Access Pasadena Birth Records

Pasadena birth records are available through two sources, making this city unique among California municipalities. Unlike most cities that rely solely on their county for vital records, Pasadena operates its own Health Department that issues birth certificates for births that occurred within city limits since 1957. For births before 1957 or if you prefer the county option, the Los Angeles County Clerk-Recorder also maintains records of Pasadena births. This dual system gives residents and family members more flexibility when requesting certified copies of birth certificates.

Pasadena Health Department Vital Records

Pasadena is one of only a few California cities with its own vital records office. The Pasadena Public Health Department has been issuing birth certificates since 1957. If someone was born at Huntington Hospital or elsewhere in Pasadena from 1957 forward, the city office can issue a certified copy. This local option is often more convenient than going to the county office in Norwalk.

The city office handles requests from Pasadena residents and from people who were born in the city but now live elsewhere. Having a local vital records office means shorter trips for those who need in-person service. The office is right in Pasadena, not miles away in another city.

Contact information for Pasadena Public Health Department Vital Records:

• Phone: (626) 744-6010
• Address: 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave, Room 1610, Pasadena, CA 91103
• Hours: Monday through Friday (call for current hours)

The city fee is $34 for a certified copy of a birth certificate. This matches the Los Angeles County fee. Call ahead to confirm current hours and payment methods. The office can tell you what documents to bring and how to prepare your request.

City Office vs County Office for Pasadena Births

You have two choices when requesting a Pasadena birth certificate. The city office and the county office both have valid copies. Each has advantages depending on your situation.

The Pasadena Health Department is your best option for births from 1957 to the present. The office is local, which means less travel time for Pasadena residents. Staff there focus only on Pasadena records, so they know the local files well. Wait times may be shorter than at the busy county office. If you were born in Pasadena after 1957, start here.

For births before 1957, you must use the Los Angeles County Clerk-Recorder. The city office does not have records from that era. County records go back much further. If you need an older Pasadena birth certificate, contact the county office in Norwalk or order through their online system.

Both offices issue identical certified copies that are valid for legal purposes. The choice comes down to convenience and which timeframe applies to the birth you need. Some people try the city first because it is local. If the record is too old, they contact the county instead.

Los Angeles County Option for Pasadena Births

The Los Angeles County Clerk-Recorder also issues Pasadena birth certificates. The county has records for all births in the county, including Pasadena. For births before 1957, this is your only option. For newer births, it is an alternative to the city office.

Contact information for the Los Angeles County Clerk-Recorder:

• Main Office: 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
• Phone: (562) 462-2137
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Website: lavote.gov

The county fee is $34 per certified copy, the same as the city. Online orders through VitalChek add service fees that increase the total cost. The county office in Norwalk is about 25 miles from Pasadena, which takes 40 minutes to an hour in typical traffic. For some people, the drive makes the local city office more appealing.

How to Order Pasadena Birth Certificates

Your ordering options depend on which office you use. The city and county have different methods available.

For the Pasadena Health Department, call ahead to learn about their current ordering process. In-person visits typically work best for the city office. Bring your valid photo ID. Be ready to fill out an application and pay the fee. The city may also accept mail requests. Call (626) 744-6010 to confirm what methods they currently offer.

For Los Angeles County, you have three choices. In-person visits to the Norwalk office get you same-day copies. Bring ID and payment. Staff search for the record and print your copy while you wait. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks to process. Download the application, include payment and ID copy, and mail to Norwalk. Online ordering through VitalChek takes 2 to 4 weeks plus shipping time.

For births from 1957 onward, try the Pasadena city office first. It is more convenient for local residents. For births before 1957, use the county. If you are unsure of the year or have trouble with one office, try the other.

Who Can Get Pasadena Birth Certificates

California law determines who can receive an authorized copy of a birth certificate. These rules apply whether you order from the city or county. Authorized copies serve as legal ID documents.

Eligible requesters include the person named on the certificate, parents, legal guardians, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, spouses, and domestic partners. Attorneys handling legal matters for the person or estate qualify. Law enforcement and government agencies can request copies for official work.

People not on the eligible list receive informational copies. These have text printed on them saying they cannot establish identity. The exact words are "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY." This copy shows all original information but cannot be used for passports, licenses, or similar purposes.

When applying at either office, state your relationship to the person on the record truthfully. False statements are crimes. Both offices verify eligibility before issuing authorized copies.

Pasadena Birth Certificate Wait Times

Processing times vary based on which office you use and how you order. The city and county have different volumes and procedures.

At the Pasadena Health Department, in-person requests are typically processed while you wait. The local office handles only Pasadena records, so staff can often find what you need quickly. Call ahead to check current wait times and hours of operation.

At the Los Angeles County office in Norwalk, walk-in visits usually get same-day service. However, the county handles requests from nearly 10 million residents, so wait times can be longer. County mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks. Online orders through VitalChek take 2 to 4 weeks plus shipping.

For urgent needs, visit an office in person. The Pasadena city office may be faster due to lower volume. But if you need a record from before 1957, the county is your only choice. Plan ahead when possible to avoid rush situations.

California State Office Alternative

The California Department of Public Health in Sacramento also has Pasadena birth records. The state keeps copies of all California births since July 1905. This is a third option besides the city and county.

The state fee is $29, lower than both the city and county fees. However, the state has no walk-in counter currently. All orders go by mail or through VitalChek online. Processing times are similar to county mail orders.

To order from the state, use form VS 111. Download it from the CDPH website. Fill it out, include payment, and mail to Sacramento. The address is on the form. The state option works as a backup if you have issues with the city or county offices.

Historical Pasadena Birth Records

Pasadena was incorporated in 1886, making it one of the older cities in Los Angeles County. Birth records from the area span well over a century, though they are split between sources.

The Pasadena Health Department has records from 1957 forward. For older records, contact Los Angeles County. The county has birth records dating to the late 1800s. Very old records may have less detail than modern ones.

The California State Archives holds some historical vital records. Records older than 75 years are open to anyone. Contact the State Archives at (916) 653-6814 to ask about their Los Angeles County holdings, which would include old Pasadena births.

Genealogy researchers find old Pasadena birth records useful. The city has been home to prominent families and diverse communities since its founding. Old birth certificates provide valuable clues for tracing ancestry and building family histories.

Nearby Cities Birth Records

Pasadena is located in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. Several other cities are nearby, and most use Los Angeles County for vital records.

Glendale and Burbank are nearby cities that use Los Angeles County for birth records. Los Angeles city also uses the county office. Unlike Pasadena, these cities do not have their own vital records departments. Check where the birth occurred before deciding which office to contact.

Los Angeles County Birth Records

For complete information about Los Angeles County birth certificates, including all office locations and detailed instructions, see our county page.