Birth certificates are used for many official governmental purposes such as Social Security, passport applications and school enrollments.  They are sometimes used for non-official registrations such as little league.  You can purchase a certified copy of a birth certificate in person at the County Clerk-Recorder's office at 555 County Center, First Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063-1665.  Payment types accepted in the office are cash, checks, and credit or debit cards (Visa and Mastercard only).

Application for certificate

Mailed requests for certified copies of birth certificates must be accompanied by a notarized application. (Application form will require the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader which may be downloaded for free.) Mail the application with the required payment in a check or money order only (payable against a USA bank) to the above address - Attn:  Vital Records. Make checks payable to San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder.

Processing time may take several days.  Please expect to receive your copies via regular mail in approximately two weeks.  If you wish to expedite your request you may choose to send it via overnight mail.  If so, please include a pre-paid overnight return envelope along with your notarized application and check or money order.  Certificates from the years 1865 to 1965 may require an additional two days for processing.

Amendments

An amendment to any birth certificate must be completed through the State Office of Vital Records.  Please see website for forms and instructional packet www.dhs.ca.gov

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