Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Who can order a Certified Copy of a Vital Record? (Who is an authorized Party?)

The new law describes an authorized person as 1 of the following:

The registrant themselves or a parent or legal guardian of the registrant.

A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order (court order must be provided), or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record to comply with the requirements of Sections 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code.

A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.

A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.

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.

2. How can I get a copy of a Vital Record if I am NOT an authorized Party?

Effective July 1, 2003, the California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 will permit only authorized individuals to receive certified copies of birth records. Those who are not authorized by law to receive a full certified copy may request a certified copy marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."

3. Does my partner have to be present when buying the marriage license?

Yes.  Both parties to the marriage must appear in person with current, valid i.d.

4. Can we walk in and have a ceremony?

No.  Marriage ceremonies must be scheduled twenty-four hours in advance.  Services are performed Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

5. Initially, I wanted to list a name change pursuant to the Name Equality Act of 2007 but have changed my mind. Can I correct this information?

No.  An amendment to the new name fields may only be issued to correct clerical errors, and that amendment must be signed by one of the parties to the marriage and the county clerk or his or her deputy.  Any other changes require that a new marriage license be purchased.

6. I was born in another county (or state). Can I purchase a certified copy of my birth record in Humboldt County?

No.  You must request either from the state or county of birth.

7. Can my birth certificate be e-mailed to me?

No.  Birth certificates are only issued on official security paper.  Photocopies or e-versions of birth certificates are not certified copies.

8. What is the difference between a certified copy and a certified informational copy?

A certified copy can be used to establish the identity of the person named on the certificate, whereas a certified informational copy cannot be used to establish identity.  Persons who are not eligible to receive a certified copy can receive a certified informational copy.  Both types of documents are certified copies of the original document on file with Humboldt County Recorder.

9. Does the sworn statement need to be notarized?

If you are requesting a certified copy of a record via mail, you will need to provide a sworn statement, and have it notarized.  If you are only requesting a certified informational copy, then you will not need to provide a sworn statement.  If you choose to go to the Humboldt County Recorder to apply in person, you will also not need to supply a notarized sworn statement.

10. I currently live in a foreign country and need to apply for an authorized copy of a vital record. How can I get the sworn statement notarized?

You may seek notarization from one of the following options:

An Ambassador, Minister, Consul, Vice Consul or Consular Agent of the United States, or from a Judge of a Court of record having a seal in a foreign country; or

A foreign notary, with an apostille attached for the foreign notarization.

11. Will I receive a refund for my request if no record is found by your office?

If the Humboldt County Recorder’s Office cannot locate the record based on the information you provide, California Health and Safety Code requires that we retain the search fee and issue a Certificate of No Public Record (CNPR).  A CNPR is a certified document that is issued by the Humboldt County Recorder, stating that no record could be located with the information provided on an application.

12. I ordered my birth certificate from a private third party. Can I get my money refunded?

No, you will need to contact that third party directly.

13. How do I get my birth certificate if I was born overseas but to U.S. citizens?

You will need to contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs for more information.   They can be found on-line at Travel.State.Gov

14. I am homeless and do not have the funds to obtain a birth certificate. Is there any assistance offered to homeless individuals?

Yes.  As of July 1, 2015, California law allows qualified homeless individuals to receive a copy of their birth record without a fee.  Applicants must meet the requirements and complete an affidavit to receive a free copy of a birth record. 

For more information about this law, see Assembly Bill (AB) 1733.