California Vital Records Search at a Glance
Locate California state vital records. List of government and private entities that provide birth records, marriages and decrees, divorces and death certificates. Order online with free downloadable forms. State vital statistics and history
1California Vital Records
- Obtaining Certified Copies of Birth and Death Recordswww.cdph.ca.govSearch for Birth and Death Records
- County Health Officers, Registrars and Recorderswww.cdph.ca.govCounties and Cities Offices
- Correcting or Amending Vital Recordswww.cdph.ca.govAmendments, Delayed Registrations, Name Changes and Other Subjects
- California Marriage License, Registration and Ceremony Informationwww.cdph.ca.govCalifornia Marriage License, Registration and Ceremony Information
- Obtaining Certified Copies of Fetal Death & Still Birth Recordswww.cdph.ca.govSteps To Place An Order
- Authorized Copy versus Informational Copywww.cdph.ca.govCalifornia Law to Issue Authorized or Informational Copies
- California State Archiveswww.sos.ca.govInventory of County and City Records Available at the California State Archives
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement California's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when California state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains the official national directory of every state's vital records office. Use this to confirm the correct agency, mailing address, and current fee for the state where the event occurred.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm (cdc.gov)
The National Center for Health Statistics collects aggregate vital statistics from all 57 U.S. jurisdictions but does not itself issue individual certificates.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/index.htm (cdc.gov)
Plain-language federal portal explaining eligibility rules, processing times, and how to request records for events that occurred abroad.
https://www.usa.gov/vital records (usa.gov)
If you need a vital record to replace a Social Security card or establish proof of age, the SSA accepts birth certificates and several secondary documents listed on Form SS-5.
https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf (ssa.gov)
California Vital Records Search, FAQ
Does the federal government keep birth certificates?
No. The CDC is explicit: 'The Federal Government does not maintain files or indexes of these records.' Every U.S. vital record is kept by the state where the event occurred.
What is the difference between a certified and informational copy?
A certified copy has a raised seal and is accepted by SSA, passport offices, and courts. An informational copy is marked 'INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY' and cannot be used for legal ID.
How long does a mail request take?
It varies by state, but a mail order to a state vital records office is typically 4, 8 weeks. Walk-in county clerk requests can be same-day. Online orders through VitalChek add a separate processing time on top of the state's.
Who is legally allowed to order a certified copy?
Most states limit certified copies to the registrant, immediate family, and legal representatives. Informational copies are generally available to anyone after a waiting period defined by state law.
What if I was born abroad to U.S. citizen parents?
You should have a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, form FS-240). Replacements come from the U.S. Department of State, not from a state vital records office.