# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Passports

How to Obtain a Copy of a Birth Certificate in San Diego, CA

When you need a copy of a birth certificate for a passport or some other reason, there are a couple of options available to you if you or a member of your family was born in San Diego County. You can go through the County Clerk’s office or you can apply to the California Department of Public Health to obtain a copy of a birth certificate in San Diego, CA. If you apply to the Department of Health, the waiting time averages 12 weeks, but it is a little less expensive. You can expect a wait of about 2-6 weeks if you go through the county office, depending on how you file your request.

Photo Id (for in person applications)
Download application form (for mail applications)
Notary public

Instructions

- 1
  Decide whether you wish to apply in person, by mail, or using a credit card by phone or online. Keep in mind that under California law you can normally get a certified copy of a birth certificate for yourself or a member of your immediate family.
- 2
  Apply in person at an office of the county County Clerk. You should take a valid photo Id with you, although state law does not specifically require it. You will need to fill out the application form and sign a Certificate of Acknowledgment in the presence of the agent taking your application. The fee is $17 per copy and you can pay with cash, or by check or money order made out to the San Diego Recorder/County Clerk.
- 3
  Mail your application if you live outside the San Diego area. Choose the Application Form link below and download the form Complete the form and take the Certificate of Acknowledgment to a notary and have your signature witnessed and notarized. Send both documents along with a check or money order for $17 per copy payable to the San Diego Recorder/Clerk to: San Diego Assessor/Recorder/Clerk, Attention Birth Records, PO Box 121750, San Diego, CA 92112-1750. Allow about 4-6 weeks for your copy to arrive.
- 4
  Expedite your request if you need to get a copy of a birth certificate from San Diego, CA quickly. You can do this by using a credit card and filing your application through VitalChek . You will still need to mail a notarized Certificated of Acknowledgment, but the processing time is usually about a week from the time the County Clerk’s office gets the document. Ordering from VitalChek is more expensive, but does speed things up.
- 5
  Minimize the cost by applying to the California Department of Health. The only option they offer is to apply by mail and it does take longer. However, the cost per copy is only $14 per copy. The procedure is the same as for the County Clerk’s office except you should download the forms from the Department of Health and make the check or money order payable to the Office of Vital Records. Mail to: Office of Vital Records, MS 5103, PO Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410.