Birth and Death Certificates

Public Health is able to provide certified copies of certificates for births and deaths occurring within the last two years within San Luis Obispo County. Births and deaths that occurred prior to that may be obtained from the Clerk-Recorder's Office.

What is the process?

Submit Your Application

You can submit your application in the following ways:

  • Online. Complete your request online and receive your certificate by mail. 
  • In person. Complete your application and submit in person (by appointment) at the address below. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • By Mail. Send the completed, notarized form, along with a check or money order (made payable to SLO Public Health, in the required amount) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address below.

Is there a charge for this service?

The following are fees for this service:

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays. The office is located on the lower level of the Public Health Department.

Location, directions and hours of operation

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

Monday - Friday 8-5


2191 Johnson Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Tel: (805) 781-5500

Fax: (805) 781-5543

FAQS

You may pay by credit card when you complete your request online. You may also call (805) 781-5514 or fax the completed form along with your credit card information to (805) 788-2999. 

You can correct or amend an existing birth or death certificate by following the instructions for amending a birth certificate or death certificate.

IN ANOTHER CA COUNTY
If the birth or death occurred in another California County, find and contact the associated County Clerk Recorder in that County to obtain a copy.
 
IN ANOTHER STATE
If the birth or death occurred in another U.S state, check the appropriate state requirements to obtain a copy.
 
OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY
Visit the State Department’s website for information on documenting a birth or death overseas, or requesting replacement copies and/or amendments to original documents.

CA-EDRS is California's system for electronic death certificate origination and registration. The system allows coroners, funeral directors, doctors, and hospitals to submit electronic death certificates, allowing for faster processing times.

An Authorized Certified Copy can be used to provide identity, and is only given to someone authorized to receive it. The law describes an authorized person as:

  • The Registrant (Name on Certificate)
  • Parent/Legal Guardian
  • Grandparent/Grandchild
  • Sibling
  • Child
  • Spouse/Domestic Partner
  • Attorney of Record or person with power of attorney (please provide copy of POA)
  • Authorized by way of Court Order
  • Licensed Adoption Agency
  • Law Enforcement/Government Agency for official business
  • For Death Certificates, a funeral director for official business

Those who are not authorized may receive an INFORMATIONAL Certified Copy with the words "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" imprinted across the face of the copy and the social security number and all signatures redacted.