San Mateo County Birth Records
Search Birth Records:
San Mateo County Birth Records (1905-1995)
CaliforniaBirthIndex.org provides free access to San Mateo 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 San Mateo County Birth Records
Each birth record in our San Mateo County database includes:
— Full name (first, middle, last)
— Date of birth
— Sex
— Mother's maiden name
— County of birth (San Mateo 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 San Mateo County Birth Records
Use the search bar at the top of any page to find San Mateo 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 San Mateo County.
About San Mateo County
San Mateo County was carved from San Francisco County in 1856, taking the peninsula stretching south from San Francisco to Palo Alto. The county's character shifted dramatically in the 20th century — from small farming towns and coastal communities to a key part of Silicon Valley. The opening of the Bay Bridge and later the expansion of US-101 and I-280 turned San Mateo County into a commuter corridor. Its population grew from about 112,000 in 1930 to nearly 650,000 by 1990.
How to Get a Certified San Mateo 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.
San Mateo County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
— Address: 555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063
— Phone: (650) 363-4500
— Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
— Website: Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
Fee: $34 per certified copy. As of January 1, 2026 (AB 64 $2 increase). Government agencies pay $24.
Ways to Order
In Person: Visit the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder at 555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063. Monday-Friday, 8:30 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: San Mateo County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder, Attn: Vital Records, 555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063. 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 from 1966 to present, the Office of Vital Records at 1600 W. Hillsdale Blvd., Suite 203, San Mateo, CA 94402 also issues certificates — phone (650) 573-2395. For births before 1966, contact the Clerk-Recorder's office.
San Mateo County Specifics
San Mateo County has a split records system: births from 1966 to present are available from the Office of Vital Records (San Mateo location), while births from 1865 to 1965 require the Clerk-Recorder's office in Redwood City. Pre-1966 certificates may require an additional 2 days for processing. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged. Only Visa and Mastercard are accepted for card payments.
Authorized vs. Informational Copies
San Mateo 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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder directly at (650) 363-4500
Related Resources
