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COVID-19 Updates: Get the latest public information related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at ReadySLO.org.

NOTICE: While our main office at 1055 Monterey Street, Suite D-120, San Luis Obispo remains open to the public, as of Monday, December 14, the Clerk-Recorder’s office will no longer be offering marriage licenses to walk-ins. An appointment is REQUIRED to control the number of people in our lobby at any given time. Please call 805-781-5080 to request an appointment. Appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. At least one member of the couple applying for a license must be a SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY RESIDENT. Should you come to our office without an appointment, you may be required to schedule an appointment and come back at another time. Our Atascadero office remains closed at this time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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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.

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. 

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).

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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