How many countless people have misplaced or needed to correct a birth certificate? Perhaps you have moved to a new state and a parent or guardian has your birth certificate and you can’t readily get to it. The fact is if you need to get your birth certificate replaced, there are various ways to go about getting it, including online ordering and getting your birth certificate in person. You will need to have certain documentation to make sure that you are who you say you are in this age of identity theft. You will also need to make sure that you are getting an official copy of your birth certificate, which includes the raised, embossed state seal.

California is among the stricter states in her requirements for obtaining your birth certificate. Not only do you have to verify who you are with several forms of documentation, you must also have a notary to notarize your formal request. Even then, there is a two to six day walk through process to make sure that security measures are taken and an official birth certificate for a live birth in California does not fall into the wrong hands.

Go In to Get Your Birth Certificate

If you opt to go the old-fashioned route and order your California birth certificate from the California Department of Public Health, the average wait time is up to 18 weeks, although there are means by which to get it sooner. You can get a copy from the actual California Department of Health in the county in which the birth occurred. You will need to collect the necessary documentation, including a notary signature, and send it to the California Office of Vital Records, M.S. 5103 P.O. Box 997410 Sacramento, CA 95899-7410 Telephone: (916) 445-2684.

If you do request a replacement birth certificate, you must be the authorized registrant or the person whose name appears on the birth certificate, a parent or guardian, a legal representative such as a district attorney or law enforcement agent acting in the line of duty, or an adoption agency verifying live birth.

Ordering Online

There are several internet websites where you can also obtain your replacement birth certificate. You will need to verify that the website that you use is reputable and trustworthy before you submit any person information to them. Some very good examples are californiabirthcertificates.net, California-birthcertificates.com, Californiabirthrecords.net and vitalchek.com. Each of the websites has a different fee associated with them in addition to the $14 state processing fee that the state of California requires and the shipping and handling fees. Your information is guaranteed protected by each site. Vital Chek does make a claim that you can get a replacement copy of your birth certificate within a week. It is also important to note that none of the agencies will ship to a PO Box or a military address and that a signature is required on delivery for your protection.

California natives who need to replace or change their birth certificates are held to a strict standard, but it is not impossible to get an authorized copy in your hands. Remember, only certain authorized individuals can apply for and get a copy of an official birth certificate. Other standards are put in place as well to protect the requestors’ identity and make sure that California natives are protected from malicious acts.

Related posts:

1. How to get a California Replacement Birth Certificate?
2. Orange County-California Birth Certificate