A birth certificate is a vital record that serves several critical purposes for United States citizens — it's more than a record of who you are, where and when you were born, and to whom. It's proof of identity.
Whether you're getting a new driver's license, replacing a social security card, or registering for a marriage certificate, you'll need to show a birth certificate.
For those who have lost or misplaced their original, obtaining a replacement in California can take some planning. Here's what you need to know.
How Do You Order a Certified Birth Certificate in California?
The process for obtaining a birth certificate copy varies by state. In California, you have a few options available: apply in person at a local Vital Records office, order by mail, or order online through California Birth Certificate.
To receive a certified copy of a California birth certificate, you must include a notarized Sworn Statement with your application. This is required by state law and establishes your identity and eligibility to receive the record.
Through California Birth Certificate's partnership with NotaryLive, a Remote Online Notarization platform, you can get your sworn statement notarized online within minutes — making the entire process fully online from your home.
How Long Does It Take to Get a California Birth Certificate?
Once your application, notarized sworn statement, and payment are submitted, current processing times through CDPH are typically 7–10 weeks.
To avoid delays, make sure your application is complete and accurate, and respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation.
How Much Does It Cost?
A certified California birth certificate costs $31 per copy. If you order online through California Birth Certificate, there is an additional $14 agency fee. See the fees page for a complete cost breakdown.
Who Can Request a Certified Copy?
California law restricts who can receive an authorized certified copy of a birth certificate. The following people are eligible:
- The registrant (if age 18 or older), or a parent or legal guardian
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant
- A party entitled to receive the record by court order, or an attorney or licensed adoption agency acting under Family Code requirements
- Any law enforcement agency
- An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate
- A person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant
Anyone not on this list may still receive a Certified Informational Copy, which is a public record but is marked "Informational, Not A Valid Document to Establish Identity" and cannot be used for most official purposes.
Ready to Order?
If you've recently lost your birth certificate or need a certified copy for official purposes, California Birth Certificate can help. Complete an online application, and we'll guide you through every step — including notarization. Order online to get started today.
For specific situations, see our related guides: how to get a California birth certificate for a passport and how to order a replacement California birth certificate.