A California birth certificate comes in two forms: an authorized certified copy and an informational certified copy. Both are official records that hold the same birth details, yet only one can legally prove who you are. Understanding the difference between an authorized vs. informational California birth certificate decides what you can use the document for and whether you will need a notarized sworn statement to get it.
This guide from CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org, California's dedicated birth certificate resource, breaks down who qualifies for each type, when a notary is required, and how to order the correct copy the first time. Choosing the wrong version can set you back weeks, since a rejected request comes back to you unprocessed.
What Is the Difference Between an Authorized and Informational Copy?
Both are certified copies of the same original record, so the printed information is identical. The difference is legal: an authorized copy establishes the identity of the person named on the certificate, while an informational copy cannot. The California Department of Public Health prints a legend across the face of every informational copy that reads, INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY.
That single line separates the two. An authorized copy works as a legal identity document. An informational copy carries the same facts but cannot prove identity to a government agency or business.
| Feature | Authorized copy | Informational copy |
|---|---|---|
| Contains full birth record data | Yes | Yes |
| Certified by CDPH or a county | Yes | Yes |
| Can prove identity | Yes | No |
| Notarized sworn statement required | Yes | No |
| Identity legend printed on the face | No | Yes |
| Cost as of January 1, 2026 | $31 | $31 |
Who Can Get an Authorized Copy of a California Birth Certificate?
California limits authorized copies to a defined list of people. The California Department of Public Health bases this restriction on Health and Safety Code section 103526, a law written to reduce identity theft. If you do not fall into an eligible category, you can still request an informational copy of the same record.
You qualify for an authorized copy if you are:
- The person named on the certificate (the registrant)
- A parent or legal guardian of the registrant
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant
- A party entitled to the record by court order
- A law enforcement officer or government agency representative conducting official business
- An attorney or licensed adoption agency acting under specific Family Code sections
Legal guardians and parties acting under a court order must include supporting documentation, such as guardianship papers or the court order itself. The full eligibility list appears on the California Department of Public Health authorized copy page.
Do You Need a Notarized Sworn Statement?
For an authorized copy, yes. Every authorized copy request must include a notarized sworn statement, known as Form VS 20, in which you declare under penalty of perjury that you are legally eligible to receive the record. The California Department of Public Health rejects an authorized request submitted without this statement and returns it to you unprocessed.
Informational copies do not require a sworn statement or a notary. If you request an informational copy, you can skip that step entirely.
For any mail or online request, you must sign the sworn statement in front of a notary public. A notary confirms your identity before you sign, which protects the vital records system from fraud. You can complete this step through online notarization instead of visiting a notary in person, an option the guide to getting a California birth certificate without ID explains in detail. The California Department of Public Health VS 111 application includes the sworn statement on page 5.
What Can You Use Each Type of Copy For?
Choose an authorized copy any time you need to prove identity or conduct official business. Choose an informational copy when you only need the information on the record.
Use an authorized copy for:
- Applying for a U.S. passport
- Getting a California REAL ID or driver license
- Claiming Social Security benefits
- Enrolling a child in school
- Settling an estate or handling other legal matters
An informational copy suits situations where identity proof is not needed, such as genealogy research, confirming a family member's birth details, or keeping a personal record. If you are gathering documents for a passport or a REAL ID, you need the authorized version. The guide to using a California birth certificate for a passport and the California REAL ID birth certificate guide explain those requirements.
How Do You Order the Right Copy of Your Birth Certificate?
Start by choosing the correct type on the VS 111 application, then complete the sworn statement only if you selected an authorized copy. Follow these steps:
- Decide whether you need an authorized or informational copy based on how you will use it.
- Complete the VS 111 application with the registrant's birth details and your own information.
- For an authorized copy, sign the sworn statement in front of a notary.
- Submit the application, the notarized statement if required, and payment.
According to the California Department of Public Health, the average processing time for a certified copy request is five to seven weeks from the date the office receives it. County recorder offices can often issue copies faster than the state office. You can review the state's current estimates on the California Department of Public Health processing times page.
CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org offers a guided online application that walks you through the correct copy type, includes online notarization for authorized requests, and submits your order for you. You can start on the California birth certificate order form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an informational copy the same as an authorized copy?
Both contain identical birth record data and both are certified, but only an authorized copy can prove identity. An informational copy carries a legend stating it cannot establish identity.
Can I use an informational California birth certificate for a passport?
No. Agencies such as the U.S. Department of State require an authorized certified copy to prove identity. An informational copy is not accepted for a passport, REAL ID, or driver license.
Do both types of California birth certificate require a notarized sworn statement?
No. Only authorized copies require a notarized sworn statement (Form VS 20). Informational copies do not require a sworn statement or a notary.
How much does an authorized California birth certificate cost?
As of January 1, 2026, both authorized and informational certified copies cost $31 each through CDPH, following the fee increase under Assembly Bill 64. Online services may add an agency fee.
Can I request an informational copy if I do not qualify for an authorized one?
Yes. If you do not meet the eligibility rules for an authorized copy, California still allows you to request an informational copy of the same record.
What to Do Next
The choice between an authorized and informational California birth certificate comes down to one question: do you need to prove identity? If yes, you need an authorized copy and a notarized sworn statement. If you only need the information, an informational copy is faster and requires no notary.
CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org can help you order the right copy online, including the notarization step for authorized requests.
Ready to Order?
You can order an official certified California birth certificate through our secure order form. Your certificate will be processed and mailed directly to you.
Related Guides
- How to Get a California Birth Certificate Without ID
- How to Get a California Birth Certificate for a Passport
- Do You Need a Birth Certificate for a California REAL ID?
This post was written by the CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org editorial team.