California Birth Records

To begin, add a birth record or view a list of locations and resources for California birth records.

Finding vital records, including birth certificates in a large state like California may seem like finding a needle in a haystack, but the fact is, it is really quite easy to find this information if you know where to look. The state of California itself makes this easy; as opposed to a lot of other states, anyone can obtain some kind of copy of any public record up to six months old.

California releases two different kind of copies, certified and informational. A certified record is an official copy and can only be obtained by the person on the record, and certain other family members including parents, spouse, and children.

California first started to record birth certificates in 1905. You can access them from this time until almost the present day, though it is worth noting that as many births as the state sees a year, it may take a few months for records to become available.

In the event that you are requesting a certified copy, you must have your request notarized and be willing to pay a small fee for the service. For faster return time, you may send a vital records request directly to the county in which it was filed. Birth certificates are always considered vital records, but California makes sure they are truly available to the public.

To receive a birth certificate fill out the California Birth Certificate Mail-in Form. Mail your application to:

Authorized copies and informational copies of California birth certificates are available for a small fee of $14.00. To receive and authorized copy, you must be either the person named on the certificate, or the parents of that person. You must also have a sworn statement which has been notarized stating that you have a right to the authorized copy. All others may only obtain an informational copy. You should be able to obtain a birth certificate for anyone born in California back to the year 1905. For more information visit: California Department of Public Health