San Francisco Birth Certificate Search

Birth records in San Francisco are handled differently than most California cities. San Francisco is a combined city-county, meaning the city government and county government are one and the same. This unique structure means San Francisco has its own vital records services. When you need a birth certificate for someone born in San Francisco, you deal with city offices rather than a separate county. The process varies depending on how recent the birth was, with different offices handling newer versus older records.

Two Offices Handle San Francisco Birth Records

San Francisco splits birth certificate services between two offices. Which one you contact depends on when the birth occurred. This two-office system can be confusing at first, but it is straightforward once you know the rules.

For births within the past three years, go to the Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records. They handle recent births and keep those records current. The office is at 101 Grove Street, Room 105, in San Francisco. This is where new parents get their first copy of a birth certificate.

For births more than three years ago, the County Clerk handles requests. That office is at City Hall, Room 160, at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. They maintain the historical archives of birth records. Most people looking for older birth certificates, whether for themselves or family members, go through the County Clerk.

Call (415) 554-2700 to confirm which office you need. Staff can direct you to the right place based on the birth date. Getting this right the first time saves you a wasted trip.

Department of Public Health Vital Records

The DPH Vital Records office handles recent San Francisco births. If the birth happened within the last three years, this is your destination. The office registers new births and issues first copies to parents.

The office at 101 Grove Street is open during business hours. Check their schedule before visiting. You need to bring ID and information about the birth. Staff will verify your eligibility for an authorized copy based on California law requirements.

Processing at this office is often quick for recent records. They have current files readily available. Same-day service is possible for straightforward requests. Complex cases may take longer.

New parents usually get their first birth certificate automatically through the hospital. But if you need additional copies, or if there was a delay in registration, the DPH office is where you go. They can also help with corrections or amendments to recent birth records.

The DPH office coordinates with the state system too. All San Francisco births get reported to the California Department of Public Health. You can also request copies from the state, though the city office may be faster for local residents.

County Clerk Office for Older Records

Birth records more than three years old are at the County Clerk office in City Hall. This office maintains historical vital records for San Francisco. They handle most adult birth certificate requests since few people need records less than three years old.

City Hall is at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. The County Clerk is in Room 160. The building is a landmark and easy to find. Public transit stops nearby, and there is paid parking available.

Office hours are Monday through Friday. The exact schedule may vary, so check before you visit. The office closes for city holidays. Walk-in service is available during operating hours. Wait times depend on how busy the office is.

The County Clerk can search their records based on the birth information you provide. They have indexes going back many decades. San Francisco has a long history, and birth records from the early 1900s may be available.

How to Get a San Francisco Birth Certificate

You have options for requesting a birth certificate. In-person is the most direct. You can also submit mail requests or use online services. Each method has pros and cons.

In-person visits work best if you live in or near San Francisco. Go to the appropriate office based on the birth date. Bring your ID and all the birth details you have. Fill out the request form, pay the fee, and wait for processing. Same-day pickup is often available for records on file.

Mail requests can be sent to either office depending on the record age. Download the form from the city website or write a letter with all required information. Include payment by check or money order. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. Add time for mail transit.

Online ordering through VitalChek is available. They process orders for San Francisco vital records. The website walks you through the request. Fees are higher due to service charges. Shipping options range from standard mail to overnight.

The California state health department also has copies of San Francisco birth records. You can request from the state if that is more convenient. The state does not have a public counter, so you must order by mail or online. State processing times are often longer than local offices.

What You Need to Request a Certificate

Successful requests require accurate birth information. Gather these details before you start. Missing information can delay your request or result in no record found.

Full name at birth is essential. Use the name on the original record, not any changed names. Date of birth helps narrow the search. Include day, month, and year. Place of birth should be San Francisco or the specific hospital if known.

Parent information helps verify the record. Mother's maiden name and father's name appear on birth certificates. These fields distinguish between people with the same name and birth date. Include them if you know them.

California law limits who can get an authorized birth certificate. The list includes the person named, parents, legal guardians, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, spouse, and domestic partners. Attorneys and government agencies qualify too. Everyone else gets an informational copy that cannot be used for ID purposes.

Bring valid photo ID when you pick up in person. A driver's license, passport, or state ID works. The office needs to verify your identity and eligibility.

San Francisco Birth Certificate Fees

The fee for a San Francisco birth certificate is around $34 per certified copy. This is the standard rate as of January 2026. The fee covers the search and one copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time may have a discount.

Online orders through VitalChek include service fees. Processing charges add $7 to $13 to the total. Credit card fees may apply. Shipping costs extra depending on speed. Total online cost runs $45 to $55 or more.

Payment at city offices can be made in cash, check, money order, or credit card. For mail requests, send check or money order only. Make it payable to San Francisco County Clerk or DPH Vital Records depending on which office you contact.

No refunds are given if a record is not found. The fee pays for the search. Providing wrong information wastes money. Check all details before submitting your request.

Processing Time for Birth Certificates

In-person requests are fastest. Walk-in service at either city office can result in same-day pickup. Processing takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on the queue. Arrive early for shorter waits.

Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks total. The office processes requests within about 10 business days. Mail transit adds time on both ends. If you have a deadline, mail may not work.

Online orders through VitalChek process within a week typically. Add shipping time after that. Standard shipping is 5 to 7 business days. Express options cut that to 2 to 3 days. Overnight delivery is available for urgent needs.

New births take time to register. Allow 3 to 6 weeks after a birth before the record is in the system. Ordering too soon results in no record found. The fee is still charged even without a result.

Old Birth Records in San Francisco

San Francisco has birth records going back to the early 1900s. The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed many city records. Records from before that disaster may not exist. The County Clerk can tell you what they have for older searches.

The California State Archives holds some historical San Francisco records. Records over 75 years old are open to the public. Genealogy researchers can access them without proving a relationship to the person named.

For very old or damaged records, the search may be difficult. The city worked to reconstruct records after 1906, but gaps remain. Staff at the County Clerk office can help with challenging historical searches.

Nearby Bay Area Cities

San Francisco is unique as a combined city-county. Nearby cities have different processes. Oakland birth records go through Alameda County. San Jose birth records go through Santa Clara County. Berkeley has its own city vital records office for recent births.

If you were born outside San Francisco, you need to contact the appropriate county or city. Where you live now does not matter. The location of birth determines where your record is filed.