Available records
We have records of births that took place in Marin County starting in the 1850s. We can issue certified copies of those records. If the birth occurred within the last 6 weeks, please contact the Marin County Office of Vital Statistics for a copy.
After an adoption, we do not have access to sealed birth certificates.
Authorized certified copies can be used for legal purposes, like getting a passport or a driver’s license. Only certain people can request these, as defined in H&S 103526.
Informational certified copies are available to everyone. These copies have a statement across the face that they are not valid for identity purposes.
How to request copies
You may request copies by visiting our office and filling out a request form available in the lobby. Most copies are printed and certified while you wait. In person, we accept debit or credit cards (additional processing fees apply), cash or checks.
You may request copies by mailing a completed request form and payment to us at PO Box C, San Rafael, CA 94913. Most copies are mailed out within 2 business days of receiving your request . By mail, we accept checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders. Please note, we are not responsible for lost or stolen mail.
You may request copies online through a third party, VitalChek. You will enter all the required information and credit card for payment on the VitalChek website. Expedited UPS shipping is available for an additional fee. Most online requests are mailed out within 2 business days after you follow all VitalChek instructions.
We do not accept requests by phone or email at this time.
Sworn Statement
If you are requesting an authorized certified copy by mail or online, you must sign the “Sworn Statement” and a Notary Public must complete the “Certificate of Acknowledgement." If you are in the office, you may sign the “Sworn Statement” in front of our staff and show valid photo ID.
Payment
Each copy of a birth certificate costs $29.00. Payment is required at the time of the request. If no record is found, we still charge the full fee, as required by H&S 103650.
Request forms
Making a change to a birth certificate
To make any changes to a birth certificate, you may contact the California Department of Public Health for a Vital Record Amendment.