If you're applying for a U.S. passport, a certified California birth certificate is one of the required documents. CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org can help you order one quickly, without visiting a government office.
What Type of Birth Certificate Do You Need for a Passport?
According to the U.S. Department of State's citizenship evidence requirements, a passport application requires a certified copy of your birth certificate, not a photocopy or a hospital-issued souvenir certificate. A certified copy is an official document issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or the county recorder's office where you were born.
It must show the registrar's seal and signature to be accepted for passport purposes. A hospital birth record or commemorative birth certificate will not qualify; only a certified copy issued by a government vital records office is accepted.
California does not issue documents labeled "long form" or "short form" like some other states do. If you are trying to figure out which California copy type matches what other states call a long-form certificate, see our guide on long form vs. short form birth certificates in California.
How Do You Order a Certified California Birth Certificate?
You have two options:
Order Online
The fastest option is ordering online through California Birth Certificate. You submit your application, complete the required notarized sworn statement through NotaryLive.com, and your certificate is mailed directly to you, with no government office visits required.
Order by Mail
You can also mail a completed application directly to CDPH or your county recorder's office. Download the application form, get the sworn statement notarized, and mail everything with a check or money order. See our Order by Mail page for the full mailing address and instructions. For a full breakdown of all costs, visit the fees page.
Who Can Request a Certified California Birth Certificate?
California law (Health and Safety Code Section 103526) restricts who may receive a certified copy. Authorized requesters include the registrant (age 18 or older), a parent or legal guardian, a spouse or domestic partner, a child, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling, and attorneys or parties with a court order. For a passport application, you will typically request the certificate for yourself.
What Information Do You Need to Apply?
To order a certified California birth certificate you will need:
- Full name as it appears on the birth certificate
- Date of birth
- City or county of birth
- Names of both parents as listed on the birth certificate
- Your relationship to the person named on the certificate
What Does It Cost?
As of January 1, 2026, the California Department of Public Health charges $31 per certified copy. When ordering online through CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org, there is an additional $14 agency fee. See the fees page for a complete cost breakdown.
How Long Does It Take?
Per the California Department of Public Health Vital Records office, the average time to process a certified copy request is 5 to 7 weeks after a complete application is received. If you have an upcoming passport appointment, order your birth certificate well in advance to avoid delays.
Expedited processing options may be available at county recorder offices for time-sensitive requests. Check with your local county recorder directly for current options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of birth certificate is required for a U.S. passport?
The U.S. Department of State requires a certified copy issued by a government vital records office, showing the registrar's seal and signature. A hospital birth record or photocopy will not be accepted.
How much does a California birth certificate cost?
As of January 1, 2026, the California Department of Public Health charges $31 per certified copy. Ordering online through CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org includes a $14 agency fee.
How long does it take to get a California birth certificate?
Per the California Department of Public Health Vital Records office, the average processing time is 5 to 7 weeks from when a complete application is received.
Who can request a California birth certificate for a passport?
Under Health and Safety Code Section 103526, authorized requesters include the registrant (age 18 or older), parents or legal guardians, spouses or domestic partners, and immediate family members. For a passport, the applicant typically requests their own birth certificate.
Do I need a notarized Sworn Statement to order a California birth certificate?
Yes. California law requires a notarized Sworn Statement with every certified copy request. CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org's online order process includes notarization through NotaryLive, completed entirely online within minutes.
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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
- Do You Need a Birth Certificate for a California REAL ID?
- How to Order a Replacement California Birth Certificate
- How to Replace a Lost or Stolen California Birth Certificate
- Long Form vs. Short Form Birth Certificate in California
- California Birth Certificate Apostille: How to Get One and What It Costs
This post was written by the CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org editorial team.