Certified California Birth Certificates

How to Get a Certified Birth Certificate (California)

California birth certificates can be ordered from either the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH‑VR) or the county where the birth occurred. Both "authorized" and "informational" certified copies are available; the authorized copy is the one used to prove identity.

Quick Options (Choose One)

Order from CDPH‑VR (state level)
Best if you don't want to deal with a specific county or you're unsure which county to contact. Processing times vary — check the CDPH page for processing time estimates: CDPH Vital Records Processing Times.

Order from the county of birth
Often faster for recent events and for in‑person pickup. For current‑year and prior‑year births, start with the county health department (local registrar). For all years, the county recorder maintains the record. Use the CDPH county office directory: County Registrars & Recorders.

Who Can Request an Authorized Copy

California law limits authorized copies to the registrant and certain relatives/agents:

— The registrant (person named on the certificate)
— A parent or legal guardian
— Child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner
— An attorney for, or a person/agency with power of attorney or by court order for, the registrant or the registrant's estate
— Law enforcement or other governmental agency conducting official business

Everyone else may request a certified informational copy. See CDPH's explainer: Authorized vs. Informational Copy.

What You'll Need (State or County)

— Application (VS 111): Download PDF
— Notarized Sworn Statement (only if requesting an authorized copy)
— Fee payment ($31 at state level as of January 1, 2026; counties vary)
— Details to find the record (name, date/place of birth, parents' names)

Need to find your time of birth? The California Birth Index doesn't include time of birth, but certified birth certificates do. See our guide: How to Find Your Time of Birth.

Step‑by‑Step: Order from CDPH – Vital Records

By mail:

1) Complete Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record (VS 111): VS 111.
2) If requesting an authorized copy, complete the included Sworn Statement and have it notarized.
3) Include a check or money order for $31 per copy payable to CDPH‑Vital Records.
4) Mail to: CDPH – Vital Records, MS 5103, P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899‑7410.
5) Track processing times here: processing estimates.

Online (through VitalChek): Order via CDPH's authorized vendor: VitalChek – CDPH. Extra vendor and shipping fees apply.

Step‑by‑Step: Order from the County

1) Find the correct county via the CDPH county directory: directory.
2) Check that county's site for in‑person, mail, or online ordering (many also use VitalChek).
3) Complete the application and include a notarized sworn statement for authorized copies.
4) Submit payment according to county rules (fees vary). Some counties allow same‑day pickup.

Fees

— CDPH – Vital Records: $31 per certified copy (as of January 1, 2026, per AB 64). If no record is found, CDPH issues a Certificate of No Public Record instead of refunding.
— Counties: Most charge $31 per copy; some add local surcharges. See our county-by-county guides for specific fees.
— Online vendors: VitalChek adds service/shipping fees.

Processing & Delivery

CDPH mails via USPS First Class. Current turnaround estimates: see processing times.