Birth Certificates

Did you know that the guidelines for ordering birth records are changing?

Due to the increased occurrence of identity theft, new laws were passed to protect birth and death records from misuse. These laws go into effect July 1, 2003. At this time, the steps necessary to obtain a birth or death record will change significantly.

Effective July 1, 2003, the California Health and Safety Code, Sections 103526, will permit only authorized individuals to receive certified copies of birth and death records. Those who are not authorized by law to receive certified copies will receive certified copies marked “INFORMATION, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY.”

In the case of birth records, the new law describes an authorized person as:

• The registrant, parent or legal guardian of the registrant.

• A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order, an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record in order to comply with the requirements 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, the registrant’s estate, and person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant’s estate.

Important Details about Birth Certificates

- If the person was born in Contra Costa County, you may obtain a certified copy from this office; otherwise, contact the Recorder's office in the county of their birth. If the county is not known, or the person was adopted prior to 1994 or had a legal name change prior to 1994, please provide this information on the request and staff will order the certificate from the state.

If the County of the place of birth is unknown contact the State office of vital statistics (link below)

 State Office of Vital Statistics in Sacramento.

• We maintain birth certificates from 1905 to present.

• All fees are payable by check or money order to the County Recorder’s Office.

                 Click here for fees related to a certified copy of a birth.

Copies of birth records may be obtained at the:

Contra Costa County Recorder’s Office
555 Escobar St.
Martinez, CA 94553

 For directions and office hours click here

OR

You can order copies of birth records using the following methods:

1) Via mail by downloading the “Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record
2) Internet/Fax Ordering Program
 

To apply for birth records on or after July 1, 2003,you must complete the sworn statement included with the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record and you must sign the sworn statement under penalty of perjury.

If you mail your application, your sworn statement must be notarized and included with your application

If you mail your application and do not include a notarized statement sworn to under penalty of perjury, your application will be rejected as incomplete and it will be returned to you without being processed.

Please do not fax in a copy of your ID or any other form of identification.
Please do not send cash we only accept check or money order.

La información de actas de nacimento en Espanõl estará aquí muy pronto. 

Please Note: Should our staff need to contact you regarding your order we will call you collect.

Need more information regarding birth certificates?

 You may call the office at: (925) 335-7900
or
 Visit our office Monday through Friday 8AM – 4PM

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