Obtaining Birth, Marriage Certificates and Apostilles in California

Are you looking to obtain authorized copies of your birth certificate or marriage certificate in California? Do you need to get these documents apostilled by the state? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to gather these essential documents and secure a state apostille in California.

Obtaining Authorized Copies of Birth Certificates in California

There are several ways to obtain an authorized copy of your birth certificate in California:

Online Request (Electronic Submission)

1. Visit the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) website.
2. Follow the instructions to request a certified copy of your birth certificate online.

Mail-In Request

1. Download and complete the VS 111 Application to Obtain Certified Copy of Birth Record (PDF).
2. Mail the application along with the appropriate fee (currently $29 per copy) to:

   California Department of Public Health – Vital Records
   MS: 5103
   P.O. Box 997410
   Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

County Clerk/Recorder

1. Request a copy from the county where the birth occurred.
2. Confidential information (such as race, occupation, and medical data) is included only upon specific request.
3. Fees apply, and processing times vary.

Obtaining Authorized Copies of Marriage Certificates in California

Here’s how you can obtain an authorized copy of your marriage certificate in California:

In-Person Request

1. Visit the county clerk/recorder’s office where the marriage license was issued.
2. Present a valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Complete the application online before visiting the office (if available).
4. Pay the required fees (usually around $15 to $20).

Online Request (Self-Service Portal)

1. Some counties offer an online self-service portal for marriage certificate requests.
2. Check with the specific county for availability.

Mail-In Request

1. Contact the county clerk/recorder’s office for instructions on requesting a certified copy of your marriage certificate by mail.

Obtaining a State Apostille for California Documents

Once you have your authorized copies of birth or marriage certificates, you may need to get them apostilled by the state. Here’s how:

Apostille Pop-Up Shops

1. The California Secretary of State periodically hosts in-person Apostille Pop-Up Shop events in partnership with local county offices.
2. Upcoming events include:

• Santa Ana: May 29, 2024, at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office.
• Riverside: June 18, 2024, at the Riverside County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder.

1. Bring the document signed by a California public official (original or certified copy) and a completed Apostille Pop-Up Shop Request Cover Sheet.
2. The fee is $20 per Apostille, plus an additional $6 Special Handling fee for each different public official’s signature.
3. Payment options: Visa, Mastercard, Check, or Money Order.

Routine Ways to Obtain an Apostille in California

1. By Mail: Request an Apostille through the Sacramento office by mail. Follow the instructions provided on the California Secretary of State’s website.
2. In Person: Request an Apostille in person at the Sacramento or Los Angeles offices. Details on how to request an Apostille in person are available on the same website.

Important Addresses

• California Department of Public Health – Vital Records:
• MS: 5103
• P.O. Box 997410
• Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
• Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office:
• 601 North Ross Street, First Floor, Room 103
• Santa Ana, CA 92701
• Riverside County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder:
• 2724 Gateway Drive
• Riverside, CA 92507

Streamlining the Process for Your Vital Documents in California

By following these steps, you can efficiently obtain authorized copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and secure a state apostille for these documents in California. Remember to check processing times and fees for accurate information, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the appropriate offices if you have any specific questions.