Your Baby's Birth Certificate and Social Security Number 

One of the first and most important documents your baby will ever have is their birth certificate. The hospital will send your baby’s birth record to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for official registration. About four weeks later, you’ll be able to order certified copies.

You can request a birth certificate through your county clerk/recorder’s office, by mail, online through VitalChek, or sometimes even by fax. If you’re ordering in person, bring a valid photo ID. If you’re requesting by mail or fax, you’ll need to complete a sworn statement and have it notarized. Online orders include an extra processing fee. Fees are set by the county, but most are around $32 per copy.

When you apply, you’ll be asked for your baby’s full name, date of birth, city and county of birth, parents’ full names, and the mother’s birth (maiden) name. Certified copies come in two types: authorized (which can be used for legal identification) and informational (which cannot). Parents and legal guardians can order authorized copies.

If you didn’t name your baby before leaving the hospital, you’ll need to submit a Supplemental Name Report to CDPH. If you file it within a year, there’s no fee. After one year, a processing fee applies.

If parents aren’t married, both must sign a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP) before the other parent’s name can be added to the certificate. This can also be done later through the local vital records office.

During your hospital stay, you’ll usually be given the option to request a Social Security number for your baby. If you choose this, the card will arrive in the mail in about six weeks.

It’s a good idea to order at least one certified copy of your baby’s birth certificate early — you’ll need it for things like health insurance, a passport or school enrollment. With a little preparation, the process is simple and ensures your baby starts life with this essential record in hand.