California Vital Records

At Vital Records Online (VRO), we provide a secure, and simple way to order your California birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates online. Your documents will arrive safely, and we’ll keep your personal information confidential.

History of Vital Records in California

California Government-Issued Vital Records

California is home to over 39 million residents. The Golden State’s birth, death, divorce, and marriage records go back to the early 1800s, and the state has made many California vital records freely available in public archives.

Since 1905, the California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records (CDPH-VR) has officially maintained CA vital records, with access to certified copies restricted to authorized individuals. Before that, County Clerks/Recorders were responsible for documenting and preserving birth, adoption, death, fetal death, marriage, and divorce records. Marriage records have been archived at both county and state levels since 1850, while divorce records have been archived by Superior Courts from 1804 to the present day and by CDPH-VR from 1962 to 1984. Privacy restrictions apply to records less than 100 years old, while California vital records older than 100 years are typically available to the public.

The State Archives holds a limited collection of vital records from certain counties that are available for research.

Please note that the California State Archives is not the official repository for vital records. County offices and the California Department of Public Health maintain these records.

Learn how to obtain certified copies of official CA state vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Find out what information they contain, where to order them, and why they are essential.

Start your application online for CA vital records

Official Birth Certificate
California Birth Certificate

Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.

Official Marriage Certificate
California Marriage Certificate
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Official Death Certificate
California Death Certificate
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.
California Divorce Certificate
Get an original copy of a divorce certificate replacement for a lost record.

What Do I Need California Vital Records For?

Vital records such as birth, death, divorce, and marriage certificates are essential for many events in life. They can prove identity, citizenship, and family relationships and assist in resolving legal disputes or claiming inheritances. These records are also valuable tools for researching family history, providing details about our ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations. If your birth, marriage, death, or divorce certificate has been lost or stolen, you must file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible.

Where Can I Get California Vital Records?

Each California county certifies and issues vital records within its jurisdiction. View the complete list of CA County vital record issuing agencies for more information.

You can order online with our secure application process or alternatively through the county office by mail-in and walk-in services. Check the availability of services, times, and locations for mail-in and walk-in applications.

For more information on accessing birth, death, marriage, or divorce records, visit our FAQs page.

❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in California, they are freely available from various public archives.

Local Vital Records Office

  • Required In-Person Application
  • Long Waiting Lines
  • Complex & Tedious Application Process
  • Strict Business Hours & Closed During Holidays
  • Extremely Busy Phone Lines
  • No Trackable Application
  • Only Accept Checks & Money Orders

Visiting the California CDPH-VR Office Location

Vital Records Online

  • No Waiting in Long Lines
  • Simplified & Streamlined Application Process
  • Open 24 Hours/Day — 365 Days/Year
  • Online Assistance By Specialists
  • Verification And Error-Checking
  • Custom Trackable Application Interface
  • Convenient Credit Card Fee Payments
    • Additional Service Fee
    • Remote Processing Time

Get Started Online

How to Order California Vital Records

The California Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records provides certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records if you meet the specific requirements for each type.

Once you understand these requirements, the process is easy.

The type of certificate you need and how you order it will affect the cost, eligibility, and processing time. Review the steps and requirements before requesting a certified vital record from CDPH-VR to ensure a smooth process.

Easy 3-Step Online Application Process

Ordering California vital records online with VRO is quick and involves two simple steps:

  1. Completing the online application by uploading your documents
  2. Online Notary (through 3rd party vendors)
  3. Processing your order

Do you have all the necessary documents prepared? You’ll be required to upload them during the secure online application process.

✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased during the online application to save future processing costs.

✔︎ Online Notary Services are available through our partners for your convenience. Find out more about the online ordering and premium handling process.

Order by Mail or In-Person

You can apply in person if you live near a county health department office that issues certified vital records. Ordering in person is not available through the state health department and must be done in the county where the event occurred. If going in person ensure the county office is open to the public, and be prepared for long lines. You can also order online or by mail to save time and avoid waiting. Ordering online with VRO can be done anywhere at your convenience.

The process is similar whether you apply in person or by mail. If you’re applying in person at the vital records office, be ready to complete the following steps:

  • Gathering your documents
  • Getting photocopies of your documents
  • Completing the correct form
  • Presenting everything to the health department during their regular business hours

Additionally, to apply by mail, you will need the following:

  • Purchasing an envelope
  • Including a physical check or a money order
  • Obtaining a notarized statement
  • Issuing it to the correct health department office.

