How to Obtain a Copy of a Los Angeles County Birth Certificate

A Los Angeles County birth certificate is an important document that proves your identity and citizenship. It is required for many purposes, such as applying for a passport, driver’s license, social security card, and other services. If you were born in Los Angeles County, California, you may need to obtain a copy of your birth certificate at some point in your life. Here are some ways you can do that:

Online

One of the easiest and fastest ways to get a copy of your birth certificate is to order it online. You can use a service like usbirthcertificates.net, which is a trusted and secure website that helps you fill out the application form and submit it to the appropriate office. You can choose to receive your birth certificate by mail or by express delivery. You will need to provide some personal information, such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, parents’ names, and a valid photo ID. You will also need to pay a fee, which varies depending on the type of copy you request and the delivery method you choose.

By Mail

Another option is to request a copy of your birth certificate by mail. You will need to complete the Application for Birth Record and the Certificate of Identity form, which are available on the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website. You will need to sign the application and the certificate of identity in front of a notary public. You will also need to include a photocopy of your valid photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the fee. You can mail your request to:

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Birth, Death and Marriage Records Section
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650

In Person

You can also visit any of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk offices in Los Angeles County to order a copy of your birth certificate. There are several locations, and most of them are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. You will need to fill out an application form and sign a sworn statement under penalty of perjury before the clerk. You will also need to show your valid photo ID and pay the fee. You can receive your birth certificate on the same day or within a few days, depending on the availability of the record.

Authorized vs. Informational Copies

Depending on your relationship to the person whose birth certificate you are requesting, you may receive either an authorized or an informational copy. An authorized copy is a certified copy that can be used to establish identity and access various services. An informational copy is a certified copy that has the words “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY” printed across it. It can be used for genealogical or historical purposes, but not for legal purposes. Only certain individuals, such as the registrant, a parent, a spouse, a child, a sibling, a grandparent, a grandchild, a legal guardian, a legal representative, or a court order, can receive an authorized copy. Others can only receive an informational copy. You will need to indicate the type of copy you want and the reason for your request on the application form.