Department of Public Health Office of Vital Records

Mail Order Instructions

When requesting a birth or death certificate by mail:

• Make sure the event (birth/death) occurred in San Francisco.
• Be aware that the Health and Safety Code directs our office to charge a fee for every name that we search, whether or not a vital record is found.
• If the record is 3 years old or less, contact our office. If not, please contact the Office of the County Clerk.

To Order:

• Complete the application thoroughly and if you are requesting a Certified Authorized copy, you must have the application notarized where indicated.
• If you want the order expedited, please enclose a pre-paid, pre-addressed expedite envelope from the courier (FedEx, UPS, USPS) of your choice. Then, add expedite fee of $30 to your total.
• Fees:   $29 per birth certificate (BC) and $24 per death certificate (DC).
• Send a money order made payable to: SFDPH
• Mail to:  SFDPH OVR, 101 GROVE ST, ROOM 105, SAN FRANCISCO,  94102

Be Sure:

• Addressed to correct office (DPH or County Clerk)
• Application is enclosed  (and notarized if necessary)
• Self-addressed, stamped envelope is enclosed
• Expedite fee is added for expedite orders.