Stanislaus County Birth Records

Birth records in Stanislaus County are kept by the County Clerk-Recorder office in Modesto. The office has records for births that took place in the county going back many years. Residents of the Central Valley and those born in Stanislaus County can get certified copies of birth certificates by mail, online, or in person. The process is simple and the staff can help you if you have questions. This page shows you how to request a birth certificate and what you need to know before you start.

Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder Office

The Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder is the main office for birth certificates in this county. The office sits in downtown Modesto and serves the whole county. You can visit in person to pick up a birth record the same day in most cases. Staff at the counter can help you fill out forms and check your ID. They take cash, check, and credit cards for payment.

The office address is 1021 I Street, Suite 101, Modesto, CA 95354. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. The office is closed on state holidays. Call ahead if you plan to visit on a day that might be busy. The phone number is 209-525-5250.

When you go to the office, bring a valid photo ID. You will need to show ID to get an authorized copy of a birth record. The clerk will ask you to fill out a short form. You write the name on the birth certificate, the date of birth, and the place of birth. Then you sign the form and pay the fee. Most requests take about 15 to 20 minutes to fill.

Birth Certificate Fees

The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate in Stanislaus County is $34 per copy. This fee is set by the state and may change from time to time. If you need more than one copy, each extra copy is also $34. Some people order two or three copies at once to save trips later.

Payment can be made by cash if you visit in person. Checks should be made out to Stanislaus County Clerk. Credit and debit cards are also fine. There may be a small fee for card use. Ask the clerk about this when you pay.

If you pay by mail, send a check or money order. Do not send cash in the mail. The office will return your order if the payment is wrong. Make sure to include enough for the number of copies you want.

How to Order Birth Records

You have three ways to get a birth certificate from Stanislaus County. Each way has its own steps and wait time. Pick the one that works best for you based on how soon you need the record.

In person is the fastest way. Go to the Clerk-Recorder office in Modesto. Fill out the form, show your ID, and pay the fee. You can walk out with the birth certificate in about 20 minutes if the record is in the system. Some older records may take more time to find.

By mail takes longer but works if you live far away. Download the form from the county website or write a letter with all the details. Include the name, date of birth, place of birth, and your reason for the request. Add a copy of your ID and a check for $34 per copy. Mail it to the Clerk-Recorder office in Modesto. Allow 2 to 3 weeks for mail orders.

Online ordering is also an option through VitalChek. This is a third party service that the state of California uses. You fill out the form on their site, pay with a credit card, and wait for delivery. The fee through VitalChek is higher because they add a service charge. But it can be easier if you do not want to print forms or find a notary.

Who Can Get a Certified Birth Record

California law limits who can get an authorized copy of a birth certificate. Only certain people have the right to request one. If you are not on the list, you can still get a copy, but it will say it is not valid for ID purposes.

The people who can get an authorized copy include the person named on the certificate, a parent listed on the certificate, a legal guardian, a child or grandchild of the person, a grandparent, a sibling, a spouse, or a domestic partner. An attorney can request one if they represent the person or the estate. Law enforcement and some government agencies can also get copies for official work.

If you are not on this list, you will get what is called an informational copy. This copy has words printed on it that say it is not valid to prove who you are. You can still use it for family research or to see what is on the record. Just know it will not work for things like getting a passport or a driver license.

What You Need to Bring

To get a birth certificate, you must fill out a request form. The form asks for basic facts about the birth.

You need to provide the full name on the birth record. This is the name as it was written when the birth was first put on file. If the name was changed later, use the name at birth. You also need the date of birth and the city or place where the birth took place. The mother's maiden name helps the clerk find the right record. If the father's name is on file, you can add that too.

Bring a photo ID when you go in person. A driver license or state ID card works. A passport is also fine. The clerk will look at your ID to make sure you are who you say you are. If you send a mail request, include a clear copy of your ID. The copy should show your photo, name, and signature.

Processing Times

In person requests are the fastest. You can usually get your birth certificate within 20 to 30 minutes. If the record is older or hard to find, it may take a bit more time. The clerk will let you know if there is a delay.

Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks on average. This includes the time for your letter to reach the office, the time for staff to process it, and the time for the certificate to come back to you. If you need it faster, think about going in person or using an expedited service.

Online orders through VitalChek take about 3 to 4 weeks. You can pay extra for faster shipping. Rush delivery costs more but can cut the wait time down. Check the VitalChek site for current shipping options and prices.

Older and Historical Birth Records

Stanislaus County has birth records going back to the late 1800s. Very old records may be stored in a different place or on microfilm. If you need a record from many years ago, call the office first. Staff can tell you if they have it and how long it will take to get.

For births before July 1905, the county may be the only source. The state did not start keeping statewide records until that date. If your record is that old, the county clerk is the right place to ask. Some very old records may be in the California State Archives instead.

Genealogy requests are common for older records. The county can help you with family history research. If the birth happened more than 75 years ago, the record is usually open to the public. You may not need to prove a family link to get a copy.

State Level Birth Records

You can also order a Stanislaus County birth record from the California Department of Public Health. The state has copies of all births since July 1905. This can be a good backup if the county office is busy or if you want to use an online form.

The state fee is $29 per copy. VitalChek adds a service charge on top of that. The total is usually about $31 or more through the state online system. Processing takes several weeks by mail. There is no public counter at the state office right now.

Some people prefer the county office because it is faster and the staff is local. Others like the state option because they can do it all online without printing forms. Both give you the same certified copy of the birth record.

Nearby Counties

If you need birth records from areas next to Stanislaus County, you may want to check with these nearby county offices.

Merced County is to the south. San Joaquin County is to the north. Tuolumne County is to the east in the foothills. Santa Clara County is to the west over the hills. Alameda County is farther west toward the Bay Area.

Each county has its own clerk-recorder office. Fees and hours may be a bit different. Call ahead or check their website before you visit.

Cities in Stanislaus County

Stanislaus County has several cities and towns. The largest is Modesto, which is also the county seat. All residents in the county go to the same Clerk-Recorder office in Modesto to get birth certificates. The city you live in does not have its own vital records office.

Other cities in the county include Turlock, Ceres, Patterson, Oakdale, Riverbank, Newman, Hughson, and Waterford. None of these cities issue birth certificates. Everyone goes to the county office in Modesto.