California Birth Records

Table of Contents

California officially started recording births in July 1905. California offers different forms of birth certificates to meet various needs. Generally, birth certificates may be authorized or informational copies.

An authorized copy of a birth record is a certified and official document issued by the state. The record has the raised seal and official signature of the California Department of Public Health or County Recorder's Office. Authorized copies are typically required when you need a legally binding document or proof of your identity.

An informational copy of birth records is a non-certified version of the birth record. It contains most of the information as the authorized copy but does not have the official raised seal and signature. Informational copies may be used for genealogical research and to keep personal or historical records.

While some states distinguish between different types of birth certificates, California focuses on the Authorized Copy, which is the long form, and the Information Copy, which is the short form. The long-form birth certificate is the certified version of the birth certificate containing detailed information recorded at birth. The short-form birth certificate contains basic information recording the birth. It typically carries "Informational, not a Valid Document to Establish Identity".

How To Order a California Birth Certificate?

Birth records from 1905 to the present are accessible at the local County Recorder's Offices. Similarly, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)-Vital Records Office grants access to birth records occurring within one year. Record seekers may visit the local county recorder's office in the county where the birth was recorded to access birth records.

To request an Authorized Copy of birth records from the CDPH, record seekers may complete the Application for a Certified Copy of Birth Record, Sworn Statement, and Certificate of Acknowledgement included in the application form. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. Also, persons ordering an Authorized Copy may indicate Confidential Copy on the application form. Persons requesting Informational Copies may complete the application form only. There is a $29 fee for obtaining certified copies of birth records. Mail the completed form to:

California Department of Public Health

Vital Records - MS 5103

PO Box 997410

Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

Phone: (916) 445-2684

Email: CHSIVitalRecords@cdph.ca.gov

For birth records older than 1905, you may contact the California State Archives. The state archives website is ideal for assessing historical birth records from all California counties, which is beneficial for genealogical and historical research.

Are Birth Records Public in California?

In California, birth records are not considered public records as no one can obtain certified Authorized Copies of someone else's birth certificates. Instead, these records are confidential, and only eligible persons may access them. The state restricts access to birth certificates to protect personal information. Members of the general public not related to the record holder or authorized by a court order cannot obtain a certified copy.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in California?

In California, birth certificates are considered confidential records. Only specific or authorized persons may request certified copies. Per California law, the following persons are eligible to order birth certificates:

  • The person named on the birth record
  • Immediate family members, such as spouse, parents, siblings, children, grandparents, and legal guardians
  • Authorized representatives, including adoptive parents
  • Legal representatives, such as administrators or executors
  • Individuals with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A California Birth Certificate?

The time frame to obtain a California birth certificate varies depending on where you apply for the record. Generally, the standard processing time for mail-in requests for birth certificates through the CDPH is about 5 to 7 weeks. Requests for birth certificates from the County Recorder's Office are typically shorter. The standard process for mail requests often takes 2 to 3 weeks, with expedited processing taking as little as 2 to 3 business days. Some county offices provide same-day issuance if you request the record in person.

Where Can I Find California Birth Records Free?

Birth records in California are confidential, and only eligible persons may obtain certified copies. However, persons not eligible to order a certified copy, for instance, persons conducting genealogical research, may still access informational copies of the record from several free sources, including:

  • California State Archives: They provide free centralized access to historical birth records, helping searchers locate records from different regions and periods.
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH): The CDPH maintains the state's vital records, including birth records. The CDPH provides free searches for Informational Copies of birth records.
  • Genealogy Websites: Genealogy websites such as FamilySearch.org or Familysearch.org have birth records dating before 1905. These sites compile records from various sources, granting users free access to birth records.
  • Third-Party Websites: Trusted third-party platforms like publicrecords.us aggregate public information from various government agencies and archival sources. These sites offer convenient access to birth records.

When Would I Need My California Birth Records?

Generally, you may need your California birth records under the following scenarios:

  • Applying for a passport, driver's license, or state ID
  • Enrolling in school
  • Applying for government benefits
  • To verify identity and work eligibility status
  • Enlisting in the military
  • Applying for a marriage license
  • Confirming eligibility for pension or insurance benefits
  • Legal proceedings, such as name change, inheriting property, or establishing paternity
  • Conducting genealogical research to trace family history

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in California?

Certain conditions may necessitate replacing your birth certificate in California. If you can not locate your original document or your birth certificate is stolen, destroyed, or damaged, you need to obtain a replacement. The process of replacing your lost certificate is the same as obtaining the original copy.

Therefore, you may visit the CDPH Vital Records or your local County Recorder's office to replace the birth certificate. Fill out the required form and supply all relevant documents. Pay the replacement fees of around $29. Usually, it varies per county if obtaining the record from the County Recorder's Office.

When Can the Public Access California Birth Certificates?

In California, certified birth certificates for persons alive are considered confidential and only available to the person named on the record, their immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a court order. Per state law, the public may access only non-confidential information on birth records. Therefore, only informational copies of birth records are accessible to the public in California.

How To Correct an Error on a California Birth Certificate?

California law permits persons with the following circumstances to apply to have their California birth record corrected:

  • Persons with misspelled names or parents' names
  • Persons who want to add missing information or fill fields that were left blank
  • Persons who wish to correct their birth certificate to reflect a legal name change approved by a court order
  • Persons who want their birth certificate to reflect a legal change to their gender

You can apply to correct an error on your California birth certificate by contacting the County Recorder's Office, where the initial birth record was issued. Similarly, you may apply to the CDPH to correct the error by completing the Application to Amend a Birth Record and a notarized Sworn Statement Form.

Mail the completed form to the CDPH or your local Registrar of Birth Office. It costs $29 to correct an error on your California birth certificate. Requests for correction are processed within 16 to 18 weeks at the CDPH and may be shorter for requests processed at the County Recorder's Office.

Does California Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Yes. California does provide for non-binary birth certificates. The California Gender Recognition Act allows for a third gender choice to be included on birth certificates. The law allows individuals to apply for a non-gender marker, typically represented as "X", on their birth certificates.

Therefore, if someone legally changes their gender, they can amend their birth certificate to reflect the change, which may be "male", "female", or "X". The Act requires individuals to submit an affidavit, in place of a physician's declaration, and proper documentation to the State Registrar, who then issues a new birth certificate with an updated gender marker.