Ensure a successful application by carefully reviewing the specific criteria for each document before sending it to prevent denial due to errors or incomplete information.

❗️ To prevent rejection of your application, review the criteria for each required document before mailing.

❗️ Ensure your application and payment are sent to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the original record.

❗️ If you mail your application and documents, it is recommended that you use tracking to confirm that they arrive at the correct office.

Requirements

Understanding the terms and requirements of your vital records application before gathering the required documents is crucial.

Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization

The information and documents you must provide are listed in the table below.

The CDPH-VR requires you to verify your identity by presenting a photocopy of your valid, government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, a state photo ID, and a notarized sworn statement for online requests.

What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in California?

The California Department of Health provides a guide to gathering the required identification documents. Refer to the Department of Health’s website for complete details regarding eligibility terms and requirements for obtaining California birth, death, divorce, and marriage certificates.

At VRO, we simplify collecting and generating the required documents and guide you through the process. You can quickly complete our application on any internet-connected device in as little as five minutes.

We ensure your application avoids rejections from common mistakes or missing documents.

If your application isn’t fully approved, the CDPH-VR’s processing department can provide an informational copy. However, no refunds are available in this case.

The CDPH-VR outlines specific requirements for each type of certificate and personal situation. Be sure to check the eligibility conditions for California vital records replacements.

To avoid rejection, we ensure your application is complete to save extra costs and prevent delays.

❗️ When applying for California vital records in person, you will need to provide one of the accepted IDs. Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.

❗️ The Vital Records processing department of the CDPH-VR can produce an informational copy if your application is not entirely approved. You cannot get a refund in this scenario. Avoiding a rejection can save you from accumulating additional costs and an extended wait time.

Who is Authorized to Order

Who can request vital records in California?

The individual on record can acquire a certified copy of their vital records. They must provide an accepted form of ID when applying to verify their identity.

If you are ordering a certificate for vital records that is not your own, you must verify that you are eligible and authorized to apply. The California Department of Health defines eligible individuals for each type of certificate, which varies between birth, death, divorce, and marriage certificates. You may be asked for additional documentation proving your eligibility as a third-party applicant. If your relationship with the individual on record does not qualify you as an eligible individual, it is still possible to obtain the certificate.

✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request California vital records for that person.

Notarized Statement

Do I need a notary with my application for CA vital records?

The CDPH-VR requires applicants to verify their identity by submitting a notarized sworn statement.

✔︎ We offer an online notary service through 3rd party partners in your application options.

✔︎ The CDPH-VR does not require a photocopy of your ID with the notarized application document.

✔︎ Informational copies of CA vital records do not require a notarized sworn statement.

Prices and Fees

Depending on the state and county, processing times vary from several days to months. We offer expedited shipping and processing when applicable.

The costs for vital records replacements depend on the CDPH-VR’s fees for each type of certificate.

Submitting a California online or mail-in application requires a notary service to prove your identity, which is an additional cost. We’re partnered with an online notary service to save you time.

Our Application Assistant fee is $29.00 when ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through VRO.

CDPH-VR charges a $29.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth record, a $17.00 fee for each certified marriage certificate, a $16.00 fee for each divorce certificate, and a $24.00 fee for each death certificate.

✔︎Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs from shipping and notary if your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.

Processing and Delivery Times

How long will it take to receive my CA vital records?

Processing and replacement times for birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates can vary.

Tracking Your California Vital Records

When you apply on our VRO secure site, you can check the order status on your customer dashboard to follow your application.

Once our expert team verifies your information, it will be sent to the CA Department of Public Health. After your local vital records issuer has processed the application and documents, the CDPH-VR will ship your certified vital record(s) with USPS first-class mail to ensure its secure arrival.

The CDPH-VR does not claim responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates.

Click here for more information on Tracking My Vital Record Order.

Find more frequently asked questions below the California counties office locations directory.

California (CA) State Vital Records Office Locations

Local Vital Records offices may be closed to the public.

Online Applications are available 24 hrs, 365 days per year.

