How to Obtain a Birth Certificate for a Newborn in San Diego

If you have had a baby in San Diego County, you need to obtain a copy of the birth certificate, which you can do either in person or via mail. As your child grows, you will need a copy of the birth certificate to get a passport, enroll the child in school, and further down the road, to obtain a driver's license for the child. Also, should the child's Social Security card ever be lost, a copy of the birth certificate is required to replace it.

Things You'll Need

• To Obtain the Birth Certificate in Person:
• The full name as stated on the birth certificate
• The mother's full maiden name
• The date of birth of the baby
• The place of birth for the baby
• $17.00 check or money order payable to: Health & Human Services Agency or $17.00 cash
• To Obtain the Birth Certificate Via Mail:
• $17.00 check or money order payable to: San Diego Recorder/County Clerk
• Application for Birth Record by Mail form

Instructions

How to Obtain a Birth Certificate for a Newborn in San Diego County

1. To apply for a birth certificate in person for a baby less than 24 months old :
   Go to The Office of Vital Records and Statistics. The office is located at 3851 Rosecrans Street
   San Diego, CA 92110. The office hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

2. You will be asked to fill out a form. The form asks for the full name as stated on the birth certificate, the mother's full maiden name, the date of birth of the baby, and the place of birth for the baby. If you are obtaining a certified copy of the birth certificate, you must also sign a sworn statement, under penalty of perjury, that you are an authorized person. You can find more information on authorized people here: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/hhsa/programs/phs/office_of_vital_records_and_statistics/vital_records_new_law.html

3. Pay $17.00 for each certified copy of the birth certificate you are requesting. You must have a check, money order or cash. The office does not accept credit cards or debit cards.

4. In order to obtain a birth certificate via mail, the newborn must be 14 days or older. If the baby is not, you must obtain the birth certificate in person.

   Fill out the application for a copy. You can find the form here: http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/arcc/docs/mailbirthapp.pdf

5. Your application must be notarized. Sign the Statement of Identity in the presence of a notary so he or she can sign the Certificate of Acknowledgment.

6. Mail your $17.00 check or money order payable to: San Diego Recorder/County Clerk and your completed application to: San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk
   Attn: Birth Records P.O. Box 121750 San Diego, CA 92112-1750.

   You will receive your birth certificates in two to three weeks.

References

• answerbag: why do you need a birth certificate
• County of San Diego: Office of Vital Records and Statistics
• San Diego County: Assesor, Record, County Clerk