California Birth Records – How can you request birth certificates in California?

Birth certificates are very important for identification purposes. Anyone born in the US receives one at birth. They are useful for getting a job, getting a driver’s license, and various other things that require identification. However, they can sometimes be lost or damaged. If you need to obtain a copy of a California birth certificate, there are a few things you need to know first.

All states, including California, allow access to birth certificates as well as other vital records, including marriage, divorce, and death records. However, the exact process for obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate varies by state.

If you are trying to obtain a copy of a birth certificate in the state of California, you should be aware that the birth certificate and other similar records, prior to July 1905, are maintained in the county where that event occurred. Instead, all records from that time are kept in the State Registrar’s office. Therefore, it is important to know what year and what county you are looking for. That way, you’ll know if you need to contact the county clerk for a copy or the State Registrar’s office.

If you are looking for a certified copy of your own or an immediate family member’s birth certificate, you likely want post-1905 records. If that is the case, you should contact the Office of Vital Records in Sacramento, California. You can do this in writing, but before you do, you may want to call them to check things like the fees involved and how long it will take to get your copy. You can reach them at (916) 445-2684. You’ll want to have a notebook and pen handy, because you’ll likely receive a recorded message with this information. Once you are aware of the fees required to obtain a certified copy, you can make a check payable to the Office of Vital Records.

Although that method is cheaper, it takes quite a bit of time. It can take several weeks to get your certified birth certificate that way. Also, please note that beginning in 2003, you must sign an affidavit to obtain a copy. You must have the statement notarized and then mail it in, or it will be returned to you and you will not receive your copy.

If you are more interested in convenience or speed, you may prefer to order your certified copy of your birth certificate online. It is fast and easy. Simply log on to dhs.ca.gov/hisp/chs/ovr/ordercert.htm and follow the easy instructions there. By that method, you can have your certified copy in just a few days, depending on where you live.

If you follow all the rules required by the state of California, obtaining a copy of your California birth record should be fairly easy. Once you have it, keep it in a safe place, so you don’t have to worry about asking for one again.