Birth Certificate Request

You can obtain a birth certificate for anyone born within the County of San Diego.

If the registrant was born in another county, contact that County Recorder’s office.

Please allow 3 weeks after the date of birth to request a birth certificate. If no record is found based on the information provided on the application, a "Letter of No Record" will be issued. The Recorder's Office will retain the non-refundable fee for processing the application.

  1. General Info
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  5. Forms
  6. FAQs

Who can obtain a birth certificate?

Those who are authorized by law to receive a Certified Copy of a birth certificate are:

What is the difference between a Certified Copy and an Informational Copy?

A Certified Copy of a birth certificate is required to obtain a driver’s license, passport, social security card, and other services related to an individual’s identity.

Those who are not authorized by law to request a Certified Copy will receive a certified Informational Copy. A certified Informational Copy is marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY".

How to order:

Visit one of our available office locations and complete the birth certificate application, which must be signed in the presence of a County Clerk. You will be asked to present valid government-issued photo ID when you arrive.

Fees:

The fee is not refundable even if the record is not found.

The fee is payable by cash, check or money order, or credit/debit card.
An additional $2.50 surcharge is applicable for card payments.

Check or money order payable to: San Diego Recorder/County Clerk.

Locations:

This service is not available at our Kearny Mesa Office. Instead, you can request birth certificates at any of our office locations including; downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, Santee, and San Marcos. An appointment is not required.

How to order:

Visit VitalChek.com and complete the ordering process.

For a Certified Copy, select “Authorized Copy” on VitalChek’s website.

Select “San Diego County Recorder” as the government agency.

Fees:

The fee is not refundable even if the record is not found.

How to order:

If requesting a Certified Copy:
You must be an authorized individual. Complete the Sworn Statement on the application and have it notarized. The Certificate of Acknowledgement must be completed by a Notary Public. If outside of California, the Notary may cross out California and enter the correct state.

If requesting a certified Informational Copy:
You do not have to be an authorized individual. The Sworn Statement, Certificate of Acknowledgment, and notarization are not required.