Los Angeles County CA Birth Certificate: Recorder Guide

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Los Angeles County, California · Vital Records

Los Angeles County Birth Certificate: Recorder Office, Online Orders & Certified Copies

Need a birth certificate for a passport, California ID, school enrollment, Social Security application or another official purpose? The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) issues certified copies of birth records for births registered in Los Angeles County.

You can request a copy online, in person or by mail. But before paying, make sure you choose the right certificate type. An authorized certified copy can establish identity; an informational certified copy cannot. This distinction matters when the document is needed for government identification or other legal purposes.

Official Birth Certificate Guide ↗ How to Order ↓ Office & Directions ↓
✓ Official county links ✓ 2026 fee information ✓ Copy eligibility explained ✓ Online, mail and office steps
Start With the Correct Service

Where to Get a Los Angeles County Birth Certificate

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk maintains county birth records dating back to 1866. You can use its official request pages to order an authorized certified copy or an informational certified copy. For very recent births, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health may be the better first contact.

Order Online

Start with the Recorder’s online request page and follow its link to VitalChek. Complete the application, choose the appropriate copy type and follow any identity-verification instructions.

Official online instructions ↗

Apply in Person

Use the county’s online application and appointment process, or check its branch walk-in guidance. Bring valid photo identification and your application confirmation information.

In-person appointment guide ↗

Apply by Mail

Complete the county application and Certificate of Identity. For an authorized certified copy, the Certificate of Identity must be notarized before mailing.

Mail application instructions ↗
Important: You do not need to search the Recorder’s real estate records to obtain a birth certificate. Birth records have a separate request and eligibility process. Use the RR/CC Birth Records section, not the property-document recording service.
Choose the Correct Certificate

Authorized vs. Informational Birth Certificate in Los Angeles County

California issues two types of certified birth record copies. Both are certified copies, but only an authorized certified copy can be used to establish identity. Ordering the wrong type may mean paying for a document that the passport office, DMV or another agency cannot accept.

Authorized Certified Copy

An authorized certified copy can be used for legal identification purposes, including applications for a passport, driver’s license or Social Security card.

  • Available only to people who qualify under California law.
  • Requires the appropriate declaration of eligibility.
  • Mail applications require a notarized Certificate of Identity.
  • Online orders may require notarized identity documentation.
  • In-person applicants must follow the county’s identity-verification process.

Informational Certified Copy

An informational copy is commonly used for family history, genealogy or personal reference when an authorized copy is not needed or the requester does not qualify for one.

  • Available to interested requesters under California rules.
  • Does not establish the identity of the person named.
  • May contain redactions where required.
  • Does not require the authorized-copy sworn statement.
  • Has a notice across its face stating that it is not valid to establish identity.
Passport or DMV application? Choose an authorized certified copy if you are eligible. An informational copy is not a substitute for identity documentation, even though it is also described as a certified copy.
California Eligibility Rules

Who Can Request an Authorized Los Angeles Birth Certificate?

California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 limits authorized certified copies to eligible individuals and representatives. The Los Angeles County RR/CC lists the following principal categories.

Family and the Person Named

  • The person named on the birth certificate.
  • A parent or legal guardian.
  • A child, grandparent or grandchild.
  • A sibling.
  • A spouse or registered domestic partner.

Legal and Government Representatives

  • A person entitled to the record by court order.
  • An attorney or licensed adoption agency acting under applicable statutory authority.
  • Certain law enforcement and government representatives conducting official business.
  • An attorney representing the registrant or estate.
  • Other persons legally empowered or court-appointed to act for the registrant or estate.
What if you’re not eligible? You may request an informational certified copy instead. Be accurate about your relationship to the registrant; do not claim a qualifying relationship merely to receive an authorized copy.
Step-by-Step Online Application

How to Order a Los Angeles County Birth Certificate Online

The county uses VitalChek as its authorized online ordering vendor. Begin from the RR/CC website so you reach the correct order service rather than an unrelated commercial records site.