Search (A-Z) California vital records issuing agencies in your county.
Address Hours Application
(CDPH-VR)

Physical address (not open to the public), 
California Department of Public Health,
Vital Records – MS 5103,
1501 Capitol Avenue #71,
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 445-2684

Mailing Address:

California Department of Public Health Vital Records,
P.O. Box 997410,
Sacramento, CA Sacramento
* The CDPH-VR Only Accept mail-in applications

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST Time
Saturday to Sunday - Closed

The CDPH-VR Only accepts mail-in applications
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Berkeley Vital Statistics
1947 Center Street, 1st Floor
Berkeley, CA 94704
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
168 West Alisal Street, First Floor (or P.O. Box 29)
Salinas, CA 93902
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
San Francisco Health Department
101 Grove Street, Room 105
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-2700
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Alameda County
1106 Madison Street, First Floor
Oakland, CA 94607
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Alpine County
99 Water Street, (or P.O. Box 155)
Markleeville, CA 96120
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Amador County
810 Court Street
Jackson, CA 95642
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Butte County
155 Nelson Avenue
Oroville, CA 95965
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Calaveras County
891 Mountain Ranch Road
San Andreas, CA 95249
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Colusa County
546 Jay Street, Suite 200
Colusa, CA 95932-2491
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Contra Costa County
555 Escobar Street, (or P.O. Box 350)
Martinez, CA 94553
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Del Norte County
981 H Street, Suite 160
Crescent City, CA 95531
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
El Dorado County
360 Fair Lane
Placerville, CA 95667
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Fresno County
2281 Tulare Street Room 302 (or P.O. Box 766)
Fresno, CA 93712
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Glenn County
516 West Sycamore Street, Second Floor
Willows, CA 95988-2746
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Humboldt County
Courthouse, 825 Fifth Street, Fifth Floor
Eureka, CA 95501
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Imperial County
Courthouse, 940 West Main Street, Suite 202
El Centro, CA 92243-2865
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Inyo County
168 North Edwards Street (or P.O. Drawer F)
Independence, CA 93526
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Kern County
1655 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Kings County
Government Center, 1400 West Lacey Boulevard
Hanford, CA 93230-9910
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Lake County
Courthouse, 255 North Forbes Street
Lakeport, CA 95453
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Lassen County
220 South Lassen Street Suite 5
Susanville, CA 96130
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Los Angeles County
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Madera County
200 West Fourth Street
Madera, CA 93637
(559) 675-7724
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Marin County
3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 232
San Rafael, CA 94903
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Mariposa County Hall of Records Building
4982 Tenth Street (or P.O. Box 35)
Mariposa, CA 95338
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Mendocino County
501 Low Gap Road, Room 1020
Ukiah, CA 95482
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Merced County
2222 M Street, Merced, CA 95340
(209) 385-7627
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Modoc County
204 South Court Street, Room106
Alturas, CA 96101
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Mono County
74 School Street, Annex 1 (or P.O. Box 237)
Bridgeport, CA 93517
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Monterey County
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Napa County
900 Coombs Street, Room 116, (P.O. Box 298)
Napa, CA 94559-0298
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Nevada County
950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 210
Nevada City, CA 95959
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Orange County
12 Civic Center Plaza, Room 101 (or P.O. Box 238)
Santa Ana, CA 92702-0238
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Placer County
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Plumas County
520 Main Street, Room 102
Quincy, CA 95971
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Riverside County
2724 Gateway Drive, (or P.O. Box 751)
Riverside, CA 92502-0751
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Sacramento County
600 Eighth Street, (or P.O. Box 839)
Sacramento, CA 95812-0839
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
San Benito County
Courthouse, 440 Fifth Street, Room 206
Hollister, CA 95023
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
San Bernardino County
222 West Hospitality Lane, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0022
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
San Diego County
1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 260, (or P.O. Box 121750)
San Diego, CA 92112-1750
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
San Joaquin County
44 North San Joaquin Street, Suite 260, (or P.O. Box 1968)
Stockton, CA 95201-1968
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
San Luis Obispo County
1055 Monterey Street, Room D120
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
San Mateo County
Center Drive, First Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063-1665
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Santa Barbara County
1100 Anacapa Street, (or P.O. Box 159)
Santa Barbara, CA 93102-0159
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Santa Clara County
70 West Hedding Street, East Wing, First Floor
San Jose, CA 95110
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Santa Cruz County
701 Ocean Street, Room 230
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Shasta County
1450 Court Street, Suite 208
Redding, CA 96001-1670
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Sierra County
100 Courthouse Square, Room 11, (or P.O. Drawer D)
Downieville, CA 95936
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Siskiyou County
311 Fourth Street, Room 107
Yreka, CA 96097
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Solano County
675 Texas Street, Suite 2700
Fairfield, CA 94533-6338
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Sonoma County
585 Fiscal Drive, Room 103
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Stanislaus County
1021 I Street, Suite 101, (or P.O. Box 1670)
Modesto, CA 95353-1670
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Sutter County
433 Second Street
Yuba City, CA 95991
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Tehama County
Courthouse, 633 Washington Street, Room 11, (or P.O. Box 250)
Red Bluff, CA 96080-0250
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Trinity County
11 Court Street, (or P.O. Box 1215)
Weaverville, CA 96093-1215
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Tulare County
Civic Center, 221 South Mooney Boulevard, Room 103
Visalia, CA 93291
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Tuolumne County
2 South Green Street, Third Floor
Sonora, CA 95370
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Ventura County
Hall of Administration, Main Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA 93009-1260
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Yolo County
625 Court Street, Room B01, (or P.O. Box 1130)
Woodland, CA 95776-1130
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
Yuba County
915 Eighth Street, Suite 107
Marysville, CA 95901
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate
San Francisco County
Birth Certificate Death Certificate Marriage Certificate

