Request a recent birth or death certificate

Need to know

Vital Statistics keeps records for the current year and the year before.
Birth certificates cost $31 per copy. Death certificates cost $26 per copy.
You can request records in person or by mail.
Certified copies are only for authorized people. If you are not authorized, you will get an informational copy.
Certified copies require a sworn statement. If you apply by mail, the sworn statement must be notarized.
Most requests are processed in 2–3 business days after we get all required items.
For older records, visit the County Recorder's Office

Decide if you need a certified copy (used for legal ID) or an informational copy (not valid for ID).
If you want a certified copy by mail, be ready to sign the sworn statement and have it notarized.
Make sure you are allowed to get a certified copy.
Have your payment ready (cash, check, money order, or credit card).
Check that the record is ready. Birth records must first be sent from the hospital.

Decide if you need a certified or informational copy.
Fill out the correct application form.
If you want a certified copy:
- Sign the sworn statement
- Get it notarized (mail requests only)
Choose how to apply: in person or by mail.
Pay the fee.

Fill out the application.
If you want a certified copy:
- Sign the sworn statement
- Have it notarized
Mail your application and payment (check payable to County of Marin) to:
Vital Statistics Office
10 N. San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94903

What's next content

If something is missing (like the fee or notarized sworn statement), your request will be returned.
Complete requests are usually processed in 2–3 business days.

Call the Vital Statistics Office at 415-473-6876.