vital records

Processing Times

Requests for Certified Copies

These are California Department of Public Health-Vital Records (CDPH-VR) estimated processing times for certified copies, which may occasionally increase as the volume of requests increases. The processing time begins when CDPH-VR receives your request. (County Recorder Offices can sometimes process requests faster than CDPH-VR). For important information regarding submitting your request to CDPH-VR, please see "Does CDPH Vital Records Have Your Record Yet?" (using the "Important Information" link at the bottom of this page).

If you are using the state application form, but are submitting your request to a county office for processing, please first check with the county office to confirm the county's certified copy fees, as they may be different from State fees. Refer to the "Directory of County Vital Record Offices" link below for county contact information.

Birth, Death, Fetal Death Records - 4 to 6 weeks (Updated on 10/01/2018)
Public Marriage Record:

1905 through Present (Excluding 2000-2008) - 4 to 6 Weeks
2000 through 2008 - Must be requested through the County Recorder's Office

Certificate of Record (Divorce) - Can exceed 6 months

Requests for Amendments

The estimated processing times for amendments are listed below. CDPH-VR processing times may occasionally increase as the volume of requests increases. The processing time begins when CDPH-VR receives your request.