Other FAQs

How do I get an Apostille?

Apostilles for Arkansas vital records can be obtained online through VRO or the Secretary of State’s office.

An apostille is needed when a document is filed with a foreign government. It is a special certificate that verifies the authenticity of a vital record for international use and is accepted in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

The following documents must be provided to apply for an apostille:

  • A vital record is certified by a California Health Department, county clerks and deputies, county recorders and deputies, and the State Registrar (California Department of Public Health) or an original notarized or certified record. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • A cover sheet stating the country in which the document will be used
  • A check or money order payable to the Secretary of State for the amount set for each apostille
  • A self-addressed envelope for the processed document to be returned

You must submit any request for vital records certificates and documents to the California Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento to one of the following addresses:

California Secretary of State,

Notary Public Section

P.O. Box 942877 Sacramento,

CA 94277–0001

For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:

California Secretary of State,

Notary Public Section

1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor,

Sacramento, CA 95814

For more information, contact the Secretary of State’s office at (916) 653-3595 or online at www.sos.ca.gov/notary/request-apostille.

How to Correct or Amend a California Vital Record

The California Department of Public Health has created a list of common reasons for amending a birth or marriage certificate.

CDPH offers a simple process for correcting or amending a birth, marriage, or family member’s death certificate as the law permits.

Different forms are required based on the type of amendment needed.

When changes are made to a vital record, an amendment is needed. In contrast, supplemental changes are added as addendums to the original record.

No one can alter the original document.

Requirements for requesting changes vary based on the vital records being amended.

Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:

  1. A completed amendment application
  2. Supporting documentation
  3. Appropriate fee(s)

Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.

Real ID Act

The REAL ID Act is a new federal law regarding driver’s licenses that may affect those individuals whose vital records do not match their driver’s licenses.

In California, if you choose NOT to get a federal-compliant REAL ID, you will receive a federal non-compliant card with the phrase “FEDERAL LIMITS APPLY.” Those under 18 are not required to have a REAL ID to fly.

– The DMV prefers a birth certificate when verifying your identity for the REAL ID;
– The deadline to obtain a Real ID has been extended to May 7th, 2025.

To prevent delays when applying for your Real ID driver’s license, you are encouraged to review your birth and/or marriage to ensure your name, sex, and date of birth are listed correctly.

Search Public Records

Many vital records in California are publicly available and accessible. You can search California’s archives for birth, death, and marriage records.

Are California Vital Records Open to the Public?

Most state records are public in California. However, access will depend on the type of record you are looking for and the year when the birth, death, divorce, or marriage occurred.

Some third-party websites make searching for specific types of vital records easy.

These sites are not restricted by eligibility or location and can be helpful in research. The information on these sites may differ from official government reports.

To find a record on a third-party website, you need to provide the following information:

  • The location of the record (city, county, and state), and
  • The name of the person on the record (if not a minor).

Californians can inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA).

How Do I Verify if My Vital Records Is Certified?

Each state, county, and municipality keeps different vital records. Depending on which public sector issued the certificate, you can check the document’s appearance to ensure you have the official certified copy.

One way to recognize informational copies of vital records is by a stamp or large print across the top of the document that reads, Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity, or something similar.

How is a Certified Copy Different from an Informational Copy?

Certified copies constitute legal documents that can be used to establish identity, while informational copies cannot be used for identification purposes.

Certified copies of vital records are issued only to individuals with a direct and valid interest in the document. You need the required documentation and a notarized statement to obtain a certified copy to verify your identity.

Informational copies do not require a notarized statement or documentation. The CPRA gives citizens the legal right to obtain or inspect public records.

Find more references for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates in the resources section.

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