Initially, birth certificates can seem like simple pieces of paper. However, these documents are more than what meets the eye. For instance, the United States typically requires seeing someone’s birth certificate before they’re eligible to get a passport, a driver’s license, or begin attending school.
It’s understandable if you don’t have your original birth certificate available. Thankfully, people can request a copy of this crucial document in California. If you’re wondering, “How can I get a birth certificate from California? We are here to help. You’re about to learn who can get this document and how to avoid common mistakes during this process.
How Do I Request a Birth Certificate in California & Who Can Request Them?
Birth certificates contain someone’s name, where they were born, their parents, and other critical information. With that in mind, wanting to keep this information confidential makes sense. That’s why only certain people are eligible to obtain their or another person’s birth certificate.
The person typically ordering a birth certificate from California is the individual named on this document. In other words, you can request your own birth certificate. But you’re not the only one.
Besides yourself, other parties who can get a birth certificate from California include:
- Your Parents: Any parent whose name is on your birth certificate has the clearance to obtain a copy of this document.
- Legal Guardians: Providing the proper documents showing you’re someone’s legal guardian makes you eligible to request their birth certificate in California.
- Your Domestic Partner: In California, your spouse can request access to your birth certificate.
- Law Enforcement: The police can access this document if it’s a part of their official business.
- An Attorney: Legal professionals can have power of attorney, granting them access to critical information such as birth-related documents.
How Can I Get a Birth Certificate in California?
With eligibility requirements out of the way, you’re now wondering, “How do I order a birth certificate from California?”. While this process is fairly straightforward, knowing what to expect is smart as you track down legal documents.
Choosing Your Preferred Delivery Option
In California, people who need a copy of a birth certificate from someone born in this state go through the California Department of Public Health. You have three ways to complete this task. Here are your options.
In Person
If you live in or are planning to visit this state, finding out how to get a birth certificate from California in person might be right for you.
First, before getting a birth certificate from California, you must find the appropriate County Registrars and Recorders office. Use this resource to find the address and contact information for the location where you’re seeking a birth certificate.
Once you know where to go and have your supporting documents handy, you can complete your in-person request. You’ll also need to pay a $29 fee when ordering a birth certificate from California, which may include additional charges. Whether this form will be ready during your visit or if you’ll have to come back will vary by office.
Online
Want to learn how you can get a birth certificate from California online? This process is helpful for those who don’t live in this state. However, this state doesn’t accept online orders from consumers. Instead, you can choose a service such as Vital Records Online to make this procedure fast and easy.
Here’s a closer look at Vital Records Online’s simple, three-step process:
- Fill out our online application.
- Gather and send us your supporting documents.
- Receive your requested California birth certificate.
By Mail
The last option to consider is how you can get a birth certificate from California by mail. If this is your choice, you’ll need to obtain VS 111, an application to obtain a certified copy of a birth record.
After completing this form, you may also need to present a notarized sworn statement. Additionally, this state requires anyone requesting a birth certificate in California to pay a $29 fee for each copy they request.
How to Get a Birth Certificate From California By Submitting Your Official Request
You should receive your requested birth certificate in a short period of time, especially if you have presented all the required supporting documents. If your request contains mistakes or is otherwise incompletable, you’ll receive a notification explaining why.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to know exactly when your reason for denial or requested birth certificate will arrive. Generally, expect it to take a few days to several weeks.
Informational Vs. Certified Birth Certificate Copies
When researching “How can I get a birth certificate from California?” you’ll see a variety of terms. Two of which are informational and certified. What makes them different? Informational and certified birth certificates both contain the same general information.
However, a copy of a certified birth certificate can be used to verify someone’s identity. You could use this copy to apply for social security or get a driver’s license. Informational certificate copies are, as their name implies, only for information purposes. They can’t verify a person’s identity.
Mistakes People Make When Ordering Birth Certificates From California
When you’re wondering how to get a birth certificate from California, making mistakes is possible. Knowing what they are can help you avoid making them.
Submitting Incorrect Information
The most common error people make when getting a birth certificate from California is submitting inaccurate information. If this happens, you’ll unfortunately be unable to get the certificate you requested. You should also get details about any errors you made. Knowing this information helps ensure you know what to correct and avoid future resubmissions.
Not Having Supporting Documents
As mentioned earlier, gathering evidence to prove your identity is often a requirement when seeking out a birth certificate. However, rushing to submit your application could cause you to forget to include copies of any requested documents.
Wondering, “How can I get a birth certificate from California?” makes sense. Thankfully, tracking down such a vital document doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process. Make things easy on yourself. Contact Vital Records Online. Let us use our proven and simple three-step process. Plus, we can help you obtain copies of marriage certificates, death certificates, and other critical documents.