Last updated April 2026.
Understanding the California Birth Index (CABI)
The California Birth Index (CABI) is a comprehensive registry database maintained by the California Office of Health Information and Research that contains the birth records of every person whose birth was registered in California from 1905 through 1995. This searchable database provides public access to basic vital records information for births occurring during the 90-year period, making it a valuable resource for genealogists, researchers, and individuals seeking to verify birth information. The index was created to provide a centralized, searchable record of all registered California births during this historical period.
History and Purpose of the CABI
The California Birth Index was established as part of California’s vital records modernization efforts to make historical birth data more accessible to the public and researchers. For decades, accessing birth record information required requesting records directly from county vital records offices, a process that could be time-consuming and expensive. The CABI changed this by creating a searchable online database, allowing users to search for births by name, date, and other basic identifying information. This database has become an invaluable tool for genealogical research, family history documentation, and legal proceedings requiring birth verification.
Information Included in the CABI
The California Birth Index contains information limited to what appears on the short-form birth certificate, not the more detailed long-form certified copy. The database includes the following information for each birth record:
- Full name at birth
- Date of birth (month, day, and year)
- County of birth
- Gender at birth
- Mother’s maiden name
This limited information set was intentionally designed to balance public accessibility with privacy protections. While the CABI provides enough information to identify a person and locate their birth record, it does not include sensitive details such as hospital information, attending physician names, or parental occupational data that appear on long-form certificates.
Addressing Privacy and Identity Theft Concerns
Some individuals have raised concerns about identity theft risks associated with the public CABI database. However, it is important to understand that the information included in the CABI is identical to the information that has long been publicly available through California birth certificates. Short-form birth certificate information has been accessible to the general public for decades, so the database does not expose any information that was previously confidential.
California takes privacy seriously and restricts access to long-form birth certificates and other detailed records to the person on record and immediate family members. The CABI reflects this same privacy approach by limiting public information to basic identifying data that was already available through other channels.
How to Search the California Birth Index Online
The CABI can be accessed online at californiabirthindex.org, a publicly maintained and searchable database. To search the index, you will need to provide the person’s full name and gender at birth. You can search by last name, first name, or both, depending on how much information you have. The search will return matching records, including the birth date, county of birth, and mother’s maiden name. Once you have identified the correct record in the CABI, you can then order a certified copy of the birth certificate if needed.
The search interface is user-friendly and allows for flexible searching. For example, you can search by partial names if you are unsure of exact spelling, or search by county and birth year to narrow your results if you have that information.
Obtaining Full Certified Birth Certificates
While the CABI provides basic identifying information, you may need a certified copy of your birth certificate, also known as a long-form certificate, for many official purposes. A certified copy contains more comprehensive information, including hospital details, attending physician or midwife information, and parental occupational data. These detailed records are restricted to the person on record and immediate family members and cannot be accessed by the general public.
You can order a birth certificate replacement online through the California Department of Public Health or through authorized vital records services. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks, and certified copies carry an official state seal and signature confirming their authenticity.
Special Considerations for Adopted Individuals
Adopted individuals may find it more challenging to locate their records in the CABI. After adoption, an amended birth certificate is typically issued in the adoptive parents’ names, and this amended certificate appears in the CABI. However, original birth records are sealed and confidential in California. Individuals who were adopted and wish to access their original birth certificate may need to petition the court for access, a process that may require legal assistance.
In some cases, adopted individuals may be listed in the CABI under both their birth name and adoptive name, or the place of birth may be changed or omitted from the record following adoption. If you are adopted and having difficulty locating your record, contacting the California Department of Public Health Vital Records office directly may provide assistance.
CABI Records and Historical Research
The California Birth Index is widely used for genealogical research and family history documentation. Researchers can trace family lineage, verify family relationships, and document ancestral history using the CABI. The 90-year span (1905-1995) covers multiple generations, making it a comprehensive resource for California family history research. Many genealogy websites reference or integrate CABI data to assist family researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates are covered by the California Birth Index?
The CABI includes births registered in California from 1905 through 1995. Births after 1995 may still be indexed but through different systems, and births before 1905 may have limited availability or require direct contact with county vital records offices.
Can I search the CABI for someone else’s birth record?
Yes, the CABI is publicly searchable. Anyone can search for birth records using the available information. However, ordering certified copies of birth certificates is restricted to the person on record or authorized family members.
Is the information in the CABI the same as a certified birth certificate?
No. The CABI contains only the information from short-form certificates. Long-form certified copies contain additional details and are restricted to the person on record and immediate family members. If you need detailed information, you will need to order a certified copy.
What should I do if I cannot find my birth record in the CABI?
If you cannot find your record in the CABI, the birth may not have been registered or may be listed under a different name. Contact the California Department of Public Health Vital Records office or the county clerk’s office in the county where the birth occurred for assistance locating your record.
Is it safe to share information from the CABI?
The information in the CABI is already public. However, use discretion when sharing birth dates and mother’s maiden names, as this information is sometimes used for identity verification in security questions. Be cautious about posting this information on social media or sharing it with unknown parties.