What to do
If you need a birth certificate for a child under 3 years old, go to the Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records.
Order online from VitalChek.com
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.
In-Person
In-Person
You can now submit your application online! Please Note: the record will not be issued until you appear in person, show your identification, and pay the current fee. Online Application HERE
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.
To save time, you can submit your application online. Please Note: the record will not be issued until you appear in person and pay the current Birth Certificate Fee.
Office of the County Clerk
City Hall, Room 1601 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Mon to Fri,
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Processing Hours
Closed on public holidays
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.
Office of the County Clerk
City Hall, Room 1601 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Closed on public holidays
Who can get a birth certificate
You can apply for a Certified Authorized Copy of a birth certificate for:
- Yourself
- Your child
- Your spouse, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or state-registered domestic partner
Anyone can request an informational copy of a birth certificate.
Special cases
Get a birth certificate for someone else
Get a birth certificate for someone else
You can also apply for a certified copy of a birth certificate if you:
- Have authorization from a certified court order
- Have power of attorney and can show a certified copy of your Power of Attorney document
- Are the executor of the person’s estate, with estate documents to prove it
- Work for another government agency and can show your work ID
We can’t give certificates to government employees for personal use.
Amending a birth or death certificate
Amending a birth or death certificate
The Office of the County Clerk cannot amend a birth, death, or public marriage record. Please use the links below for information on amending records with the California Department of Public Health.
Amending a California Birth Record
Amending a California Death or Fetal Death Record
Amending a California Public Marriage Record
Get help
Office of the County Clerk
City Hall, Room 1601 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Mon to Fri,
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Processing Hours
Closed on public holidays
Last updated July 8, 2024