You need a copy of your birth certificate for many important purposes, such as establishing citizenship, enrolling in school or obtaining a social security card. But like any paper document, these slips of paper can be lost or damaged. Luckily, since birth certificates are a matter of public record, they are easily accessible by visiting the county clerk.

Where to Go

Birth certificates can be acquired online through ValuChek, or by sending a written request to: Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Birth Records PO Box 53120 Los Angeles, CA 90053 Mail requests are processed in approximately 20 days. Alternatively, birth certificates can be acquired by visiting one of six offices in and around Los Angeles. The addresses of these locations can be found on the Los Angeles County website, which will direct you to the nearest Registrar's office.

Who Can Get it

Birth certificates are sealed documents, so you have to qualify in order to pick one up. Of course the person whose name appears on the birth certificate, as well as parents or legal guardians, have the right to acquire a copy of a birth certificate. Those with a court order to do so and law enforcement agents can also request birth certificates while conducting official business. Adoption agencies seeking to comply with state regulations may also get official copies of a birth certificate. The only other people who can obtain copies are those who have been granted power of attorney and immediate family members. This does not apply to birth records older than 75 years, which are open records and can be obtained by anyone.

What to Bring

Los Angeles County charges a fee of $17 for copies of birth records. This will be required at the time of your application. In person, you will be required to submit a photo identification; if you apply by mail, the county requires that you submit a notarized Certificate of Identity, which must be signed in the presence of a notary and affirms your status as a qualified applicant. This document is legally binding and falsification is considered perjury.

Source:

County website