A birth certificate is an essential document that verifies an individual’s birth information. Whether you need it for identification purposes, legal matters, or personal records, here is a step-by-step guide on how to request a birth certificate through the vital records department.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before proceeding with the request, ensure that you qualify as an authorized individual to receive a certified copy of a birth certificate. Authorized individuals include:

1. The registrant (the person named on the certificate)
2. A parent or legal guardian of the registrant
3. A party entitled to receive the record by court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record to comply with the requirements of Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code
4. A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business
5. A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant
6. An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant’s estate, or any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant’s estate
7. A funeral director ordering certified copies of a death certificate on behalf of specified individuals under Section 7100 of the Health and Safety Code

Step 2: In-Person Request

If you prefer to request the birth certificate in person, you must complete a vital records application before visiting the office. You can complete the application online at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder website.

Once you have completed the application, visit one of the following locations during their business hours:

Central Office: 601 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

North County Branch Office: 222 S. Harbor Blvd, Ste. 110A, Anaheim, CA 92805. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

South County Branch Office: 24031 El Toro Rd., Ste. 150, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Bring a valid government-issued photo identification with you. Certificates are generally issued on the same day of the request.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

When requesting a birth certificate, there is a fee associated with the service:

• Birth Certificate: $32.00 per copy
• Death Certificate: $24.00 per copy
• Marriage Certificate: $17.00 per copy
• Single Status Certificate: $17.00 per copy

You can make the payment using cash, debit or credit cards, checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks.

Step 4: Request by Mail

If you prefer to request the birth certificate by mail, you will need to complete the PDF versions of the Vital Records Request Forms. Because you will not be submitting these in person, you will need to sign the forms and have them notarized so that your identity can be verified.

Once you have completed and notarized the form, mail it to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department along with your payment. Include a check or money order payable to “OC Clerk-Recorder” for the total amount. Do not send cash.

Mail the request and payment to:

OC Clerk-Recorder
ATTN: Vital Records
P.O. BOX 238
Santa Ana, CA 92702

It typically takes between two to three weeks to receive the birth certificate from the date on which your request is received by the Clerk’s office.

Need Assistance?

If you require further assistance or have any questions, you can contact the Clerk-Recorder Department by calling (714) 834-2500.