A birth certificate is often the required document for obtaining a passport, getting into a school, reserving social welfare programs, and other vital necessities for living. To get your copy of the birth certificate, you need to download the correct individual birth certificate application, complete it with sworn statements, and mail it to the California Department of Public Health.
This article helps people find the best way how to obtain a copy of a birth certificate in California. There is a description explaining what to do to obtain your copy of the birth certificate.
What is a Birth Certificate?
The birth certificate is an official government document that certifies a person’s birth. It includes the name, place of birth, and parents’ names of a newborn child.
How to get a copy of the birth certificate in California
To obtain a copy of your birth certificate in California, you should follow the standard procedure. If you are an applicant who is an existing resident who needs to verify your status in California, the steps of obtaining a copy of the birth certificate are as follows:
Downloading and completing the required forms for obtain a copy of the birth certificate
- For a copy of your birth certificate, visit the California Department of Public Health (CDHP) website. Apply for one here:
You can use this link to download the required forms:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/pages/vital-records.aspx - Find the correct copy for you. The birth certificate has two types. You can get one type of certificate:
1. Authorized Copy
2. Informational Copy – The following other persons may obtain an authorized copy of the birth certificate: Your children, your grandparent, your grandchild, or member entitled to your birth record (court order), licensed according to Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code Agency adoption agency, your attorney, your representative at law, or any person appointed by a court to act on your behalf.
3. To get your certified birth copies records, you should download a pamphlet from the CDPH. That is available this given link, Click Here.
The Birth Certificate Pamphlet guide provides comprehensive details of the process and fees. Some common questions are also provided.
• The pamphlet has all the necessary forms you need to complete and submit.
• Follow the instructions entirely before completing your application. You read all instructions before you start.
• Get the application form and a sworn statement directly here:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ControlledForms/VS111.pdf
How Appy fo Copy of the Birth Certificat
1. You have to fill out the application form first. When requesting an official copy of the birth certificate, you must clear what type of copy (authorized or informational) you need and your relationship to the person on the certificate.
• Applicants must provide personal information that includes the name, address, and reason for requesting.
• Your name, place of birth, date of birth, and parents’ information will help the person issuing the certificate.
2. A notary can be a law enforcement officer, an attorney, or any person authorized by law to provide notary services. If you ordered an “authorized copy,” you can have your affidavit notarized by someone authorized by law. That means you will take your affidavit to a notary public, and they will attest it with a stamp.
• To access the entire database in California, you can visit the Notary Public at the Secretary of State’s website at: http://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/notary-public-listing/
3. Write a check for $29. Requests for a certified birth certificate will not be processed without the appropriate fee. A mandated fee of $29 is required for all requests at this time. You can check the birth and other certificate fees online at:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records-Fees.aspx
4. If you are requesting a “notarized sworn statement” (for an “authorized copy”), mail a notarized document with a check or postal order certified fee to the California Department of Public Health. Send your copy of the birth certificate application to:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records – MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
If you have sent the check through courier service, you need to send the application to the physical address:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records – MS 5103
1501 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95814
5. Getting a valid copy of the birth certificate is an easy process that requires patience. Applications may take up to 15 business days to process, or less if there are no similar applications at that time.
