How to get a birth certificate in California

A birth certificate is an official document that provides information about a person’s birth. It is required for a variety of purposes, such as obtaining a driver’s license, passport, or social security card. In California, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records office is responsible for issuing birth certificates. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of obtaining a birth certificate in California.

Step 1: Determine Which Agency to Request the Birth Certificate From

Two agencies issue birth certificates in California: the CDPH Vital Records Office and the County Recorder’s Office. The CDPH Vital Records office issues birth certificates for all births that occurred in California from 1905 to the present. If you were born outside of California, you will need to request a birth certificate from the state or country where you were born.

If you were born in California before 1905, you will need to contact the County Recorder’s Office in the county where you were born to request a birth certificate.

Step 2: Gather the Required Information

Before you can request a birth certificate, you will need to gather some important information. You will need to provide the following information:

• Full name of the person on the birth certificate
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (city or county)
• Mother’s full maiden name
• Father’s full name (if listed on the birth certificate)
• Your relationship to the person on the birth certificate
• Reason for requesting the birth certificate
• Your contact information

Step 3: Choose Your Method of Requesting a Birth Certificate

There are three ways to request a birth certificate in California: online, by mail, or in person.

Online: You can order a birth certificate online through the CDPH Vital Records office’s website. You will need to provide the required information and pay a fee using a credit card.

By Mail: You can request a birth certificate by mail by filling out a Birth Certificate Application form, which can be downloaded from the CDPH Vital Records office’s website. You will need to mail the completed form, along with a check or money order for the fee, to the address listed on the form.

In Person: You can request a birth certificate in person by visiting a CDPH Vital Records office or a County Recorder’s Office. You will need to provide the required information and pay a fee using cash, check, or a credit card.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fee

The fee for a birth certificate in California varies depending on the method of request. The fee for an online request is $30, while the fee for a mail or in-person request is $25. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or additional copies of the birth certificate.

Step 5: Receive Your Birth Certificate

Once your request has been processed and your fee has been paid, you will receive your birth certificate in the mail. The processing time for a birth certificate request can vary depending on the method of request and the workload of the agency.

In conclusion, obtaining a birth certificate in California is a simple process that requires some basic information and a fee. By following these steps, you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate for a variety of purposes.

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