Birth Certificates

Last updated 4/24/2025. 

 

By law, each live birth in San Diego must be registered with the Office of Vital Records and Statistics (OVRS) within 21 days of the child’s birth.

 

There are two types of birth certificates:

  1. Authorized Certified Copy – only given to Authorized Individuals with a notarized Sworn Statement.
  2. Informational Certified Copy – given to all other individuals. A Sworn Statement is not needed.

A certified copy of a birth certificate costs $32.00. This fee is set by the State. 

On this page:

Call the office at (619) 692-5733 if you have questions.

Request A Birth Certificate

A copy of a birth certificate can be requested for anyone born in San Diego. For births occurring:

  • More than 2 years ago, contact the San Diego Recorder/Clerk.
  • Within the last 2 years, contact OVRS or see the steps below. 

Birth certificates cannot be sent by email.

In-Person

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1. OVRS is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Address **Please note new interim location effective October 25, 2024**
5530 Overland Avenue, Suite 110,
San Diego, CA 92123

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2. Have these ready:

  • Child's full name as it is on the birth certificate,
  • Mother's full maiden name,
  • Child's date of birth, and
  • A valid government issued picture ID.
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3. Complete payment of $32.00 per copy. There are three ways to pay:

  • Cash;
  • Debit, credit, tap to pay; or
  • Check, or money order, payable to County of San Diego.
Red, orange, and blue VitalChek logo. VitalChek is a third-party website authorized to process requests online for the Office of Vital Records and Statistics.

Online

VitalChek is a third-party website that processes requests online for the Office of Vital Records and Statistics.

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1. Visit VitalChek.com.

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2. Go to "Order Certificate", then choose "Birth Certificates."

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3. Fill out the application.

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4. Complete payment with credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

  • Certificate fee is $32.00 per copy.
  • VitalChek processing fee is $12.95.
  • Shipping fee is no cost for regular mail, or $19.00 for Express UPS.

For more information, visit VitalChek online, or call 1-877-459-1061.

 

Mail

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1.  Fill out the  Application for a Birth Certificate.

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2. Complete payment of $32.00 per copy with check, or money order, payable to County of San Diego

  • Cash not accepted.
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3. Mail completed Application for a Birth Certificate and payment to:

County of San Diego Vital Records
P.O. Box 429001
                  San Diego, CA 92142

Register an Out of Hospital Birth

If a child was born at home or outside of a hospital:

  • The attending doctor, or midwife, registers the birth.
  • The parent(s) register the birth when there is no attending doctor or midwife. This is completed after the baby is born by appointment only.
  • Parent(s) must provide proof of:
    • Pregnancy,
    • Residence,
    • Identity, and
    • Medical information.
  • Call OVRS at (619) 692-5733 to be sent an Out-of-Hospital Birth Certificate Registration Packet.

Resources

 

For more information, call the Office of Vital Records at (619) 692-5733 or send an email.