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State vital records · CDPH-VR

California Vital Records

Get a birth, death, or marriage certificate in California — official fees, processing times, ID requirements, and every local vital records office by county and city.

Browse 122 offices in California →State vital records site ↗

California · 122 offices

122
Offices listed
62
Counties covered
$31.00
Birth cert. fee
5–7 weeks
Avg. processing

At a glance

Birth Certificate

$29 · 10 to 12 weeks

Death Certificate

$24 · 10 to 12 weeks

Marriage Certificate

$17 · 10 to 12 weeks

California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR)

Address
California Department of Public Health Vital Records - MS 5103 P.O. Box 997410 Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
Mailing
California Department of Public Health Vital Records - MS 5103 P.O. Box 997410 Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
Phone
(916) 445-2684
Hours
Monday through Friday, 8AM – 4PM (by telephone, they do not have public counter)

California Birth Certificate

Fee
$29
Additional copy
$29
Rush fee
NA “CDPH-VR Vital Records office cannot accommodate expedited requests.”
Processing time
10 to 12 weeks
Rush processing
NA “CDPH-VR Vital Records office cannot accommodate expedited requests.”

Who can request

  • Adoption Agencies
  • Attorneys
  • Children
  • Government Officials
  • Grandparents
  • Law Enforcement
  • Legal Guardian
  • Other Person Empowered by Statute
  • Other Person by Court Order
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Siblings
  • Spouse

Required information

  • Date of Birth
  • Email
  • Father's Name
  • Full Name at Birth
  • Mailing Address
  • Mother's Name
  • Phone Number
  • Place of Birth
  • Purpose for the Certificate
  • Your Name
  • Your Relationship to the Person of Record
  • Your Signature
Application form (VS 111) ↗

California Death Certificate

Fee
$24
Additional copy
$24
Rush fee
NA “CDPH-VR Vital Records office cannot accommodate expedited requests.”
Processing time
10 to 12 weeks
Rush processing
NA “CDPH-VR Vital Records office cannot accommodate expedited requests.”

Who can request

  • Attorneys
  • Children
  • Funeral Director
  • Government Officials
  • Grandchildren
  • Grandparents
  • Heir
  • Law Enforcement
  • Legal Guardian
  • Other Person Empowered by Statute
  • Other Person by Court Order
  • Parents
  • Siblings
  • Spouse

Required information

  • County of Death
  • Date of Birth
  • Date of Death
  • Email
  • Full Name of Person of Record
  • Mailing Address
  • Mother's Name
  • Phone Number
  • SSN
  • Spouse Name
  • Your Name
  • Your Relationship to the Person of Record
  • Your Signature
Application form (VS 112) ↗

California Marriage Certificate

Fee
$17
Additional copy
$17
Rush fee
NA “CDPH-VR Vital Records office cannot accommodate expedited requests.”
Processing time
10 to 12 weeks
Rush processing
NA “CDPH-VR Vital Records office cannot accommodate expedited requests.”

Who can request

  • Attorneys
  • Children
  • Government Officials
  • Grandchildren
  • Grandparents
  • Law Enforcement
  • Legal Guardian
  • Other Person Empowered by Statute
  • Other Person by Court Order
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Siblings
  • Spouse

Required information

  • Bride Name
  • Bride's Name Before Marriage
  • County of Marriage
  • Date of Marriage
  • Email
  • Groom Name
  • Groom Name Before Marriage
  • Mailing Address
  • Phone Number
  • Your Name
  • Your Relationship to the Person of Record
  • Your Signature
Application form (VS 113-A) ↗

Don't want to visit in person? Order a California birth, death, or marriage certificate online through our partner, Vital Records Online.

Order online ↗

Find a vital records office in California

Most California birth and death records are requested at the county level. Browse by office type, popular city, or county.

Browse by office type

Popular cities in California

All counties (62)

Apostille & authentication

Office
Notary Public Section
Phone
(213) 897-5310 (LA) (916) 653-3595 (Sacramento)
Mailing
Secretary of State Notary Public Section 1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor Sacramento, CA 95814
Walk-in
Secretary of State (Sacramento) 1500 11th Street, 2nd Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 300 South Spring Street, Room 12513 Los Angeles, CA 90013 Secretary of State (Los Angeles) 300 South Spring Street, Room 12513Los Angeles, CA 90013
Link
State apostille page ↗
Details
1. A vital record certified by a California public official or an original notarized and/or certified record. A photocopy is not acceptable. 2. A cover sheet stating the country in which the document will be used. 3. A check or money order payable to Secretary of State in the amount of $20.00 per Apostille requested. 4. A self-addressed envelope for the processed document to be returned.

California vital records FAQs

How much does a California birth certificate cost?

The fee is $29.

How long does a California birth certificate take?

10 to 12 weeks

How much does a California death certificate cost?

The fee is $24.

How long does a California death certificate take?

10 to 12 weeks

How much does a California marriage certificate cost?

The fee is $17.

How long does a California marriage certificate take?

10 to 12 weeks

Where do I get a birth certificate in California?

California birth and death records are requested at the county level or from the state vital records office. Browse the 122 offices listed on this page by county or city, or order online through our partner to skip the in-person visit.

Can I order a California birth certificate online?

Yes. You can prepare and submit your application online through our partner, Vital Records Online, and skip the in-person visit.

Public records: California Public Records Act. Information is provided as guidance and may change — verify with the state office before applying.