How To Get A California Birth Certificate

If you need a California birth certificate for personal records, legal purposes, or other official matters, this article is for you.

The process of obtaining a birth certificate can be confusing with various forms, requirements, and potential delays.

Fortunately, there are easier methods available to simplify this task.

By following this guide, you will learn how to quickly and efficiently get a California birth certificate, saving you time and reducing stress.

1. What Is A Birth Certificate?

A birth certificate is a vital record that provides several critical use cases for United States citizens.

This vital record is 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.

If you're planning to

get a new driver's license
replace a social security card
register for a marriage certificate

These all require 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.

2. 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. However, 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 be challenging for those planning to travel soon or enroll in school.

Where can I get a certified copy of my birth certificate?

If you're wondering how to get a copy of your birth certificate in California, you have a few limited options available to you.

In order to receive a replacement or certified copy of your State of California birth certificate. . .

You can apply at a few local Vital Records offices by mail or online through State Vital Records.

Notarization is required to apply in California

To purchase a certified copy of your birth certificate in California, you must include a sworn statement that is notarized.

This expresses your request to obtain a California birth certificate replacement/copy.

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.

StateVitalRecords & NotaryLive

Order online – Submit the form on State Vital Records through our online order form.
Notarization Through NotaryLive - In terms of notarization, some states require notarization of an application or a sworn statement – because of State Vital Records' partnership with NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform that provides fast, secure and convenient notarization 24/7. ((Note: Keep in mind there are added fees when using NotaryLive for convenient, remote online notarization.)
- Upload Your Document
- VerifyYour Identity
- Connect Online With An Online Notary
- NotaryLive Routes Your Documents to State Vital Records Automatically

State Vital Records – After notarization through NotaryLive, State Vital Records will send the application to the jurisdiction. This is where the jurisdiction is responsible for the rest of the application process.
Jurisdiction – Will complete the order and mail a copy of the requested vital records to you

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!

3. How long does it take to get my California birth certificate?

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.

StateVitalRecords can expedite the process

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 busy schedule 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.

4. 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 registrant
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's 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to order a birth certificate online?
- Generally, you’ll need the following:
  - Proof of identity: A valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
  - Information about the individual: Full name, date of birth, and parent’s names.
  - Payment method: A credit card or debit card for the processing fee.
What’s the fastest way to get a copy of my birth certificate?
- StateVitalRecords.org offers a convenient process to order your vital records and will send your application to the jurisdiction where it is processed.

Is it safe to order a birth certificate online?

Ordering a birth certificate online from an official government website is generally safe and secure. To protect your personal information, make sure the website uses encryption (check for “https” in the URL like https://statevitalrecords.org/ ). Avoid third-party websites or services that may need additional costs and are not linked with the government

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE VITAL RECORDS?

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