Obtaining a birth certificate is a crucial step for many life events, from enrolling in school to applying for a passport or driver’s license. If you were born in Sacramento County, California, understanding Where Do You Get A Birth Certificate is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to secure your birth certificate from the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s office.
Sacramento County has been issuing birth certificates for individuals born within its jurisdiction since 1850. It’s important to note that they can only provide certificates for births that occurred in Sacramento County. If you were born elsewhere, you’ll need to contact the vital records office in the correct county or state. For births in Sacramento County after 1850, certificates are typically available approximately four weeks after the birth date. It’s always advisable to call the office at 874-6334 to confirm your record is ready before visiting in person.
The Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder offers two types of certified birth certificate copies: authorized and informational. Both are official copies of the original record, but they serve different purposes.
Authorized vs. Informational Birth Certificate Copies
Understanding the difference between an authorized and an informational copy is crucial when you are figuring out where do you get a birth certificate and which type you need.
Authorized Copy
An authorized copy of a birth certificate is a legally recognized document that can be used to establish identity. Due to its sensitive nature, access to authorized copies is restricted to specific individuals. To obtain an authorized copy, you must be an “authorized person” as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 103526(c) and sign a sworn statement under penalty of perjury confirming your eligibility. Authorized individuals include:
- The registrant (the person named on the birth certificate).
- A parent or legal guardian of the registrant.
- Parties entitled to the record by court order, or attorneys/licensed adoption agencies fulfilling specific legal requirements.
- Law enforcement or government agency representatives conducting official business.
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.
- Attorneys representing the registrant or their estate, or any authorized person acting on behalf of the registrant or their estate.
You will be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID to obtain an authorized copy in person.
Informational Copy
An informational copy, on the other hand, is available to anyone and does not have the same legal standing as an authorized copy for identity verification. Informational copies are clearly marked with the inscription “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY” across the document. While useful for genealogical research or personal records, they cannot be used for official identification purposes. For those wondering where do you get a birth certificate for general information without needing it for legal identification, an informational copy is a readily accessible option.
How to Order Your Sacramento County Birth Certificate
Now that you know the types of copies, let’s explore where do you get a birth certificate and the various methods Sacramento County offers for ordering your document. You can obtain your birth certificate in person, by mail, by fax, or online.
In Person
For the most immediate service, you can visit one of the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s office locations.
- Visit an Office Location: Go to one of the designated office locations during business hours. You can find location details on the Sacramento County website.
- Complete Application and Provide ID: You will need to fill out an application form. If requesting an authorized copy, ensure you have a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Receive Your Certificate: In-person requests are typically processed quickly. You can expect to receive your certificate(s) within approximately 20 minutes of submitting your completed application and payment.
By Mail
If you prefer to order by mail, follow these steps:
-
Complete and Print Application: Download and complete the application form from the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s website.
-
Notarized Sworn Statement (for Authorized Copies): If you are requesting an authorized copy, complete page 2 of the application, which includes the Sworn Statement. This statement must be notarized by a Notary Public.
-
Mail Application, Payment, and Notarized Statement: Mail your completed application, notarized sworn statement (if required), and payment to:
Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder
8239 East Stockton Boulevard, Suite A
Sacramento, CA 95828 -
Processing Time: Allow 5-7 business days from the receipt of your application and payment to receive your certificate(s) by mail.
By Fax
Ordering by fax is another option for obtaining your birth certificate:
- Complete and Print Application: Download and complete the application form.
- Notarized Sworn Statement (for Authorized Copies): As with mail orders, authorized copy requests require a notarized Sworn Statement (page 2 of the application).
- Fax Application and Notarized Statement: Fax your application, including the notarized sworn statement (if applicable), to (916) 874-0947.
- Processing and Delivery Time: Allow 5-7 business days for “regular mail” delivery or 2 business days for “expedited” orders from the receipt of your application and payment. Note that expedited delivery incurs an additional $19.00 charge.
Online
For convenience, you can order your birth certificate online through VitalChek, a third-party service authorized by Sacramento County.
-
Visit VitalChek Website: Go to www.VitalChek.com to begin your online order.
-
Provide Required Information: You will need to provide detailed information, including:
- 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 and Delivery Time: Similar to fax orders, allow 5-7 business days for “regular mail” delivery and 2 business days for “expedited” orders after submitting your online order and payment. Expedited delivery has an additional $19.00 fee. Keep in mind that online orders through VitalChek include an additional processing fee.
Fees
(The original article mentions fees but does not list specific amounts. To maintain accuracy based on the provided source, specific fees are not included here. Users should refer to the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s official website or contact them directly for current fee schedules.)
For accurate and up-to-date information on fees associated with obtaining a birth certificate, it is best to consult the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s official website or contact their office directly. Fees are subject to change, and it’s important to have the most current information before placing your order.
Conclusion
Knowing where do you get a birth certificate in Sacramento County is straightforward once you understand your options. Whether you choose to visit in person, order by mail, fax, or online, Sacramento County provides multiple accessible methods to obtain your birth certificate. Remember to determine whether you need an authorized or informational copy and gather all necessary documentation before you begin the process. For the most accurate details and any updates, always refer to the official Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s website or contact their office directly.
