Vital Record Information

The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder maintains the Birth and Death records for events occurring in this county and the Marriage records for licenses issued in this county. 

Vital records are not searchable on the Internet. The indices can be searched in both the San Luis Obispo and Atascadero offices.  Any customer searching these records must first sign in with department staff.  The index and certificates can be viewed at no fee.

Copies of vital records can be obtained by written request.  Only authorized individuals can receive an authorized certified copy of a vital record.  For records requested in person, a valid, photo identification must be presented.  For those records ordered via mail or fax, the authorized individual must have their signature acknowledged by a notary public.  Those who are not authorized by law to receive an authorized certified copy, do not need to have their signature acknowledged and will receive a certificate marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."  See the respective forms below for a list of authorized individuals and additional information.

The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder provides certified copies of the following records:

 

Birth Certificates

 

If the birth occurred in San Luis Obispo County and the child has not been adopted or had a legal name change complete the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record (pdf)   Birth certificates for adopted children or for those with a legal name change may only be available from the State Vital Records Office website.

 

Death Certificates

 

If the death occurred in San Luis Obispo County complete the Application for Certified Copy of Death Record (pdf)

 

Marriage Certificates

 

If the marriage license was issued in San Luis Obispo County, regardless of where the ceremony was performed complete Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate (pdf)

Note:  The fees associated with these copies are mandated by the State. Fee per copy can be found on the Fee Schedule (pdf) or on the form.

How can I order a certified copy of a Vital Record?

• In Person - Requests made in person at our San Luis Obispo or Atascadero location are completed while you wait, within about 10 to 15 minutes. You will be asked to present a valid photo identification for verification.
• By Mail - Send the completed, notarized form (forms) along with a check or money order, made payable to SLO County Clerk-Recorder, in the required amount and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
  
  San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder
  1055 Monterey Street
  Room D120
  San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
• Using a Credit Card - Order the copy using your credit card (convenience fee $1.49) by:
  faxing the completed, notarized form(s) along with your credit card information to (805) 781-1111; or send the form by mail and call our office to provide credit card information (805) 781-5080.

Requests for vital record copies submitted by mail or using a credit card are completed and mailed by the next business day via the U. S. Postal Service. For rush requests, overnight delivery is provided for an additional fee dependent on the destination. If using a personal check or money order, contact the office for the overnight delivery fee.

Please visit the State Vital Records Office website for further information.