Long form and short form birth certificates are two document types used in many U.S. states. California does not use this system. The California Department of Public Health Vital Records (CDPH-VR) issues certified copies of birth records in two categories: authorized copies and informational copies. Both contain the same complete information from the original birth record, and the difference lies in how each copy can be used.
CaliforniaBirthCertificate.org, California's dedicated birth certificate resource, can help you order the correct certified copy for your specific purpose.
Does California Issue a Long Form or Short Form Birth Certificate?
No. California does not issue documents labeled "long form" or "short form." According to the CDPH Authorized Copy vs. Informational Copy page, CDPH-VR issues two types of certified copies: authorized and informational. The key distinction is whether the document can be used to establish identity, not the amount of information it contains.
Both types include the same full birth record. California does not issue an abbreviated version of your birth record.
What Is an Authorized Copy of a California Birth Certificate?
An authorized copy is the functional equivalent of what other states call a long-form certified copy. It is a full certified copy of the original birth record, and it can be used to establish identity.
An authorized copy is accepted for passport applications, California REAL ID, Social Security enrollment, school registration, and legal proceedings. To receive one, the requester must submit a notarized sworn statement confirming they are eligible.
Eligible requesters include:
- The person named on the certificate, if age 18 or older
- A parent or legal guardian of the registrant
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling of the registrant
- A spouse or domestic partner of the registrant
- An attorney or licensed adoption agency acting under specific Family Code provisions
- A person with a court order authorizing release of the record
If you do not fall into one of these categories, you may still request an informational copy.
What Is an Informational Copy of a California Birth Certificate?
An informational copy contains all the same birth record data as an authorized copy. The difference is a printed statement across the face of the document that reads: "Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity."
An informational copy cannot be used for passports, REAL ID applications, or most official government purposes. No notarized sworn statement is required to request one. For genealogy research or personal records where identity verification is not needed, an informational copy is usually sufficient.
Which Type of California Birth Certificate Copy Do You Need?
The answer depends entirely on what you plan to do with the certificate. If you are unsure, request an authorized copy. It is accepted wherever an informational copy is accepted, but not the other way around.
| Purpose | Copy Type Required |
|---|---|
| Passport application | Authorized copy |
| California REAL ID | Authorized copy |
| Social Security enrollment | Authorized copy |
| School registration | Authorized copy |
| Name change documentation | Authorized copy |
| Legal proceedings | Authorized copy (confirm with the requesting agency) |
| Genealogy or personal records | Informational copy is usually sufficient |
What Does a California Birth Certificate Include?
Both copy types draw from the same original birth record. A certified California birth record includes:
- Full name of the person born
- Date of birth
- Place of birth (city and county)
- Parents' full names
- Registrar's signature and official seal
This is the same set of information found on a long-form birth certificate in states that use that terminology. California does not issue a shorter version that omits parents' names or place of birth. Every certified copy reflects the full original record.
How Do You Order a Certified Copy in California?
You can order through CDPH-VR by mail, in person at a county recorder's office, or online through an approved third-party service. According to the CDPH Vital Records page, CDPH-VR maintains a permanent record of every California birth since July 1905.
When completing the VS 111 application form, you indicate whether you are eligible to receive an authorized copy. If you qualify, you receive an authorized copy. If you do not qualify or prefer not to submit a notarized sworn statement, you receive an informational copy instead.
As of January 1, 2026, a certified copy costs $31 per copy through CDPH-VR, following the fee increase under Assembly Bill 64. You can review current costs on the California birth certificate fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California have a long form birth certificate?
California does not use that term. CDPH-VR issues authorized copies and informational copies. Both contain the full original birth record; an authorized copy can establish identity, and an informational copy cannot.
What is the difference between an authorized and informational copy in California?
An authorized copy has full legal weight and is accepted for passports, REAL ID, and other official purposes. An informational copy contains the same data but carries a stamped statement that it cannot establish identity.
Which California birth certificate do I need for a passport?
You need an authorized certified copy. The U.S. State Department requires a document that can establish identity, and an informational copy does not qualify.
Who can request an authorized copy of a California birth certificate?
Eligible requesters include the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), parents or legal guardians, immediate family members, spouses or domestic partners, and certain legal representatives.
How much does a certified copy of a California birth certificate cost?
As of January 1, 2026, CDPH-VR charges $31 per certified copy. County recorder fees may differ slightly by county.
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What to Order and Where to Start
For any official purpose, an authorized copy is the right choice. It contains the same complete birth record information as a long-form certificate, and it is accepted everywhere an informational copy is. If you only need the record for personal reference, an informational copy is sufficient.
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
- 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.