Get a birth certificate for someone over 3

Orders placed online MUST be picked up in person. Orders WILL NOT be mailed. We will call you when the record is ready for pickup.

If the record is not found, we will automatically request a copy from the California Department of Public Health. This may delay your order by 4-6 weeks.

You must present valid, non-expired picture identification when you pick up your order.

VitalChek is a third-party provider for ordering vital records online.

This process can take up to 6 weeks.

You can call VitalChek at (800) 708-6733 to check on an order or if you have questions. 

Go to the Office of the County Clerk

You can apply to get a birth certificate in person at the Office of the County Clerk. The birth certificate must be for someone:

• born in San Francisco
• born after 1906
• over 3 years old

The person applying must bring an unexpired government-issued photo ID.

1. Fill out the form

Download the PDF and fill out your details.

2. Get the statement notarized

Take your form to a notary public and have it notarized. 

You don’t need to have your application notarized for an Informational Copy. Informational copies are certified, but have “Informational: Not a valid document to establish identity” printed on them.

3. Mail your application

You must include:

• your application
• notarized sworn statement
• self-addressed, stamped envelope
• payment 

You can pay by money order or personal check. Your personal check must:

• have the account holders name printed on it
• be from a bank in the USA
• payable to "SF County Clerk"

You should get your birth certificate in 4 to 6 weeks.