California Vital Records: The Complete 2025 Guide

California is one of the slowest states for mail-in vital records — but the county-level shortcut makes in-person requests same-day in most counties. This guide covers every option, exact form numbers, current fees, the authorized vs. informational copy distinction, and county office contacts.

Authorized vs. Informational Copies: California's Two-Tier System

California is one of only a handful of states that issues two legally distinct types of certified vital records copies. Getting this wrong means your passport or SSA application gets rejected.

For any official purpose, request the Authorized Certified Copy. You sign a sworn statement on the form certifying your eligibility. False statements are a criminal offense under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526.

Birth Certificates in California

Form VS 111 — The Only Accepted Form

California uses form VS 111 ("Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record") statewide. Download it only from cdph.ca.gov — do not use forms from third-party websites. The VS 111 asks for:

• Full name at birth (and name changes if applicable)
• Date of birth — exact date or range of years if uncertain
• City and county of birth in California
• Sex as listed on the record
• Father's/parent A's full name (including maiden name if applicable)
• Mother's/parent B's full name (maiden name required)
• Your relationship to the registrant and sworn eligibility statement
• Your signature plus either: (a) photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID, OR (b) notarization

CDPH vs. County Office: A Critical Decision

California birth records are registered in the county of birth. Both CDPH Sacramento and the county recorder hold copies — but the timelines are very different:

Key California County Vital Records Offices

Hours change seasonally. Always verify current walk-in hours by phone before making a trip.

Death Certificates in California

Form VS 112 — Deaths from 1905 to Present

Use form VS 112 ("Application for Certified Copy of Death Record") from cdph.ca.gov. Death certificate fee: $24 per certified copy. Same authorized vs. informational distinction applies.

Death records are registered in the county where the death occurred. Order from the county recorder in that county for in-person same-day service, or mail to CDPH for the standard 8–14 week wait.

How Many Copies to Order

California estate administration typically requires 10–15 certified copies. The $24 per-copy fee applies to each. Order all copies you'll need when the funeral home files — re-ordering later means another 8–14 week wait from CDPH, or a separate trip to the county. See our detailed guide on how many copies to order with a complete institution-by-institution list.

Deaths Under Medical Examiner Investigation

Sudden, unattended, or suspicious deaths in California are referred to the county Medical Examiner-Coroner. The certificate can still be issued with "Pending" cause of death, allowing the funeral to proceed. The final amended certificate follows when the investigation concludes — typically 4–16 weeks depending on whether toxicology is required.

Key county Medical Examiner offices:

• Los Angeles: 1104 N. Mission Rd., Los Angeles — 323-343-0512
• San Diego: 5570 Overland Ave., Suite 101, San Diego — 858-694-2895
• San Francisco: Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant St., SF — 415-553-1612
• Sacramento: 4800 Broadway, Suite 100, Sacramento — 916-875-5556

Marriage Certificates in California

Form: VS 113. Fee: $17 per certified copy from CDPH; county fees may vary slightly. Marriage licenses in California are issued by the county clerk — submit the request to the county clerk in the county where the license was obtained for faster service.

Confidential vs. Public Marriage License

California offers two types of marriage license. This matters for who can request a copy:

• Public marriage license: Informational copies available to anyone; authorized copies to eligible parties only.
• Confidential marriage license (Family Code §500): Only the spouses themselves can obtain a copy — no exceptions, no public access, no access by children or other family members. If you chose a confidential license and your spouse is deceased, obtaining a copy requires a court order unless you are the surviving spouse making the request yourself.

If you're unsure which type you chose, call the county clerk where the license was issued — they can tell you whether the license is on record as public or confidential.

Divorce Decrees in California

Divorce decrees are held by the Superior Court clerk in the county where the divorce was filed — not by CDPH. CDPH maintains a statewide divorce index but does not hold the full decree document.

To request a certified copy, contact the Superior Court clerk in the filing county. Fees: typically $0.50–$1 per page plus $25 certification fee. For LA County divorces: Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles — call 213-830-0803 for records access guidance. Processing time for court record requests is typically 1–3 weeks.

Amendments and Corrections: Form VS 24

To correct an error on a California birth or death certificate, use form VS 24 ("Affidavit to Amend a Record"). Amendment fee: $23. Processing: 8–14 weeks. Supporting documentation is required to substantiate the correction. See our full correction guide.

California also allows gender marker and name changes on birth certificates through a streamlined self-certification process for adults. The VS 24 form is used with the appropriate designation. Court order is not required for adults born in California.

Public Access Thresholds for Genealogy

California's public access rules by record type:

• Birth records: Informational copies available to anyone after 75 years from the birth year. Within 75 years: authorized requestor only.
• Death records: Informational copies available to anyone after 40 years from the death year.
• Marriage records: Informational copies generally available to anyone (unless confidential license — see above).

FamilySearch.org has digitized California birth and death indexes through approximately 1995 for many counties — check there before paying for a state copy if your purpose is genealogical research.

Fee Waivers and Free Copies

California Health and Safety Code §103577 provides one free certified birth certificate copy for:

• Individuals experiencing homelessness (requires signed declaration)
• Current and former foster youth (request through county child welfare agency)

CalVet (California Department of Veterans Affairs) facilitates free certified copies for veterans applying for certain state benefits. Contact CalVet at 844-CAL-VETS for guidance.