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.

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 $15 to your total.
• Fees:   $20 per birth certificate (BC) and $16 per death certificate (DC).
• Send a money order made payable to:  SFDPH. If you want to use a MasterCard or Visa, enter the information on this downloadable form, cut the form away from the page, and attach it to your application(s).
• Mail to:  SFDPH OVR, 101 GROVE ST, ROOM 105, SAN FRANCISCO,  94102

Be Sure:

• Application is enclosed  (& Notarized if necessary)
• Self-Addressed, stamped Envelope is enclosed
• Expedite fee is added for expedite orders.

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