For birth certificates online click HERE. 

Obtain a copy of a birth certificate by coming to the County Recorder’s office or by mail:

• Only “authorized persons” will be able to purchase a Certified Copy of their own or family Birth or Death Certificate.
• You must fill out a form prior to purchase, and indicate whether or not you are an authorized person by signing “under penalty of perjury” statement.
• Click here to download the form. Fill in the information and print it out.
• If you are not an authorized person, you will receive a certified copy with the statement INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY across the face of the document, and you will also have to fill out a form.
• You will need to download the forms available on this site.
• You will need to sign both the Sworn Statement (and sign under penalty of perjury), and have the Certificate of Acknowledgment notarized if you want a certified copy. (As an authorized person)
• All these forms must be mailed to the Santa Cruz County Recorder office along with the proper fee.
• Please note the instructions for requesting an “Informational” copy. You only need to fill out the Applicant and Registrant portions, and send the proper fee.
• If we receive only the Applicant and Registrant portion filled out, we will keep the fee and send you an “Informational” copy.
• Only “Authorized Persons” are required to fill out the perjury and acknowledgement forms. You will receive a certified copy for your records.
• Please read the INSTRUCTIONS page regarding the above.
• Call us at 831-454-2800.

• The full name of the child.
• The child’s date of birth.
• The mother’s full MAIDEN name.
• The father’s full name.
• The complete address where the copy is to be mailed.

The cost is $17.00. Please DO NOT send cash. Send your request and information along with a postal or bank money order or cashier's check for $17.00 (personal checks are not accepted by mail). For out of country requests payment must be by International Money Order. Make payment payable to:
Santa Cruz County Recorder, 701 Ocean Street, Room 230, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

Please be sure to send complete and accurate information. The fee for searching a record is not refundable if the record is not found.

Please allow 3 working days after receipt to process your request.

For more information, please call us during office hours, at (831) 454-2800, Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Fax 831-454-3169. Click to E-Mail We are located at 701 Ocean St. Santa Cruz, CA, 95060. Se Habla Espaņol.