Search Trinity County Birth Records

Birth records in Trinity County are held by the Clerk-Recorder office in Weaverville. This is one of the most rural and least populated counties in California, tucked away in the mountains of the far north. If you were born in Trinity County, the Clerk-Recorder is the place to get a certified copy of your birth certificate. This guide walks you through how to request a record, what fees to expect, and what info you need to have ready before you make the trip or send a mail request.

Trinity County Clerk-Recorder Office

The Trinity County Clerk-Recorder is in Weaverville. This small office handles birth records, death records, marriage licenses, and other vital documents for the whole county. Because Trinity County has a low population, the office may have shorter hours or limited staff compared to bigger counties. It is a good idea to call ahead before you visit.

The office address is 11 Court Street, Weaverville, CA 96093. Call 530-623-1215 to check hours and ask any questions. The office is closed on state holidays and may close for lunch.

When you arrive, let the clerk know you need a birth certificate. They will hand you a form to fill out. Write down the name on the record, the date of birth, and other facts. Bring a photo ID so they can check who you are. After you pay, the clerk will search for your record. Most visits take 15 to 30 minutes if the record is on file.

Birth Certificate Fees

Trinity County sets its own fee schedule for vital records. Fees may change from time to time, so call the office at 530-623-1215 or check the county website for the current amount. Most California counties charge between $29 and $34 per copy.

Payment can be made by cash, check, or card at the counter. Checks should be made out to Trinity County. There may be a small fee for credit card use. Ask the clerk before you pay if you want to know the exact amount.

If you order by mail, send a check or money order. Do not send cash. Make sure to include enough to cover all the copies you want. The office will return your request if the payment is wrong or short.

How to Order Birth Records

You can get a birth certificate from Trinity County a few different ways. Each method has its own steps and timeline. Pick the one that works best for you.

In person is the fastest way if you live near Weaverville or can make the drive. Go to the Clerk-Recorder office, fill out the form, show your ID, and pay the fee. You can leave with your birth certificate in about 20 minutes if the record is in the system. Older records may take more time to pull from storage.

By mail works well if you live far from Weaverville. Download the form from the county website or write a letter with all the details. Include the full name on the record, the date of birth, the place of birth, and your reason for the request. Add a copy of your photo ID and a check for the fee. Mail it to the Clerk-Recorder at 11 Court Street, Weaverville, CA 96093. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for the mail and processing.

Online ordering may be an option through third party services. Trinity County uses the Tyler Technologies system for some records. Check the county website for links. VitalChek is another option for online orders. Fees are higher online because of service charges, but it may be more handy for people who live far away.

Who Can Get a Certified Copy

California has rules about who can get an authorized copy of a birth certificate. Only certain people can request one. If you are not on the list, you can still get a copy, but it will be marked as informational only.

People who can get an authorized copy include the person named on the certificate, a parent on the record, a legal guardian, a spouse, a domestic partner, a child, a grandchild, a grandparent, or a sibling. Attorneys can request copies for clients. Government workers and law enforcement can get copies for official use.

If you do not fit one of these groups, you will get an informational copy. This copy has a note on it that says it is not valid for proving identity. You can use it for family research or to see what is on the record. It just will not work for things like getting a passport or driver license.

Information Needed for Your Request

To get a birth certificate, you must give some basic facts about the birth. Having all the details ready makes the process go faster.

Start with the full name on the birth record. This is the name at the time of birth, not any name changes that came later. Give the date of birth if you know it. Even a close guess helps. The place of birth should be in Trinity County for this office to have the record.

The mother's maiden name is often asked for. This is the last name the mother had before she got married. The father's name can help too if it is on the record. Your own name and the reason for your request go on the form. Bring a photo ID like a driver license or state ID card. A passport works too.

Processing Times

In person visits are the quickest. Most people get their birth certificate in 15 to 30 minutes. If the record is old or hard to find, the wait may be longer. The clerk will let you know if there is a delay.

Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks. This includes time for your letter to reach the office, time for staff to process it, and time for the certificate to come back to you. If you need it faster, try going in person.

Online orders may take 3 to 4 weeks depending on the service you use. You can sometimes pay extra for faster shipping. Check the site you order from for current options.

Older and Historical Records

Trinity County has birth records going back to the mid 1800s. The county was one of the original 27 counties formed when California became a state in 1850. Some of the oldest birth records in California may be in this office.

For births before July 1905, the county is often the only source. The state did not keep statewide records until that date. If you need a very old record, call the office first. Staff can tell you if they have it and how long it will take.

Records more than 75 years old are usually open to anyone. You do not need to prove a family tie for genealogy research on older records. The clerk can help you find what is available and guide you through the request process.

State Level Birth Records

You can also get a Trinity County birth record from the California Department of Public Health. The state has copies of all births since July 1905. The state fee is $29 per copy, plus any service charges from online vendors like VitalChek.

Some people use the state option when the county office is hard to reach. Trinity County is remote, and not everyone can make the trip to Weaverville. The state does not have a public counter right now, so all requests go by mail or online. Processing takes several weeks.

If you live close to Weaverville, the county office may be faster. Both sources give you the same certified copy of the birth record. Pick the one that fits your needs best.

Nearby Counties

If you need birth records from areas next to Trinity County, check with these nearby offices.

Shasta County is to the east. Humboldt County is to the west along the coast. Tehama County is to the southeast. Siskiyou County is to the north. Each county has its own clerk-recorder office with its own fees and hours.

Trinity County borders several other rural counties. The roads between them can be winding and slow. Plan extra time if you need to visit more than one county office.

Cities and Towns in Trinity County

Trinity County is very rural with no large cities. The biggest town is Weaverville, which is also the county seat. All residents in the county go to the same Clerk-Recorder office for birth certificates. There is no city vital records office here.

Other small communities in the county include Hayfork, Lewiston, and Douglas City. All of these places are served by the county office in Weaverville. The process is the same no matter where in Trinity County you live or were born.