Last updated 6/20/2024.
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.
OVRS can provide birth certificates from 1957 to present only. Two types of birth certificates are available:
- Authorized Certified Copy – only provided to Authorized Individuals with a Notarized Sworn Statement.
- Informational Certified Copy – provided to all other individuals. A Sworn Statement is not required.
A certified copy of a birth certificate costs $32.00. This fee is set by the State.
See below, or click the following links, to learn more:
- Request a Birth Certificate
- In-Person
- Online
- By Mail
- Register an Out of Hospital Birth
- Resources
E-mail requests are not accepted. Call the office at (619) 692-5733 if you have questions. English, Spanish, and Tagalog are spoken.
1. The Office of Vital Records and Statistics (OVRS) is open Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The office is located at 5560 Overland Avenue, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92123.
2. Have the following information:
- Child's full name as stated on the birth certificate,
- Mother's full MAIDEN name,
- Child's date of birth, and
- A valid government issued picture ID.
Authorized Individuals may get an Authorized Certified Copy.Individuals that are not authorized will get a certified copy marked 'Informational, Not a Valid Document To Establish Identity.'
3.Complete payment of $32.00 per copy via:
- Cash;
- Debit, credit, tap to pay; or
- Check, or money order, payable to County of San Diego.
Request a Birth Certificate Online
VitalChekis a third-party website authorized to process requests online for the Office of Vital Records and Statistics.
1.Visit VitalChek.com.
2.Select “Birth Certificates” under “Pick a certificate to get started.”
3.Fill out the online application.
4.Complete payment via credit/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.
1.Fill out theApplication for a Birth Certificate.
- Authorized Individuals with a Notarized Sworn Statement may get an Authorized Certified Copy.
- Individuals that are not authorized will get a certified copy marked 'Informational, Not a Valid Document To Establish Identity.' A Notarized Sworn Statement is not required for Informational copy.
2.Complete payment of $32.00 per copy via check, or money order, payable to County of San Diego
- Cash not accepted.
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
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.
For more information send us an emailor phone (619) 692-5733.
