California Vital Records
To begin your California vital records online request, simply choose the type of document you need. We provide certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates, all issued as authorized records that meet requirements for legal purposes, passport application requirements, and other official needs.
If you prefer to work directly with the state, you may also visit the official California vital records website, which offers additional information on how the State of California vital records system processes and maintains these documents.
Every record we deliver is a certified, authorized copy that includes the proper stamps, signatures, and security features recognized by state and federal agencies. This ensures your documentation is accurate, compliant, and ready for any situation where an official record is required.
How It Works
Choose Certificate Type
Easily order your California birth, death, or marriage certificate(s) online. This helps us identify the correct record for processing.
Fill Out Form
Provide the information needed to locate your California vital records online. Accurate information ensures it’s processed without delays.
Receive Certificate
Once your application is submitted, the California jurisdiction reviews and fulfills the request. Your certified vital records will be mailed directly to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to order a certified copy of my certificate?
Do you need a certified copy of your birth, death, or marriage certificate? The fastest option is to order your vital records online. Below are three (3) ways to request vital records online or by mail.
1. Fastest: Online
- Fill out the online order form for a California birth, marriage, or death certificate. StateVitalRecords.org is contracted with the state of California as an approved vendor.
- If you were requested to provide supporting documentation after checkout and have not yet done so, please check your Order Status page.
2. By mail (Self-Service)
- You can still use State Vital Records for assistance if you choose to mail the application yourself.
- Fill out the necessary form(s) in Vital Records.
- Notarize a sworn statement with a local notary or with NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform.
- Print out the application/forms with the notarized sworn statement
- Mail the form(s) to the appropriate vital statistics unit, which will be listed on the application form, along with your payment (check or money order)
- You can use StateVitalRecords.org if you choose the mailing option as well for a birth certificate. This is a self-service option.
3. In Person
- Visit a branch
- Bring an acceptable form of identification
- Pay the fee (cash, check, money order, credit, or debit)
Questions about the mail option? Contact StateVitalRecord's customer support or the California Department of Public Health for more information.
What are the fees to order my certified vital records copy?
Order California Birth Certificate Online: $29 (additional copies are $29 each)
To order California marriage or death certificates, marriage certificates will cost $17, and death certificates will cost $24 for each additional copy.
When ordering vital records online, a transaction fee of $14 applies and may vary depending on the delivery method.
What's the difference between Certified Copies and Informational Copies?
A certified copy can be used to establish the identity of the person named on the certificate, whereas a certified informational copy CANNOT be used to establish identity.
Persons who are not eligible to receive a certified copy can obtain a certified informational copy. Both types of documents are certified copies of the original document on file. Depending on the exact year of the event, some certified informational copies will have signatures and Social Security numbers removed.
The Vital Records ordered through us are accepted by all state and federal agencies. State Vital Records has all of your Vital Statistics needs covered. For more information about ordering online or anything else, please visit our FAQ page.