Fee Schedule

Forms of acceptable payment are cash, check, postal or bank money order (made payable to Vital Records Office). We do not accept credit or debit card payment.

In-person Requirements

To obtain a birth or death certificate with same-day service*, and to avoid a notary fee, come to our office and fill out an application for a birth or death record. Your certificate will be prepared within 15 minutes. Follow the steps below:

• Bring cash, check, or money order to cover your total purchase.
• Bring valid identification.
• (Optional) Come prepared by filling out the In-person application now. Download and print the application in your language of choice. Just remember not to sign the sworn statement until you are in the presence of Vital Records staff.
  • In-Person Application -- English (updated 1/10)
  • In-Person Application -- Spanish (updated 1/10)
  • In-Person Application -- Vietnamese (updated 1/08)

*If the certificate has been registered.
(See the Birth & Death Certificates home page for location, directions, and hours).

Mail-In Requirements

To obtain a birth or death certificate through the mail within 1-2 weeks, follow the steps below:

• Fill out an application for a birth or death record. Download and print the application in your language of choice.
  • Mail-In Application -- English (updated 1/10)
  • Mail-In Application -- Spanish (updated 1/10)
  • Mail-In Application -- Vietnamese (updated 1/08)
• Have the sworn statement notarized with a certificate of acknowledgement in the presence of a Notary Public (located on page 2 of the application). Just remember not to sign the sworn statement until you are in the presence of a Notary Public.
• Send in the application, sworn statement/certificate of acknowledgement, and payment to: Vital Records Office 976 Lenzen Avenue, Suite 1300, San Jose, CA 95126.