Last verified: October 2026
California makes a distinction that trips up most first-time applicants: there are two types of certified birth certificates, and only one of them is accepted for passports, court proceedings, Real ID applications, and most government purposes. The other type, called an informational copy, looks nearly identical but is stamped across the face with the words “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY.” Order the wrong one and you will be reapplying.
The type you need for official use is an authorized certified copy. To get one, you must prove your relationship to the person named on the certificate and submit a notarized sworn statement. That requirement exists because California treats birth records as restricted under state law. If you qualify, the process is straightforward. If you do not qualify for an authorized copy, the informational version is your only option and it genuinely will not work for most official purposes.
This guide covers both copy types, who qualifies for each, how to order through every available channel, current fees, and what to do if the record you need is older or harder to locate.
Key Takeaways
- California issues two types: authorized certified copies (for official use) and informational copies (genealogy and personal records only). Know which you need before you order.
- Authorized copies require a notarized Sworn Statement (Form VS 1964) plus proof of your eligibility relationship to the registrant.
- The fee is $29 per certified copy from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Vital Records, regardless of order method. Fees are non-refundable.
- VitalChek is the state-authorized online ordering vendor but adds its own service and shipping fees on top of the $29 state fee.
- CDPH mail processing currently runs 8 to 10 weeks. In-person at a county recorder’s office is often same-day.
- Births registered in California since 1905 are held at CDPH. Births before 1905 must be requested from the county where the birth occurred.
- If you were adopted or your record has been amended, additional steps apply.
Authorized Certified Copy vs. Informational Copy
This is the decision to make before anything else.
Authorized certified copy: accepted for:
- U.S. passport applications and renewals
- California Real ID and REAL-compliant driver’s licenses
- Social Security applications and updates
- Court proceedings and probate
- School enrollment requiring proof of age
- Employment eligibility verification (I-9)
- Citizenship and immigration applications
Informational copy: accepted for:
- Genealogical research
- Personal family records
- Historical documentation
The informational copy carries a printed statement across the face marking it as not valid for identity purposes. It cannot be substituted for an authorized copy in any official process.
Who Can Get an Authorized Certified Copy
California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 restricts authorized copies to:
- The registrant (the person named on the certificate), if 18 or older
- A parent, legal guardian, or legal representative of the registrant
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant
- A member of a law enforcement agency acting in an official capacity
- An attorney representing the registrant or their estate
- Any person with a court order directing issuance
Anyone not on this list may still order, but they will receive an informational copy only.
How Much Does a California Birth Certificate Cost?
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (authorized or informational) | $29 per copy |
| Amendment filing | $26 (includes one free copy) |
| Amendment within one year of birth | No fee (each copy ordered is $29) |
| VitalChek service fee | Additional (varies by shipping method) |
All fees are non-refundable, even if the record cannot be found or the application is denied.
If you use VitalChek, a service fee is added on top of the $29 state fee. That fee varies depending on the shipping method selected.
County recorder offices charge the same $29 state fee but may have their own processing fees for in-person service.
How to Order a California Birth Certificate
Step 1: Decide Which Copy Type You Need
Confirm whether the institution or agency requesting your birth certificate needs an authorized certified copy or will accept an informational copy. For passports, Real ID, and any government agency, you need the authorized copy.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Download Form VS 111 (the standard birth certificate application) from the CDPH Vital Records website.
If you are requesting an authorized copy, you must also complete Form VS 1964 (the Sworn Statement), have it notarized, and include it with your application. This is a legal requirement under California law, without the notarized VS 1964, CDPH will issue an informational copy instead.
Step 3: Gather Your ID and Supporting Documents
For all applications:
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID)
For authorized copy applications, additionally:
- Your completed and notarized VS 1964 Sworn Statement
- Documentation supporting your eligibility relationship, if required
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Option A: By Mail to CDPH
Mail the completed VS 111, your notarized VS 1964 (if requesting an authorized copy), a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for $29 per copy payable to CDPH-Vital Records. Cash is not accepted for mail orders.
Mail to: California Department of Public Health Vital Records, MS 5103 P.O. Box 997410 Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
Current processing time: 8 to 10 weeks from the date CDPH receives your application.
Option B: Online via VitalChek
VitalChek is the California state-authorized online ordering service. Access it through the official CDPH vital records page to ensure you are using the authorized portal.
For authorized copies, you will still need to submit your notarized VS 1964 Sworn Statement separately, VitalChek accepts it by fax or mail. Processing times through VitalChek are similar to direct CDPH mail orders since orders still route through CDPH.
Option C: In Person at a County Recorder’s Office
Most California county clerk-recorder offices accept in-person requests for births registered in that county. In-person service is typically same-day or next-day and is the fastest option when you need the certificate urgently.
Bring:
- Completed VS 111 form
- Notarized VS 1964 (for authorized copies)
- Original government-issued photo ID
- Payment
Appointments are required at some offices. Check the specific county’s website before going.
Major county vital records offices:
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder
- San Diego County Clerk-Recorder
- Orange County Clerk-Recorder
- San Francisco County Clerk
For all other counties, use the CDPH county office directory.
Processing Times at a Glance
| Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Mail to CDPH | 8 to 10 weeks from receipt |
| Online via VitalChek | Similar to mail (routes through CDPH) |
| In person at county office | Same day or next day (most counties) |
CDPH publishes its current processing time on its vital records page. Check before ordering, it fluctuates, especially during peak periods in summer months.
