How to get copy of california birth certificate

To help reduce the rate of Covid-19 transmission, customers are still urged to use online or mail services to purchase birth or death certificates.

Requests may be made in person:
Monday - Thursday 9am - 12pm CLOSED on Fridays

Mask is required for entry.

  • Customers may place orders via postal mail or online via www.vitalchek.com.
  • Out of Hospital Birth Registration & Medical Marijuana ID Cards are by appointment ONLY! Please call 925-313-1125.

**Notice Regarding Vital Record Fee Increase**

Effective January 1, 2022, the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) will increase vital record fees for certified copies of birth & death certificates, pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 128 (Chapter 21, Statutes of 2021).

California Department of Public Health does not allow for a grace period for fee collections. All applications received beginning 1/1/2022 must include new fee amount.

CertificateCurrent FeeNew Fee 1/1/2022Birth Certificate$32$36Death Certificate$25$28

The Contra Costa County Vital Registration Office is able to provide certified copies for births occurring this year and last year in Contra Costa County. Births that occurred prior to that may be obtained from the Clerk-Recorders Office at 925-335-7900 or www.ccclerkrec.us.

Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 only specific individuals are permitted to obtain an authorized certified copy of a birth record.

Fees

Birth Certificate is $36.00 per certified copy.

The fee for any search of birth certificates shall be paid in advance by the applicant regardless of whether the certificate is found or not. A certified copy fee must accompany all requests for copies of Vital Registration. Requests received without the appropriate fee will be returned to the sender. Make your personal check, postal or bank money order payable to Vital Registration. Do not send cash. If no record is found, we will issue a Certificate of No Public Record and retain the fee for the search according to State law.

In Person/Over the Counter

To order a copy in person for a birth that occurred in Contra Costa County this year and last year, please bring the appropriate fees and valid government issued ID to:
Vital Registration
10 Douglas Drive, Ste #220
Martinez, CA 94553
925-313-1125
Open Monday - Friday 8am-4pm.

By Mail

To order a copy by mail for a birth that occurred in Contra Costa County, please complete the following form.

A certified copy of a birth certificate is a legal document that people can use as identification proof. It is totally different from the certificate of live birth. A certified copy can be used to apply for the first drivers licenses, social security cards, passports, visas, marriage certificates, divorce certificates, death certificates, genealogy and many other crucial documents and services in the United States.

Real ID deadline update to October 1st of 2021. Read the complete article.

To order a copy of your lost birth certificate, the vital statistics office will require the following information to fill the application:

A certified birth certificate that can typically be used for travel, passport, proof of citizenship, social security, driver's license, school registration, personal identification and other legal purposes.

Birth records have been maintained by the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records (CDPH-VR) since 1907. Vital records offices hold vital statistics and keep records of life events kept under governmental authority, which include birth certificates marriage licenses, and death certificates. The California Department of Vital Records is responsible for issuing certified copies to the public.

If your birth certificate was lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen you will need to expedite a California Birth Certificate Replacement. Thanks to our online service, you do not need to personally go to a vital records office or agency. You can easily complete your Birth Certificate application from the comfort of your home.

There are two types of birth certificates you can request in California:

The authorized copy is a certified birth certificate that you’ll be able to use to apply for a passport, prove your citizenship, get a social security card, register at school and other legal purposes. To request this certificate, you must provide a notarized sworn statement declaring that you are authorized by law to receive the certified copy.

If you are not authorized to apply for an authorized copy, you can still obtain an informational copy of their birth certificate. However, this copy will have the words “Informational, not a valid document to establish identity” imprinted across the face of the copy, and depending on the year of event, signatures and Social Security numbers redacted. Most people use informational copies for genealogy purposes.

As of May 3rd, 2023, U.S. citizens and residents must have a REAL ID-compliant driving license or ID card to enter federal facilities and board commercial aircrafts. Requirements to obtain a REAL ID may include proof of identity, such as a certified copy of the birth certificate.

How do I get an original copy of my birth certificate in California?

You may be able to obtain a copy of the original birth certificate by filing a petition under California Health and Safety Code Section 102705 in the clerk's office of the county superior court where you reside (if you live in California), or the county where the adoption was finalized.

Can I get a copy of my birth certificate online in California?

Ordering a birth certificate replacement in California is possible with Vital Records Online. First, you need to fill out an easy application. Second, you will need to pay the state fee and the service fee.

Can I get a copy of my birth certificate at the DMV in California?

Instructions: Submit completed form, necessary proof of identity documents (see page 2) and applicable fees (see page 2) to any DMV customer service center. NOTE: Fees paid for a birth certification are non-refundable. Documents must be originals. Temporary documents and photocopies will not be accepted.

How much is it to replace a birth certificate in California?

Birth Certificate: $34.00 per copy. Death Certificate: $26.00 per copy. Marriage Certificate: $19.00 per copy.