1

Open the Official RR/CC Online Request Page

Visit the Los Angeles County Birth Record Online Request page and select the county’s VitalChek link.

RR/CC → Birth Records → Online Request → VitalChek
2

Identify the Birth Record

Enter the requested details about the person whose birth certificate is needed. Have the full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth and relevant parent information ready.

Use information that matches the original birth registration as closely as possible.

3

Select the Certificate Type

Choose an authorized certified copy only if you meet California’s eligibility requirements. Otherwise, select an informational certified copy when it meets your purpose.

4

Complete Identity Verification

Follow the instructions given by VitalChek. For an authorized copy, the county notes that a notarized Certificate of Identity may be requested.

If you reside outside California, follow the county’s specific notarization instructions rather than submitting an incomplete certificate.

5

Review Charges and Submit Payment

Confirm the $34 county certificate charge, any VitalChek handling fee and applicable shipping costs shown at checkout.

Save your order reference and receipt after submitting the request.

6

Allow for Processing and Delivery

Los Angeles County states that online requests are processed within 20 business days from receipt. Mailing or delivery time is additional, and missing identity documentation may delay the order.

Do not assume an instant digital certificate: Ordering online means submitting a request electronically. It does not mean the county provides an immediate downloadable certified birth certificate.
Mail Application

How to Request a Los Angeles County Birth Certificate by Mail

A mail request can be useful when you cannot visit Norwalk or a branch office. It is also a straightforward way to provide a notarized identity declaration when required.

1

Download the County Application

Open the RR/CC Mail Request page and use its Application for Birth Record and Certificate of Identity form.

2

Complete and Sign the Forms

Enter the birth-record details, requested number of copies, certificate type, mailing information and your relationship to the registrant. Sign the required declarations.

3

Notarize the Certificate of Identity When Required

For an authorized certified copy, the county requires a notarized Certificate of Identity with a mail application. An informational certified copy does not require the authorized-copy notarized declaration.

4

Prepare Payment

Include a check or money order payable to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. The listed birth certificate fee is $34 per copy.

Do not mail cash, e-checks or temporary checks. The county also restricts foreign checks, with stated exceptions for Canada and Mexico.

5

Mail the Complete Application

Send the signed request, any required notarized Certificate of Identity and payment to:

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Birth, Death and Marriage Records Section
P.O. Box 489
Norwalk, CA 90651-0489
6

Keep a Copy for Your Records

Keep a copy of the completed application and a record of your payment and mailing details. The county states that the record is mailed within 20 business days from receipt of a complete request.

Mailing address matters: The P.O. Box above is for birth, death and marriage records. Do not send birth certificate requests to the county’s real estate document recording P.O. Box or to a district branch office.
In-Person Service

How to Request a Birth Certificate at the Los Angeles County Recorder Office

The RR/CC provides an online application and appointment workflow for in-person birth-record service. Its FAQ also says branch offices offer walk-in service. For predictable timing, use the appointment instructions and confirm the service at your chosen location before traveling.

Before You Arrive

  1. Open the In-Person Request page.
  2. Select Get Started to complete the application.
  3. Save the application confirmation number.
  4. Choose Make an Appointment and complete any required waiver.
  5. Bring valid photo identification and your confirmation number.
  6. Check the accepted payment options before visiting.

Important Appointment Details

The county states that appointments can be scheduled up to three weeks in advance, with one appointment per day. Appointments are not transferable.

If you complete the application but cannot book an appointment, the county provides an additional availability-check link on its in-person request page.

At Norwalk headquarters, enhanced entrance security began October 1, 2026. Visitors should expect metal-detector screening and bag checks.

