Contra Costa County Birth Records
Search Birth Records:
Contra Costa County Birth Records (1905-1995)
CaliforniaBirthIndex.org provides free access to Contra Costa County birth records from 1905 to 1995. Search by name to find birth dates, parents' names, and county of birth — completely free, no registration required.
What You'll Find in Contra Costa County Birth Records
Each birth record in our Contra Costa County database includes:
— Full name (first, middle, last)
— Date of birth
— Sex
— Mother's maiden name
— County of birth (Contra Costa County)
The California Birth Index does not include time of birth, hospital name, or parents' first names. For those details, you'll need a certified birth certificate (see below).
How to Search Contra Costa County Birth Records
Use the search bar at the top of any page to find Contra Costa County birth records by first and last name. You can also search by parents' names to find siblings or children born to specific parents in Contra Costa County.
About Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County is one of California's original 27 counties, created in 1850. Its Spanish name means "opposite coast," referring to its position across San Francisco Bay. The county grew dramatically in the postwar era as returning veterans settled in new suburban developments. From about 100,000 residents in 1940, the population surged to over 800,000 by 1990, driven by industrial development along the waterfront in Richmond and Pittsburg and the rapid suburbanization of central county cities like Walnut Creek, Concord, and Antioch.
How to Get a Certified Contra Costa County Birth Certificate
While CaliforniaBirthIndex.org provides free index information, you'll need a certified birth certificate for official purposes like passports, driver's licenses, or proving identity.
Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder
— Address: 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553
— Phone: (925) 335-7900
— Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
— Website: Clerk-Recorder
Fee: $38 per certified copy. As of January 1, 2026 (AB 64 $2 increase). Cash is not accepted — bring a card or check.
Ways to Order
In Person: Visit the Clerk-Recorder at 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Most in-person requests are processed the same day or within a few business days.
By Mail: Send a completed application with payment (check or money order) to: Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder, 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Allow 2-4 weeks for processing and delivery.
Through the State: You can also order from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for $31 per copy. See our guide: How to Get a Certified Birth Certificate.
Recent Births
For births within the current and previous calendar year, contact the Contra Costa County Vital Registration Office at 10 Douglas Drive, Suite 220, Martinez, CA 94553 — phone (925) 313-1125.
Contra Costa County Specifics
Contra Costa County's birth certificate fee of $38 is among the highest in California. The county does not accept cash — only debit/credit cards, checks, or money orders. Birth records are available from 1905 to present. The office is located near the Martinez Amtrak station.
Authorized vs. Informational Copies
Contra Costa County issues two types of certified birth certificates:
— Authorized copy: Can be used to establish identity (for passports, driver's licenses, etc.). Only available to the person named on the certificate, their parents, legal guardians, or other authorized individuals.
— Informational copy: Marked "Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity." Available to anyone but cannot be used for identification purposes.
What If I Can't Find a Record?
If you can't find a Contra Costa County birth record in our database, consider:
— Trying alternate name spellings or maiden names
— The birth may have occurred in a neighboring county
— Pre-1905 births are not included in the California Birth Index
— Contact the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder directly at (925) 335-7900
Related Resources
