Sonoma County Birth Records
Search Birth Records:
Sonoma County Birth Records (1905-1995)
CaliforniaBirthIndex.org provides free access to Sonoma 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 Sonoma County Birth Records
Each birth record in our Sonoma County database includes:
— Full name (first, middle, last)
— Date of birth
— Sex
— Mother's maiden name
— County of birth (Sonoma 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 Sonoma County Birth Records
Use the search bar at the top of any page to find Sonoma 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 Sonoma County.
About Sonoma County
Sonoma County is one of California's original 27 counties, created in 1850. The county played a central role in early California history — the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, which led to California's independence from Mexico, took place in the town of Sonoma. The county became famous for its wine industry beginning in the 1850s and remains one of the world's premier wine regions. Its population grew steadily from about 103,000 in 1940 to nearly 390,000 by 1990, driven by agriculture, wine tourism, and Bay Area spillover.
How to Get a Certified Sonoma 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.
Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor
— Address: 585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
— Phone: (707) 565-3800
— Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Thursday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
— Website: Clerk-Recorder-Assessor
Fee: $34 per certified copy. As of January 1, 2026 (AB 64 $2 increase). Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards accepted in person.
Ways to Order
In Person: Visit the Clerk-Recorder-Assessor at 585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Monday-Tuesday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Thursday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 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: Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder, 585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. 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 Clerk receives birth certificates approximately one month after the birth. For very recent births, contact the Sonoma County Office of Vital Statistics at (707) 565-4407.
Sonoma County Specifics
Sonoma County has birth certificates dating back to October 14, 1855 — among the earliest records in California. Note the irregular Wednesday hours: the office closes at 4:00 PM instead of the usual 5:00 PM. No fee transactions or document processing are accepted within 30 minutes of closing. Mail orders require payment by check or money order payable to "Sonoma County Department of Health Services."
Authorized vs. Informational Copies
Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma County Clerk-Recorder-Assessor directly at (707) 565-3800
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