ByHow To Get A California Birth Certificate In Five Minutes
Birth certificates are vital records in more ways than one. You need them to prove your identity for passports, marriage, education, and so much more. But how do you get your if you've lost or destroyed yours? DoNotPay is here to help!
The Difference Between an Authorized and an Informational Birth Certificate Copy
Due to the state 's open records laws, there are two different types of birth certificates in California. Anybody can get an informational copy of any California birth certificate by filling out a form and spending $25. However, this will be an informational copy only. It will not have the seal of the California Department of Public Health and cannot be used to prove your identity to get a passport, enroll in school, or anything else. It will be stamped with the phrase "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY." Authorized birth certificate copies have the CDPH seal on them and can be used to prove your identity. However, in order to get them, you need to meet certain criteria.
| Informational Birth Certificate | CDPH Sealed Birth Certificate |
Typically used for:
| Typically used for purposes such as:
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Who Can Get a Birth Certificate Copy in California?
California state law limits who can get an authorized copy of a birth certificate. To get an authorized copy of a birth certificate, you must be:
- The subject of the record , or an immediate family member (parent, guardian, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner)
- A party entitled to receive the record as part of a court order, such as for adoption proceedings
- Law enforcement agencies with proper authorization from the agencies
- The power of attorney or will executor of the subject of the record
- An attorney representing the subject of the record
- A funeral home acting on behalf of the person
- The surviving next of kin of the person
Additionally, there is a confidential section of birth records including private medical information that is only available to the subject of the record and their parents (biological or adoptive).
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Birth Certificate in California?
California charges $25 per copy of a birth certificate. This cost is the same regardless of whether you're seeking an authorized or an informational copy of the certificate.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Birth Certificate Copy In California?
As of 2021, the processing time to get a birth certificate in California is six to eight weeks. This can vary based on their workload, and you may have faster results visiting a county Office of Vital Records in person. Note that this has to be in the county where the birth occurred.
What Documents Do I Need to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in California?
To get a copy of a birth certificate in California, you need:
- A check or money order for $25
- A completed application form with all the information you have on the subject of the record
- (If you're requesting an authorized copy) A notarized Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record with a sworn statement explaining your need for the certificate
How to Get a California Birth Certificate on Your Own
There are two ways to get a birth certificate in California on your own: by mail or online.
How to Get a California Birth Certificate By Mail
To get an authorized copy of your California birth certificate by mail, send $25 (as a check or money order payable to "CDPH Vital Records"), along with a notarized Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record , to :
CA Department of Public Health - Vital Records
MS: 5103
P.O. Bog 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
How to Get a California Birth Certificate Online
The state of California has partnered with a company called VitalChek to provide online birth certificates. Note that you will have to pay extra for processing, as well as a shipping and handling charge. This is where DoNotPay shines - you can get the convenience of an online order and save some money along the way.
How to Get a California Birth Certificate Using DoNotPay
If you want to order a birth certificate in California but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 8 easy steps:
- Go to the Birth Certificates product on DoNotPay.
- Select who the certificate is for (you or a loved one). If you are requesting a copy of someone else's certificate, enter their personal details, and upload evidence that proves your relationship.
- Enter the location you or your loved one was born in, so we can complete the form specific to your state.
- Enter the name(s) of the parent(s) as displayed on the certificate.
- Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.*
- Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.
- Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.
- If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail-in your request form with a check on your behalf.
And that 's it! Your birth certificate copy request will be sent and on its way! You should hear back from them within a few weeks with updates once your request has been processed.
Why You Should Use DoNotPay to Get a California Birth Certificate Copy
DoNotPay is the fastest, easiest way to get your . Instead of having to go to a county clerk or post office in person and write a check, or pay an online processing fee, you can get your birth certificate copy entirely within the app. You also get the convenience of ordering online without the hidden processing fees. We can also take care of notarizing the forms and sending the check!
What Else Can DoNotPay Do For You?
DoNotPay can do much more than help you find your birth certificate. As the world 's first AI Consumer Champion, it can:
- Skip the line for customer service
- Get compensated for fraudulent robocalls
- Dispute parking tickets
- Send Demand Letters To anyone in small claims court
And more!