How to Get a Birth Certificate in California if the Original Is Lost

Losing your birth certificate feels like misplacing a piece of your identity. 

But don’t stress. In California, replacing it is possible. 

Whether your original was destroyed, stolen, or nowhere to be found, this post walks you through exactly who qualifies, how to request a replacement, and what steps to take online, by mail, or in person.

Who can request a certified copy of birth or death records in California?

In California, only certain people can obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate.

This includes:

• The registrant: a person named on the birth certificate, if they are 18 years of age or older.
• Immediate family members include a spouse, legal guardian (if the person is a minor), domestic partner, children, siblings, or grandparents.
• A legal representative, attorney, or someone with a court order or power of attorney.

If you don’t qualify, you can still request a birth certificate, but you’ll receive an informational copy. This is not a legally valid method for establishing identity. You cannot use this for things like passports or driver's licenses.

Where can you get a copy of a birth certificate in California?

You have three main options:

1. In person at the county’s vital records office

• Go to the vital statistics office or county recorder where the birth occurred
• Bring a valid government-issued photo identification
• Fill out the application
• Pay the fee (typically $29)
• Walk out with your new copy of the birth certificate, often within minutes

** If you're near the birth county, this is your best bet for quicker service.

2. By mail through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

The Department of Health maintains statewide birth records, but it's slower than going through the county.

• You can do self-service by using State Vital Record's (SVR) helpful form generator
• Fill out the necessary forms
• Notarize a sworn statement with a local notary or with NotaryLive.com, 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)

3. Order a birth certificate online via StateVitalRecords.org

If you're wondering how can I get my birth certificate online, StateVitalRecords.org is your most convenient and reliable option.

Here’s how it works:

• Go to StateVitalRecords.org to get your vital records online
• Select California and begin your online order
• Fill out the form with the person named on the birth certificate, birth details, and parent names
• Upload a scan of your government-issued photo ID
• Complete a sworn statement, notarized online via webcam with NotaryLive
• Pay the fees
• We will send your application for you to the state (After we send it out, it's in the jurisdiction's hands)
• Your certified copy of the birth certificate will be mailed to your home from the jurisdiction

Why choose StateVitalRecords.org?

• State-authorized and 100% secure
• Offers remote online notarization
• Guides you through the process step-by-step
• Saves you the hassle of mailing documents or visiting a physical office

Need a new birth certificate for REAL ID, travel, or legal use? Ordering online through StateVitalRecords.org is easy, fast, and secure.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy of a birth certificate in California?

• State and county fees: $29 per copy
• Online services: Add a processing fee (usually $20–$60)
• Total via StateVitalRecords.org: Typically ~$43+, depending on shipping and notarization

You can buy birth certificate copies in multiples if you need extras. Just pay the per-copy fee.

How to get a new birth certificate: Step-by-step recap:

If applying in person:

• Go to your county vital records office
• Bring ID
• Fill out the form
• Sign a sworn statement
• Pay and receive your copy the same day

If applying online (via StateVitalRecords.org):

• Complete the online order application
• Upload ID and sign a notarized sworn statement
• Pay by credit card
• Receive your copy of a birth certificate by mail

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a copy of my birth certificate if I live out of state?

Use StateVitalRecords.org to apply online; the most convenient method for remote applicants.

Is a certified copy legally valid?

Yes. A certified copy is equivalent to the original and accepted for passports, REAL ID, and other legal uses.

Can someone else request my birth certificate for me?

Yes, if they’re authorized requesters under California law. If they're certain family members (spouse, domestic partner, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren), legal guardians for minors, attorneys, court-appointed representatives, law enforcement on official business, etc.

Proper identification and documentation, including notarized sworn statements for mail/online, are required.

Relevant Blogs

• State Vital Records will now offer vital records for the state of California
• Do you need a Birth Certificate to Get Married?
• How Do You Get Your Birth Certificate Online
• How To Get A California Birth Certificate
• Can I get a California REAL ID without my Birth Certificate?
• How to Find California Death Records