Not every historical certificate is issued immediately: Appointment-day issuance depends on the birth year. The RR/CC publishes different fulfillment arrangements for older births, births from 1972–1977 and informational copies.
Fees and Processing

Los Angeles County Birth Certificate Fees and Delivery Times

The county’s published 2026 birth-record fee is $34 per certified copy. Processing and payment charges depend on the ordering method. Do not confuse the county’s fee with the California Department of Public Health’s separate statewide fee schedule.

Request Method Birth Certificate Fee Additional Information
RR/CC online via VitalChek $34 per copy VitalChek handling and delivery charges may apply. Processing is listed within 20 business days after receipt.
RR/CC mail request $34 per copy Check or money order accepted. Authorized-copy applications require a notarized Certificate of Identity.
RR/CC in-person request $34 per copy Card and mobile-wallet payments carry a county-listed $1.75 service fee.
County Department of Public Health $34 per copy Primarily handles current-year and prior-year births within its covered jurisdiction; payment processing charges may apply.
Nonrefundable search fee: The county states that the fee for the first copy of each requested record is nonrefundable. If the record cannot be located, the office may issue a No Record Statement rather than refunding the search fee.
Birth-Year Fulfillment Guide

How Long Does a Los Angeles County Birth Certificate Take?

Processing speed depends on the ordering method, birth year and certificate type. The Recorder provides the following specific rules for scheduled in-person requests.

Birth Record Category County’s In-Person Fulfillment Guidance
1962 to present, excluding 1972–1977 Authorized copy generally provided at the scheduled appointment.
1972–1977 Mailed within 20 business days.
1866–1961 Mailed within 20 business days.
All informational certified copies Mailed within 20 business days.
Online or mail requests County lists processing or mailing within 20 business days from receipt; transit time is additional.
Need a certificate for a very recent birth? Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Health says certificates are generally available approximately 10 days after the original birth registration. The RR/CC FAQ directs parents needing a certificate before its two-month availability window to Public Health.
For New Parents

Newborn Birth Certificate in Los Angeles County: Which Office Is Faster?

New parents often assume a certificate arrives automatically after leaving the hospital. It does not. The birth must be registered, and a separate application and payment are needed to obtain a certified copy.

Birth Registered Recently

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Vital Records Office handles birth records for the current and previous year, except births in Pasadena and Long Beach, which have separate local registration arrangements.

Public Health office:
313 North Figueroa Street, Room Lobby-1
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 288-7812

Newborn Certificate Information ↗

Older Birth Records

For births beyond Public Health’s limited current/prior-year service, begin with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

RR/CC maintains birth records dating back to 1866 and publishes separate online, mail and in-person ordering methods.

RR/CC contact: (800) 201-8999

Open Recorder Birth Records ↗
Pasadena and Long Beach: If the birth occurred in one of these cities, check the relevant city health department’s birth registration and current-record procedures before applying through the county Department of Public Health. The county RR/CC also maintains Los Angeles County records, but the correct route may depend on how recently the birth occurred.
Application Preparation

What Information and Documents Do You Need?

Prepare the record details before beginning. Applications are easier to complete when the birth information matches what was originally registered.

Birth Details

  • Full name of the person at birth.
  • Date of birth.
  • Place of birth.
  • Parents’ names as requested on the application.
  • Other identifying details requested by the form.

Requester Details

  • Your legal name.
  • Your relationship to the registrant.
  • Current mailing information.
  • Contact details.
  • Valid photo identification for in-person service.

Additional Requirements

  • Notarized Certificate of Identity for authorized mail orders.
  • Supporting legal authority when applying under court or representative status.
  • Accepted payment.
  • Application confirmation number for appointments.
  • Accurate delivery address.
Official County Office

Los Angeles County Recorder Office Address, Phone and Hours

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Headquarters

Street address:
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650

Phone: (800) 201-8999

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, except official closures.

Services: Birth, death and marriage records, real estate records and other Recorder/County Clerk functions.

Get Directions ↗

Before Traveling to Norwalk

Norwalk headquarters is located at the corner of Imperial Highway and Volunteer Avenue.

