Obtaining a birth certificate is a crucial step for various life events, from enrolling in school to applying for a passport or social security benefits. For individuals born in Sacramento County, California, the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s office is the official source for certified copies of birth certificates. This guide provides a detailed overview of where and how you can get a birth certificate in Sacramento County, ensuring you have the necessary documentation for any purpose.
Understanding Birth Certificates in Sacramento County
The Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder is authorized to issue birth certificates for individuals born within Sacramento County since 1850. It’s important to note that they do not have records for births before 1850. If you are a new parent, newborn birth certificates typically become available approximately 4 weeks after the birth date. To save time and ensure your record is ready, it’s advisable to call their office at 874-6334 to verify availability before visiting in person.
California State law mandates that the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder issue two distinct types of certified birth certificate copies: authorized and informational. Both versions are official copies of the original birth certificate document on file. However, their purpose and accessibility differ significantly.
Authorized vs. Informational Copies: Which Do You Need?
The key difference between authorized and informational copies lies in their legal validity and who can obtain them.
Authorized Copy: This type of certified birth certificate is legally recognized and can be used to establish the identity of the person named on the certificate (the registrant). To obtain an authorized copy, you must be an “authorized person” as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 103526(c). When requesting an authorized copy, you are required to sign a sworn statement, under penalty of perjury, confirming that you are an authorized individual. Authorized persons include:
- The registrant (the person named on the birth certificate).
- A parent or legal guardian of the registrant.
- A party entitled to receive the record by court order, or an attorney or licensed adoption agency seeking the record to comply with Family Code Section 3140 or 7603.
- Law enforcement agencies or governmental agencies conducting official business.
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.
- An attorney representing the registrant or their estate, or any person or agency legally empowered to act on behalf of the registrant or their estate.
Informational Copy: In contrast, an informational copy is not valid for establishing identity. It is marked with a clear inscription across the document stating, “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY.” The advantage of an informational copy is that it is available to anyone, regardless of their relationship to the registrant. If you need a birth certificate for genealogical research or personal records and do not require it for legal identification purposes, an informational copy may suffice.
How to Order Your Sacramento Birth Certificate
The Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder offers several convenient methods to order birth certificate copies: in person, by mail, by fax, and online.
Ordering In Person
For the most immediate service, you can visit one of the office locations of the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder.
- Visit an Office: Go to a Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder office location during business hours.
- Complete Application: You will need to fill out an application form, available at the office.
- Present ID (for Authorized Copies): If you are requesting an authorized copy, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID for verification.
- Receive Your Certificate: In-person orders are typically processed quickly. You can expect to receive your certificate(s) within approximately 20 minutes from when your completed application and payment are received.
Ordering by Mail
Ordering by mail is a convenient option if you cannot visit an office in person.
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Download and Complete Application: Download and print the application form from the Clerk/Recorder’s website.
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Notarize Sworn Statement (for Authorized Copies): If you are ordering authorized copies, complete page 2 of the application, which includes the Sworn Statement. This statement must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public and notarized.
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Mail Application and Payment: Mail your completed application, notarized sworn statement (if required), and payment to the following address:
Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder
8239 East Stockton Boulevard, Suite A
Sacramento, CA 95828 -
Receive Your Certificate: Allow 5-7 business days from the date the Clerk/Recorder receives your application and payment to receive your certificate(s) by mail.
Ordering by Fax
Faxing your application is another option for mail-in service.
- Download and Complete Application: Download and print the application form.
- Notarize Sworn Statement (for Authorized Copies): As with mail orders for authorized copies, complete and notarize the Sworn Statement on page 2 of the application.
- Fax Application: Fax your completed application, including the notarized sworn statement (if applicable), to (916) 874-0947.
- Receive Your Certificate: For regular mail delivery, allow 5-7 business days from the receipt of your application and payment. Expedited service is available for an additional $19.00, which reduces the fulfillment time to 2 business days.
Ordering Online
Ordering online provides a fast and accessible method to request your birth certificate through VitalChek, a third-party vendor authorized by the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder.
- Visit VitalChek Website: Go to www.VitalChek.com to start your online order.
- Provide Required Information: You will need to provide the following information online:
- Full name as it appears on the birth certificate
- City and state of birth
- Date of birth
- Mother’s maiden name
- Father’s name
- Reason for requesting the birth certificate
- Requestor’s full name, address, and phone number
- Requestor’s driver’s license information
- Requestor’s relationship to the certificate holder
- Processing Time and Fees: Online orders are subject to an additional processing fee charged by VitalChek. Similar to fax orders, allow 5-7 business days for regular mail delivery and 2 business days for expedited delivery (for an additional $19.00 fee).
Conclusion
Obtaining a birth certificate in Sacramento County is a straightforward process thanks to the multiple ordering options provided by the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder. Whether you choose to apply in person, by mail, fax, or online via VitalChek, ensure you understand the difference between authorized and informational copies to request the correct type for your needs. By following these guidelines, you can efficiently secure your Sacramento County birth certificate.
