To get a birth certificate in Fresno, you apply to one of two county offices depending on when the birth happened. The Fresno County Department of Public Health issues certificates for births within the past two years, and the Fresno County Recorder handles everything older than 24 months.1County of Fresno. Birth and Death Certificates As of January 1, 2026, each certified copy costs $31.00, and you can request one in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek.
Pick the Right Office First
Going to the wrong counter is the most common wasted trip. The split is strict:
- Births within the last two years: Fresno County Department of Public Health, Vital Statistics Program, 1221 Fulton Street, 1st Floor, Room 128, Fresno, CA 93721. Mail: P.O. Box 11867, Fresno, CA 93775-1867.
- Births older than 24 months: Fresno County Recorder, 1250 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA. Mail: P.O. Box 766, Fresno, CA 93712.
Both offices charge the same fee and issue the same certified copies.1County of Fresno. Birth and Death Certificates
Authorized Copy or Informational Copy
California limits who can receive an authorized certified copy, which is the version you can use to prove identity for a passport, driver’s license, or REAL ID. Under Health and Safety Code Section 103526, you qualify if you are:
- The person named on the certificate, if 18 or older
- A parent or legal guardian named on the certificate (guardians need a court order)
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of that person
- An attorney representing the person or their estate
- A law enforcement or government agency on official business
If you don’t fit one of those categories, you can still get an informational certified copy. It carries the same record but is stamped “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY” and cannot be used as proof of identity.2California Legislative Information. California Code Health and Safety Code 103526 – Certified Copy and Verification of Records
What You Need Before You Apply
Have this information ready. Incomplete applications are the main reason requests stall:
- Full name on the birth certificate
- Date of birth
- City and county of birth
- Full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name
You also need a valid government-issued photo ID: driver’s license, state ID, or passport. If you’re requesting the certificate for someone else and claiming a family relationship, bring documentation that shows it, such as a marriage certificate, another birth certificate linking you, or a guardianship court order.
Anyone asking for an authorized copy must sign a sworn statement declaring they qualify under Section 103526, and that statement has to be notarized.3California Department of Public Health. Sworn Statement (VS 20) If you apply in person, a county clerk can usually witness your signature at the counter, so you don’t need to find a notary first. Law enforcement and government agencies are exempt from the notary requirement.
Applying in Person
Bring your application, photo ID, any supporting relationship documents, and payment to the office that holds your record. In-person requests are generally processed the same day, so you leave with the certificate in hand. This is the fastest and cheapest route.
Applying by Mail
Mail the completed application, a photocopy of your photo ID, supporting documents, and payment to the correct P.O. Box above. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. If you want an authorized copy, your sworn statement must be notarized before you mail it.3California Department of Public Health. Sworn Statement (VS 20) Pay by check or money order made out to the office you’re sending it to. Expect a few weeks for processing.
Ordering Online Through VitalChek
Fresno County uses VitalChek as its online vendor, and you can request both authorized and informational copies through the site.4VitalChek. Fresno Assessor/Recorder Vital Records The $31.00 certificate fee still applies, but VitalChek adds its own processing fee and shipping charges. Overnight UPS delivery is available. Online is the most expensive route; use it when speed and convenience outweigh the cost.
What You’ll Pay
Each certified copy is $31.00 as of January 1, 2026, whether authorized or informational.1County of Fresno. Birth and Death Certificates Credit card payments carry a 2% service fee, so check or money order is cheaper. The fee pays for the search itself, which means you generally won’t get a refund if no record is found.
VitalChek adds a processing fee and shipping on top of the $31.00, and the total runs noticeably higher than a county request, especially with overnight delivery.4VitalChek. Fresno Assessor/Recorder Vital Records
If You Need to Correct the Record
One boundary worth knowing: Fresno County does not handle amendments. Spelling corrections, adding a parent, name changes, and gender marker updates all go through the California Department of Public Health in Sacramento, which uses different forms depending on the change.5California Department of Public Health. Amending a California Birth Record Order the certificate from the county first; fix it with the state.