Can I get a California REAL ID without my Birth Certificate?

So, can I get a California REAL ID without my birth certificate?

Yes. For proof of identity, the California DMV accepts several originals besides a birth certificate.

For example:

• valid, unexpired U.S. passport
• passport card
• permanent resident card
• employment authorization document
• or certificate of naturalization

Make sure you bring one identity document, plus your other required items.

What else do I need to bring to the DMV?

You must present proof of Social Security:

• an SSN card
• W-2 showing your full SSN

You must provide two California residency documents:

• utility bill
• bank statement
• lease

These requirements apply whether you're getting a REAL ID driver's license or an identification card.

How do I order a certified copy of your birth certificate if you don't have one?

If you prefer ordering online, you can order a California birth certificate through StateVitalRecords.org.

The right agency receives your request and mails the certified copy after issuing it.

California’s Department of Public Health, the state agency for vital records, requires an application.

In many cases, it also requires a notarized sworn statement from an authorized person, such as:

• the person named on the birth record or
• qualifying family member.

Who can legally request a certified copy?

California limits authorized copies to the registrant:

• the person named on the birth certificate
• specific relatives (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, spouse/domestic partner), or a legal representative with documentation

Others may receive only an informational copy. You can order by mail, through county offices, or online.

When does the REAL ID rule matter for flying?

Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. air travellers who are 18 or older must show a REAL ID-compliant license or ID. They can also use another acceptable ID, such as a passport. That ID works for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities.

What’s the fastest path if you’re missing documents?

If you already hold a valid U.S. passport, use it as your proof of identity for REAL ID now. If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, start your online request. Then complete the notarized sworn statement so the agency can issue your certified copy.

How to Get A Copy of Your Birth Certificate (StateVitalRecords)

We make it fast, simple, and secure to order certified vital records online, without the hassle.

Need Your Vital Records?

Receiving your vital records through our website only gets better from here. You can receive a state-issued birth certificate, death certificate or any other information needed regarding vital information.

Here’s how State Vital Records works:

• Order online – Apply our online order form. This may all be
• Location - Order is completed by the jurisdiction that holds the record.
• Receiving Documents - You’ll receive the requested information by mail.
• A. Upload Your Document
• B. Verify Your Identity
• C. Connect Online With An Online Notary
• D. Download Your Notarized Document Through Email.
• If you require assistance in notarizing your document, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the notarization process? Click here to learn more.

Looking to order your state vital records? Click here to make a request. Have any questions? Contact us!

1. Simple. Safe. Legit.

Need It Notarized?

In some states, you’ll need to get your application notarized before you can request your record. You can use an online notary service, such as NotaryLive, to complete that part without needing to go anywhere.

COMMON QUESTIONS

ARE THE CERTIFICATES OFFICIAL?

• Yes. The certificates are issued by departments of public health and are recognized and accepted by all state and federal agencies.

WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

• We accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express and Discover. Please get in touch with us for more payment options.

WHAT KIND OF VITAL RECORDS CAN I RECEIVE/ORDER?

• State Birth Certificate
• State Death Certificate
• Marriage Certificate
• Divorce Certificate
• Fetal Death and Stillbirth Certificates

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH A LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY?

• We are a privately-owned site, but trusted and contracted by the Department of Public Health.