depend on how you order and which delivery speed you choose. Standard government processing through the California vital records office generally takes 4 to 12 weeks by mail. In-person requests at the state office or authorized county location are often completed the same day or within a few business days.

When you order online through VitalRecordsOnline, we review your application within 24 hours to catch errors before submission, then forward it to the issuing authority. Most customers receive their certified California birth certificate in 2 to 3 weeks with standard shipping. Expedited processing and rush shipping options are available at checkout for urgent needs like passport applications or upcoming travel.

If the issuing office returns your request because of missing information, our team contacts you immediately so the correction can be made without starting over. You can track your order status at any time through your account.

Start your California birth certificate application today. You can also check state processing times for the latest estimates.

The California Birth Index is a publicly searchable database maintained by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that lists birth records from 1905 to 1995. It includes the child's name, date of birth, county of birth, and mother's maiden name.

The Birth Index is useful for genealogy research and confirming basic birth details, but it is not an official birth certificate and cannot be used for legal purposes. To obtain a certified California birth certificate, you can order online through VitalRecordsOnline.

You may also need to order a California death certificate through our secure online service.

California birth certificates do not expire. Once issued by the California Department of Public Health, a certified copy remains valid indefinitely. However, some agencies may request a recently issued copy for verification purposes.

If your certified copy is damaged, lost, or you need additional copies, you can order a replacement California birth certificate through VitalRecordsOnline at any time.

Looking for a different document? Order a California marriage certificate through our secure online service.

In California, a stillbirth occurring after 20 weeks of gestation is registered as a fetal death with the local registrar. Parents can request a Certificate of Still Birth from the California Department of Public Health, which serves as an official record of the event.

This certificate can be important for family records and may be needed for insurance or legal purposes. For more information about obtaining California vital records, visit VitalRecordsOnline.

Need another vital record? Get your California divorce certificate through our secure online service.

To add a father's name to a California birth certificate, both parents must sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity (VDOP) form. This can be done at the hospital at the time of birth or later through the California Department of Child Support Services.

If paternity is disputed, a court order establishing paternity is required before the birth certificate can be amended. Once the VDOP or court order is filed, the CDPH will issue an amended birth certificate with the father's information. You can order the updated certificate through VitalRecordsOnline.

We also offer California death certificates through our secure online service.

A California Heirloom Birth Certificate is a decorative, commemorative document available from the California Department of Public Health. It features artistic designs celebrating the state and is a popular keepsake for new parents.

Important: The Heirloom certificate is not a legal document and cannot be used for identification, passports, or other official purposes. For a legally valid certified copy, you need a standard California birth certificate, which you can order through VitalRecordsOnline.

Browse our California marriage certificate ordering service for other vital records needs.

Yes, you can expedite your California birth certificate order. When ordering through VitalRecordsOnline, we review your application within 24 hours to catch errors before submission. Expedited processing and rush shipping options are available at checkout for urgent needs like passport applications or upcoming travel.

Standard government processing through the CDPH typically takes 10 to 12 weeks by mail. In-person requests at the CDPH office in Sacramento may be processed faster. VRO offers the most convenient online option with faster turnaround than mailing directly to the state.

You may also need to order a California death certificate through our secure online service.

California offers a confidential birth option under Health and Safety Code Section 102430. A confidential birth certificate is issued when the mother requests that her identity remain sealed from public disclosure. The original record is filed with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and access is strictly limited.

Confidential birth certificates are not available through standard vital records requests. Only the mother or, in some cases, an adult child with a court order can obtain a copy. If you need a standard California birth certificate, you can order one through our secure online process.

If you were born under a confidential birth and need your record, contact the CDPH Vital Records office directly. For other vital records needs such as a California marriage certificate or California death certificate, we can help.

A delayed birth registration in California is used when a birth was not recorded within one year of the event. This can happen if the birth occurred outside a hospital, in a remote area, or if paperwork was lost. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) handles delayed registration requests.

To file a delayed birth registration, you typically need supporting documents such as a baptismal certificate, school records, census records, or a signed affidavit from someone with knowledge of the birth. The process can take several months depending on the documentation provided.

Once the delayed registration is approved and a birth certificate is issued, you can use it for official purposes like obtaining a REAL ID, applying for a U.S. passport, or updating your Social Security record. To order a certified copy of your California birth certificate after registration, start your application here.