  • Check the branch service list and county holiday schedule.
  • Complete the application and save the confirmation number if using the appointment process.
  • Bring valid photo identification.
  • Plan for security screening at the public entrance.
  • Confirm whether the specific birth year is eligible for appointment-day issuance.
View all official RR/CC branches ↗

Main Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk headquarters. The mailing address for birth-certificate requests is a separate P.O. Box; do not confuse it with the street address.

Situations That Need Different Steps

Lost Certificate, Name Correction, Adoption or No Birth Record Found

Lost or Damaged Certificate

Request a new certified copy through the county’s normal process. A replacement is not issued automatically. Choose an authorized copy if the replacement is needed to establish identity.

Misspelled Name or Other Error

Birth-record corrections and amendments are handled through the California Department of Public Health. Ordering another copy does not correct the underlying registration.

California Vital Records guidance ↗

Adoption or Sealed Birth Record

Adoption-related changes and sealed records involve special state procedures and legal access rules. Review CDPH guidance before submitting an ordinary county certificate request.

No Record Found

If the county cannot locate the record, it may issue a No Record Statement. Recheck the name, date, place and registering jurisdiction. Contact CDPH if you still cannot locate the certificate.

Need an apostille for use abroad? First obtain the appropriate certified birth certificate. California Secretary of State authentication is a separate process; the Recorder’s FAQ explains that its certificates may be submitted for an apostille.
Avoid Delays and Rejected Applications

Common Los Angeles Birth Certificate Ordering Mistakes

Problem Why It Happens What to Do
Informational copy rejected by DMV Informational copies cannot establish identity. Request an authorized certified copy if eligible.
Authorized mail order returned or delayed Certificate of Identity missing, unsigned or not notarized. Complete all required forms and notarization.
Recent newborn record not available from RR/CC The county Recorder may not yet have the newly registered record available for issuance. Contact LA County Public Health for recent births.
Online order costs more than $34 VitalChek adds handling or delivery charges. Review the full cost before paying.
Certificate has incorrect name information The underlying vital record may require amendment. Consult California Department of Public Health amendment instructions.
Application sent to the wrong address The county has separate P.O. Boxes for vital records and real estate recording. Use P.O. Box 489 for RR/CC mailed birth-record requests.
No Record Statement received The requested record could not be located. Recheck the identifying information and jurisdiction; seek CDPH assistance when appropriate.
Official Government Resources

Los Angeles County Birth Certificate Forms and Request Links

Use the issuing agency’s instructions rather than a private records-directory website. These sources cover different stages of the certificate request.

1. RR/CC Birth Records Request

Choose the certificate type and official order method.

Official Birth Records ↗
  1. Read the authorized-copy eligibility requirements.
  2. Decide whether you need an authorized or informational copy.
  3. Choose Online, In-Person or Mail Request.

2. Online Ordering Through VitalChek

The county’s authorized third-party online ordering route.

Online Order Instructions ↗
  1. Use the VitalChek link provided by the county.
  2. Enter the birth details and eligible requester information.
  3. Complete identity verification and review final charges.
  4. Save the confirmation information.

3. County Mail Request and Certificate of Identity

Application, notarization and payment requirements.

Mail Application Guide ↗
  1. Open the birth-record application and Certificate of Identity.
  2. Complete and sign the required sections.
  3. Arrange notarization if requesting an authorized copy.
  4. Mail the forms and payment to the county’s vital-records P.O. Box.

4. In-Person Application and Appointment

County application, confirmation number and booking instructions.

Schedule an Appointment ↗
  1. Complete the application and save the confirmation number.
  2. Select Make an Appointment.
  3. Follow the waiver and booking instructions.
  4. Bring photo ID and payment.

5. California Department of Public Health — Birth Records

Statewide certified copies, amendments and special record situations.