Urgent Requests
If you need a birth certificate urgently, in-person service at a county recorder’s office is your fastest option. Same-day service is available at most county offices without CDPH’s multi-week queue.
If your county office cannot process same-day, a third-party document retrieval service can sometimes assist with expedited pickup at a county office. Always verify you are using a legitimate service and not paying a premium for the same CDPH timeline.
Birth Records Before 1905
CDPH holds California birth records registered from 1905 onward. For births before 1905, contact the county clerk-recorder in the county where the birth occurred. Pre-1905 records vary significantly in completeness, not all births were formally registered before statewide vital records became mandatory.
The California State Archives and county historical societies may also hold documents for older records CDPH does not have.
Born Abroad to California Resident Parents
If a U.S. citizen was born outside the United States to parents who are California residents, the relevant document is a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), issued by the U.S. State Department through the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the time of birth. This is not a California birth certificate and is not issued by CDPH.
Contact the U.S. Department of State for CRBA-related requests.
Corrections and Amendments
If your California birth certificate contains an error, corrections and amendments are handled by CDPH Vital Records.
- Amendment fee: $26, which includes one free corrected copy. Each additional copy is $29.
- Amendment filed within one year of birth: No fee, though each copy ordered is $29.
The form required depends on the type of change. Name corrections use Form VS 24. Significant amendments — such as adding or changing parental information, require additional legal documentation. Contact CDPH directly for the specific form and documentation requirements for your situation.
Deceased Persons and Genealogy Requests
Records for deceased persons follow the same authorized vs. informational framework during the first 100 years after the birth date. After 100 years from the date of birth, the record becomes a public genealogy record and anyone may request a copy.
If you are researching family history and the person was born more than 100 years ago, you can request a copy directly from CDPH without proving an eligibility relationship.
Adoptions and Amended Records
If you were adopted in California, your birth record situation is specific:
- An original birth certificate (the pre-adoption record) is available to adoptees under California Health and Safety Code provisions, subject to specific procedures through the CDPH Adoption Registry.
- An amended birth certificate reflecting the adoptive parents is what is typically issued after finalization.
See the CDPH Adoption Registry page for current procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a birth certificate in California?
Order one from CDPH Vital Records by mail, through VitalChek online, or in person at a county recorder’s office where the birth was registered. The fee is $29 per certified copy. Authorized copies also require a notarized VS 1964 Sworn Statement submitted with your application.
How much does a California birth certificate cost?
$29 per certified copy from CDPH. VitalChek adds its own service and shipping fee. County offices charge the same $29 state fee but may have separate processing fees for in-person service. All fees are non-refundable.
How long does it take to get a California birth certificate?
Mail orders to CDPH take approximately 8 to 10 weeks from the date CDPH receives your application. VitalChek online orders route through CDPH and follow similar timelines. In-person at a county recorder’s office is typically same-day or next day.
What is the difference between an authorized copy and an informational copy?
An authorized certified copy is accepted for passports, court proceedings, Real ID, and official government purposes. An informational copy is stamped as not valid for identity purposes and is only suitable for personal records or genealogy. To receive an authorized copy, you must qualify under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 and submit a notarized VS 1964 Sworn Statement.
Do I need a notary to get a California birth certificate?
Only if you are requesting an authorized certified copy. You must complete Form VS 1964 (Sworn Statement) and have it notarized before submitting your application. Notarization is not required for informational copies, which are available to anyone.
Can I get my own California birth certificate?
Yes, if you are 18 or older, you qualify for an authorized certified copy of your own birth certificate. You will need to provide a government-issued photo ID and a completed, notarized VS 1964 Sworn Statement confirming your identity.
Can I get a California birth certificate for someone else?
Only if you are a qualifying family member (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner), legal representative, attorney of record, or law enforcement officer acting officially. Everyone else receives an informational copy only.
Does VitalChek work for California birth certificates?
Yes. VitalChek is the California state-authorized online ordering vendor. Orders through VitalChek are submitted to CDPH on your behalf. Always access VitalChek through the CDPH website link to ensure you are using the authorized portal. For authorized copies, you still need to submit your notarized VS 1964 Sworn Statement to VitalChek by fax or mail.
What ID do I need to order a California birth certificate?
A valid government-issued photo ID, driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. For mail applications, include a photocopy. For in-person applications, bring the original.
What if my birth certificate has an error?
Contact CDPH Vital Records to request a correction. The amendment fee is $26 and includes one corrected copy. The required form depends on the type of error. Contact CDPH directly for the specific form and documentation your situation requires.
Bottom Line
Getting a California birth certificate is a predictable process once you know which type you need and which office to contact. The most common mistake is either ordering an informational copy when an authorized certified copy is required, or skipping the VS 1964 Sworn Statement notarization step and receiving the wrong copy type as a result.
For speed, in-person at the relevant county recorder’s office is the fastest option. For convenience without urgency, VitalChek is reliable. Direct mail to CDPH works but requires patience during the 8 to 10 week processing window.
For related vital records guides, see our pages on how to get a Texas birth certificate, how to get a Florida birth certificate, and how to get a death certificate.
Last updated: October 2026. Fees and processing times are subject to change. Always verify current information at cdph.ca.gov. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.