Modoc County Birth Records
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Modoc County Birth Records (1905-1995)
CaliforniaBirthIndex.org provides free access to Modoc 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 Modoc County Birth Records
Each birth record in our Modoc County database includes:
— Full name (first, middle, last)
— Date of birth
— Sex
— Mother's maiden name
— County of birth (Modoc 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 Modoc County Birth Records
Use the search bar at the top of any page to find Modoc 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 Modoc County.
About Modoc County
Modoc County was formed on February 17, 1874, from the eastern portion of Siskiyou County. Named for the Modoc people, it was originally proposed to be called "Canby" after the general killed in the Modoc War. Located in California's far northeast corner bordering both Oregon and Nevada, it is the state's third-least-populous county.
How to Get a Certified Modoc 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.
Modoc County Assessor-Recorder
— Address: 204 S Court St, Room 106, Alturas, CA 96101
— Phone: (530) 233-6217
— Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 - 1:00 PM)
— Website: Assessor-Recorder
Fee: $31 per certified copy. Additional copies $31 each.
Ways to Order
In Person: Visit the Assessor-Recorder at 204 S Court St, Room 106, Alturas, CA 96101. Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 - 1:00 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: 204 S Court St, Room 106, Alturas, CA 96101. 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
The county recorder has birth records from 1874 to present.
Modoc County Specifics
Modoc County's county seat changed multiple times in its early years — Lake City won the original 1874 election, but county officials chose Dorris Bridge (later renamed Alturas in 1876) instead due to its more central location. Pre-1874 records for this area are found under Siskiyou County.
Authorized vs. Informational Copies
Modoc 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 Modoc 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 Modoc County Assessor-Recorder directly at (530) 233-6217
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