TRANSITION SERVICES: birth certificate

Birth Certificates:

A birth certificate is a vital record that documents your birth. You need a birth certificate to apply for:

  • a California I.D.
  • a driver’s license
  • a passport or visa
  • entrance to the military

You can obtain or replace a birth certificate in person or by mail by contacting the County Recorders Office in the county of your birth. If you were born anywhere in San Diego County you can contact our local office in San Marcos from 8 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday:

141 E. Carmel St.
San Marcos, CA 92078

Call: (760) 630 1219 for more information or go on-line to www.sdarcc.com

The cost of each birth certificate is $19.00 and is not refundable if the record is not found. Payment may be made with cash or by check/money order made payable to the “San Diego Recorder/Clerk”.

Birth Certificates Requested in Person:

You will be asked to complete a form and sign in the presence of a County Clerk. You will need the following information:

  • The full name as stated on the birth certificate.
  • The mother's full MAIDEN name.
  • The date of birth.

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

  • The registrant, a parent or legal guardian of the registrant
  • A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record in order to comply with the requirement of Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code.
  • A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.
  • A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse or domestic partner of the registrant.
  • 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.

If you are one of the authorized persons listed above, you will receive a Certified Copy. If you are not an authorized person you will receive a certified Informational Copy marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY".

Birth Certificates Requested by Mail: see website for form. Requests by mail will require notarization of applications.

For more information visit: http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/birthdeath_certificates.aspx