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While most services are available online or via the mail, Clerk-Recorder services are now also available in-person at the San Luis Obispo office.  The Atascadero office remains closed until further notice.  Please call (805) 781-5080 to make an appointment.  Walk-in service is also available but may be subject to delays. Please review this information before visiting our office.

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Tommy Gong

Tommy Gong

County Clerk-Recorder

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Birth Certificates

What is this service?

This service provides information on how to search the birth record indices and obtain copies of birth certificates. The Clerk-Recorder office retains birth records that occurred in San Luis Obispo County. Birth records are public records, but not searchable on the Internet. Certified copies are available upon request. Anyone wishing to search the indices and view birth records must visit our San Luis Obispo office and sign in with department staff.

Who can use this service?

Anyone who is authorized to receive a certified copy of a birth record on file with the Clerk-Recorder may use this service. Those who are not authorized by law to receive an authorized certified copy will receive a certified copy marked "Informational, not a valid document to establish identity". Authorized individuals are:

  • The registrant (person listed on the certificate).

  • Parent or legal guardian.

  • A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse or domestic partner of the registrant.

  • Party entitled to receive the record by court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record in order to comply with the requirements of Family Code 3140 or 7603.

  • A member of a law enforcement agency or representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.  (Companies representing a government agency must provide authorization from the government agency).

  • An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate, or any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant's estate.  (If requesting a Certified Copy under a power of attorney, include a copy of the power of attorney with the application).

What is the process?

Step 1: Request a Birth Record

Requesting a birth record filed in the County of San Luis Obispo can be completed one of the following ways:

  • Online via the Self-Service Portal. After submitting your information online, you must come into our office to complete the process within 30 days. Valid identification is required.
  • In person: When you arrive, use one of our kiosk computers in the lobby to fill out your application, then proceed to the counter to pay for and receive the certificate. You must show valid identification.

  • By mail, fax, or email:  Complete and return the application form, along with the appropriate fee. If you are requesting an authorized certified copy, your application form must be notarized. NOTE: Requests submitted with an insufficient fee will be returned without processing.

          Make checks payable to and mail completed form to:    

          County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder
          1055 Monterey Street, Suite D120
          San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

          Email completed form and credit card authorization form to [email protected]

          Fax completed form and credit card authorization form to (805) 781-1111

Alternatively, birth record requests may be submitted through VitalChek, a third party service. Additional fees may apply. 

Is there a charge for this service?

Yes. Please refer to the Clerk-Recorder's Fee Schedule. 

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available anytime throughout the year by mail, email, fax, or in-person at the Clerk-Recorder Office in San Luis Obispo during regular business hours except during County observed holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

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Clerk-Recorder San Luis Obispo Office

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

1055 Monterey Street Suite D120 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Tel: (805) 781-5080

Fax: (805) 781-1111

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does it take to receive a birth certificate when applying by mail, email or fax?

Requests for vital record copies submitted by mail, email or fax and using a credit card are completed and mailed within 24-48 hours via the U.S. Postal Service. For rush requests, overnight delivery is provided for an additional fee dependent on the destination. Contact the Clerk-Recorder's Office at (805) 781-5080 for overnight delivery fees.

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What is the difference between a certified copy and a certified informational copy?

A certified copy can be used to establish the identity of the person named on the certificate, whereas a certified informational copy CANNOT be used to establish identity. Persons who are not eligible to receive a certified copy can receive a certified informational copy. Both types of documents are certified copies of the original document on file with our office. Depending on the exact year of event, some Certified Informational Copies will have signatures and Social Security numbers removed.

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Does the sworn statement need to be notarized?

If you are requesting a certified copy of a record via mail, fax, or email, you will need to provide a sworn statement and have it notarized. If you choose to appear in person, you will not need to supply a notarized sworn statement.

If you are only requesting a certified informational copy, then you will not need to provide a sworn statement.

 
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For More Information

Please visit the California Department of Public Heath for additional frequently asked questions.

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