How To Get a California Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is a vital record that provides several critical use cases for United States citizens,much more than just telling us who we are, where and when we were born, and to whom we were born.—it's proof of identity. Whether planning to get a new driver's license, replace a social security card, or register for a marriage certificate, requires you to show a birth certificate.

However, getting a replacement birth certificate might be more challenging than you think for those who have misplaced or lost their original one, especially in the state of California. Luckily, State Vital Records is answering your questions on how to get a birth certificate in California. Keep reading to find out more.

How Do You Order a Certified Birth Certificate in California?

The level of ease it takes to obtain a birth certificate copy varies by state. In some states like Texas, you can order a birth certificate copy or vital record through their state's website,but the process is painfully slow, and with COVID delays, wait times could be as long as 2 months. Because of state laws, California residents needing a copy birth certificate can expect more challenges when getting a copy, which can throw a massive monkey wrench for those planning to travel soon or enroll in school. If you're wondering how to get a copy of your birth certificate in California, you have a few but limited options available to you. Here are the necessary steps one must take to 1) apply for a replacement birth certificate at a few local Vital Records offices 2) by mail or 3) online through State Vital Records.

However, to purchase a certified birth certificate in California, you must include a sworn statement that is notarized,expressing your request to obtain a California birth certificate replacement.Through State Vital Records'partnership with NotaryLive, a Remote Online Notarization platform, you can get your sworn statement notarized online within minutes, allowing your vital record request to be a fully online experience.

How Long Does It Take To Replace a Birth Certificate In California?

Once the application, notarized sworn statement, and your payments are submitted, it usually takes anywhere from 15-30 days to be processed and delivered to you. However, due to COVID-19, these processing times may be delayed.

State Vital Records makes the process of obtaining a certified California birth certificate fast and convenient with our online application. Now, you don't have to worry about submitting an incorrect application or taking time out of your busyschedule to visit your local vital records office. Get started on your California birth certificate application right now!

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Copy Of My Birth Certificate?

A California-certified birth certificate costs $29, along with a small $14 online service fee when using State Vital Records services.

What Are The Requirements For Getting an Authorized Copy Of My Birth Certificate In California?

Just as each state has different requirements for obtaining a birth certificate, the same goes for accessing those vital records. In California, the following people have the right to access an authorized copy of a birth certificate:

The registrant or a parent or legal guardian of the registran
A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant
A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record and complying with the requirements of Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code
Any Law enforcement agency member
An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate
A person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant estate

While only the above can obtain a certified birth certificate, virtually anyone is entitled to an informational copy of a birth certificate since it's a public record. However, that doesn't align with the purposes listed above and, therefore, won't entitle you to a certified copy.

Do you need a certified birth certificate copy from another state, not California? No problem, check out if State Vital Records covers your state here, you can read up on state guidelines, such as Texas, here.

Contact State Vital Records and Get Your Birth Certificate Copy!

If you've recently lost or misplaced the original copy of your certified birth certificate, not to worry! Our quick, efficient process makes it easy to replace your birth certificate. Just fill out an online application, and as soon as it's received, State Vital Records will get to work expediting the entire ordering process. Not only that, we provide tracking for most services so you can stay up-to-date on your order's whereabouts to ensure your birth certificate securely gets delivered and in the right hands

Order online to get a certified copy of your birth certificate today or to hear more about the other types of vital records we provide, including death certificates and passports. Contact us today!