California Vital Records: History and Overview
California has one of the longest vital records histories in the United States, with records dating back to approximately 1770 — over 256 years of documented history. Mandatory statewide reporting was required starting in 1905.
Who Can Request California Vital Records
California is a restricted access state for vital records. Birth records become public after 100 years (currently, records from 1926 and earlier). Death records become public after 50 years (records from 1976 and earlier).
Authorized Copies available only to registrant or qualified relatives; Informational Copies available to anyone but bear a watermark and cannot be used for legal purposes. Death records older than 50 years accessible to genealogists without proof of family relationship.
Legal reference: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 102430
State Office or County Clerk: Which Is Faster?
California operates a dual system where both the state office and county clerks can issue certified copies of vital records.
| State Office | County Clerk | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All statewide records | Events registered in their county |
| Processing | 3-4 weeks by mail | Often faster, sometimes same-day |
| Best for | Records from any county | Fast in-person service |
Dual issuance system: records can be obtained from both the state CDPH office and county clerk/registrar offices. County offices are generally faster (~1 week vs 3-4 weeks at the state level).
California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Vital Records — California Department of Public Health
| Address | MS 5103, P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (916) 445-2684 |
| Website | https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/pages/Vital-Records.aspx |
California Vital Records Fees
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $29 | $29 |
| Death Certificate | $29 | $29 |
Online orders through VitalChek include an additional $14.95 convenience fee.
Fees increased $2 effective January 1, 2026. County fees vary (e.g., San Bernardino: birth $34, death $26).
Fees last verified: 2026-02-24. Always confirm current fees with the office directly.
What to Bring: ID Requirements
To request certified vital records in California, you will need:
- government-issued photo ID
Proof of relationship to the person named on the record is required.
Proof of relationship required for Authorized Copies. Informational Copies do not require proof of relationship but cannot be used for legal purposes.
California Processing Times
| Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| By Mail | 3–4 weeks |
| In Person | same day at county office |
| Online (VitalChek) | 5–7 business days |
In-person same-day service available at county clerk/registrar offices only, not at the state CDPH office. Online orders processed in 5-7 business days.
What Makes California Different
Authorized Copy vs Informational Copy
California issues two distinct certificate types. An Authorized Copy is certified for legal use and is available only to the registrant or qualified family members. An Informational Copy bears a watermark stating it cannot be used to establish identity and is available to anyone, making it suitable for genealogy research only.
Genealogist Access to Old Records
Death records more than 50 years old are accessible to the general public, including genealogists, without requiring proof of family relationship. This makes older death records significantly easier to obtain.
County Office Speed Advantage
County clerk/registrar offices issue certified copies much faster than the state CDPH office — typically around 1 week compared to 3-4 weeks by mail from the state. In-person same-day service is available at county offices.
Historical and Genealogy Records
Records before 1905 (the start of statewide registration) may be found through alternative sources.
Catholic mission archives; county courthouses; California State Archives
Catholic mission records dating to approximately 1770 predate statewide registration
Busiest Vital Records Offices in California
These local offices process the most vital records requests in the state:
- Los Angeles — Population: 9,829,544
- San Diego — Population: 3,286,069
- Orange — Population: 3,168,044
- Riverside — Population: 2,470,546
- San Bernardino — Population: 2,181,654
Vital Records in Neighboring States
Moving to or from California? Vital records procedures vary significantly by state.
Sources
- CDPH Vital Records (accessed 2026-02-24)
- CDPH Birth Records page (accessed 2026-02-24)
- FamilySearch CA wiki (accessed 2026-02-24)
Information last verified: 2026-02-24. This information is provided for reference purposes only and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any government office. For the most current fees, requirements, and processing times, contact California Department of Public Health directly.