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Vital Records Online (VRO) is an approved vendor for the California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records (CDPH-VR).

California Death Certificate

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California Birth Certificates

Learn how to order California Birth Certificates from the CDPH-VR. The current processing time is 4 to 6 weeks, and the fee is $29.00 per certified copy. Authorized people who can order a certified copy include the person on record, family members, and authorized third parties. Note: the CDPH-VR mandates a notarization of the application.

How to Order California Birth Certificates

You can order a certified copy of your California birth certificate by mail from the California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records (CDPH-VR), or in-person at the local county issuing agency where the birth occurred, or conveniently order online now through VRO. Before proceeding with the application, review and confirm the costs, eligibility, requirements, and current processing times.


Person ordering a death certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering Online with VRO

Ordering a California birth certificate online with VRO only requires two simple steps:

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order a
California Birth Certificate?

The CDPH-VR does not require a copy of your ID when applying online or by mail; however, you must provide a notarized sworn statement verifying your identity when applying for a birth certificate replacement. To obtain this sworn statement at a public notary, you must provide one of the forms of ID listed in California Code 1185[b]:


Primary ID Requirements Options

Additional Requirements

Driver's license

Passport

Permanent resident card

US military card

Military dependent's ID card

Certificate of Citizenship

Certificate of Naturalization

Employment Authorization Document

Foreign passport


Notarized Sworn Statement

How to Get a Birth Certificate Without ID

When applying through the California DPH-VR (online or by mail), you do not need to provide a copy of your ID with your application; the notarized sworn statement serves as proof of identity. However, you must verify your identity when obtaining the notary with one of the forms of ID listed in California Code 1185[b]. A witness can confirm your identity if you cannot provide any of the accepted IDs.


Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in California?

Total costs and fees to replace your California birth certificate will depend on the ordering method, the cost of notarizing the application document, and the fees determined by the issuing agency. The CDPH-VR charges a $29.00 fee for each certified copy (and additional copies) of a birth record.



State Fee

$29.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $29.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in California?

California DPH-VR's processing time for birth certificate replacements is 4 to 6 weeks; however the total time until you receive the certified copy will depend on how you submit your order and the volume of backlogged orders at the CDPH-VR. If you manually submit your application and documents, account for additional time to notarize your application from a local notary.

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not offered







Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a California Birth Certificate?

The person on record and eligible third parties can request a certified copy of a birth record. All applicants must provide proof of identity when obtaining a notarized sworn statement for the application.

If you need to request a birth certificate on another person’s behalf, review the list of eligible individuals below 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 the record.



Authorized People


  • Person on Record
  • Parent
  • Legal Guardian (must provide documentation)
  • Child
  • Grandparent
  • Grandchild
  • Sibling
  • Spouse
  • Court order
  • Law Enforcement Agency or Representative
  • Any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or registrant’s estate.

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

The CDPH-VR requires applicants to prove their identity by notarizing a sworn statement with their application and documents. When ordering online, VRO offers an online notary service as an additional option of the service provided. Otherwise, you must bring your ID with your application document when using a local public notary.



Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records (CDPH-VR) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the health department.

When manually mailing your birth certificate request to the CDPH-VR, it is optional to include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your application. It's recommended to purchase mail tracking to guarantee timely handling and secure delivery of your vital records. Once your certificate is mailed from the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a California Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    Individuals born on an overseas military base are not considered born in California; therefore, there is no birth certificate on record with California. If you were born overseas on a US military base and your parents were US citizens, your birth should be recorded with the US Department of State. You must contact the US Department of State to request a copy of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240).

    Note that this is not a birth certificate; it is evidence of US citizenship for individuals born abroad to US citizen parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is equivalent to having a US birth certificate. This document is recognized in the US as proof of birth and citizenship and can be used to obtain a passport and apply for social services. If you need additional copies of this document, you can contact the hospital where the birth occurred to request a copy of the birth certificate or order them from the Department of State. Learn more about CRBA for more information.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My California Birth Certificate?

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    A California birth certificate offers details about a person's birth, including their legal name, place of birth, date of birth, and parents' names. These documents are universally recognized and accepted by government agencies and private businesses for various purposes, such as obtaining a driver's license or passport, enrolling in school, getting married, and participating in legal processes. Moreover, birth certificates can be invaluable for personal reasons like genealogy research.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license


  • What Does a California Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    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.



    California birth certificate
  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen California Birth Certificate

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    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.

  • How to Correct or Amend a California Birth Certificate

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    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. 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:

    Scenario

    Form

    Supporting Documents

    Spelling/clerical errors

    VS 24

    Notarized affidavit, proof of error (e.g., hospital records, gender, parent’s birth certificate).

    Court-ordered name/gender

    VS 23

    Certified court order with original seal/judge’s signature. (Out-of-state court orders: Accepted unless from Hawaii’s Office of the Lieutenant Governor.)

    Parentage adjudication

    Court petition

    Acknowledgment of Paternity or certified court order.

    3) Fees

    1. Within 1 year of birth: No fee to amend, but certified copies cost $25.00 each.
    2. After 1 year: $23.00 processing fee (includes one certified copy). Additional copies cost $25.00 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:


  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a California Birth Certificate

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    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 Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Apostille Section in person or by courier to the following addresses:

    Standard Mail:

    Express Courier: (UPS, DHL, FedEx):