State Birth Record Guide ↗
  1. Use the state guidance if you cannot obtain the certificate through the county.
  2. Review the CDPH application, sworn-statement and current fee requirements.
  3. Follow state procedures for amended or special-access records.

6. LA County Department of Public Health — Newborn Records

Recent birth registrations and current/prior-year certificate service.

Newborn Birth Records ↗
  1. Confirm the birth was registered within the office’s covered area.
  2. Check the current/prior-year availability rules.
  3. Review its application and ordering options.
  4. Contact the office before traveling if the birth is very recent.
What to Do Next

Choose Your Next Step Based on Why You Need the Certificate

For a Passport or Government ID

Check authorized-copy eligibility, prepare your identification and choose an authorized certified birth certificate.

For Family History

An informational certified copy may be appropriate. Check the available record year and provide accurate identifying information.

For a Newborn

Check LA County Department of Public Health first if the birth was very recent. Allow time for the registration to become available.

For a Name Correction

Use California Department of Public Health amendment procedures rather than repeatedly ordering a certificate containing the same error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles County Recorder Birth Certificate FAQs

1. How do I get a Los Angeles County birth certificate?

Use the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s birth-record request service. You can apply online through the county-linked VitalChek service, by mail or in person. Choose an authorized or informational certified copy based on your eligibility and intended use.

2. How much is a birth certificate in Los Angeles County?

The RR/CC lists $34 per certified birth certificate copy. Online handling, shipping or in-person card-processing charges may be additional. Check the final total before paying.

3. Can I order my Los Angeles birth certificate online?

Yes. Los Angeles County uses VitalChek as its authorized online ordering vendor. Begin from the county’s official Online Request page and follow the identity-verification and payment instructions.

4. Where is the Los Angeles County Recorder birth certificate office?

The main Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. The customer-service phone number is (800) 201-8999.

5. Do I need a notarized form to order a birth certificate?

For an authorized certified copy requested by mail, the county requires a notarized Certificate of Identity. Online applications may also require notarized identity documentation. Informational certified copies do not require the authorized-copy sworn statement.

6. How long does a Los Angeles County birth certificate take?

The county lists processing or mailing within 20 business days for online and mail requests after receipt. Certain authorized birth records from 1962 onward, excluding 1972–1977, may be issued at a scheduled in-person appointment.

7. Can I get a birth certificate for my newborn immediately?

Not immediately after delivery. The birth must be registered first. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health states that certificates generally become available approximately 10 days after registration. The RR/CC directs parents needing records before its two-month window to Public Health.

8. What is the difference between authorized and informational birth certificates?

An authorized certified copy can be used to establish identity and is limited to eligible requesters. An informational certified copy is not valid to establish identity and is primarily used for information, genealogy or personal reference.

9. What if my Los Angeles birth certificate has an incorrect name?

Birth-record amendments and corrections are handled through the California Department of Public Health. Requesting another copy from the Recorder will not automatically correct the underlying birth record.

10. Can someone else request my Los Angeles County birth certificate?

Certain family members, legal representatives, government officials and other persons authorized under California law may request an authorized certified copy. People who do not meet authorized-copy eligibility may request an informational certified copy instead.

Official Sources and Editorial Review

Reviewed: October 22, 2026.

This guide is based on the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s official birth-record request instructions, online and mail ordering pages, appointment guidance, branch office information and birth-record FAQs, together with California Department of Public Health vital-record guidance.

Official references: County Birth Records · Mail Requests · In-Person Requests · California Copy Eligibility.

This is an independent educational guide, not a government website or an official birth certificate ordering service. The site does not issue certificates, accept vital-record applications or verify an individual’s identity. Fees and procedures can change; follow the issuing government’s current instructions before submitting payment or sensitive documents.

Do not send birth dates, identity documents, Social Security numbers or notarized declarations to this website. Provide sensitive information only through the relevant official government process or its authorized ordering provider.

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