Vital Records

Obtaining Heirloom Birth Records

The California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR) maintains a permanent, public record of every birth that has occurred in California since July 1905. Heirloom birth records are purely for genealogical or keepsake purposes and are not considered legally valid to establish identity. California Heirloom Birth Certificates are printed on 11" x 14" border engraved paper with a gold seal.

State of California Certificate of Birth

Your purchase of the Heirloom Birth Certificate:

Benefits the California Children’s Trust Fund. The State Children’s Trust Fund (SCTF) was established as a separate fund in the state treasury in 1983 for the purpose of child abuse and neglect prevention.
Makes an ideal gift for milestone occasions such as anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, and new parents.

Mail In Request

Please submit the following for a mail in request:

Application for Heirloom Birth Record (CDPH 9133)
Solicitud de Certificado de Reliquia de Nacimiento (CDPH 9133)
Check/Money Order for $44.00 per copy, payable to "CDPH-VR".

Please mail the request to the address below:
            California Department of Public Health
            Vital Records - MS 5103
            P.O. Box 997410
            Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

View our current Processing Times and Fees. The processing time begins when CDPH-VR receives your request.