Vital records
2025 Los Angeles Fires

Here’s how to replace birth, death, or marriage certificates lost in the fires.

Records from other states

Contact the county recorder in the county where the birth, marriage, or death happened. See Where to Write for Vital Records.

Records from California

To apply online

Use these forms to replace certificates issued in California.

Replacements are free for records lost in the fires.

  1. Click the link to the record you need to start an application (birth, marriage, or death).
    • You can fill it out online and save your work.
    • If applying for someone else, be ready to upload documentation proving your relationship.
  2. Sign and upload a sworn statement with your application.
    • Click Print & Sign to print the application. Take it to a notary public.
    • In the notary’s presence, physically sign it. They will then notarize it.
  3. Scan or take a photo of the notarized application, then return and click Print & Sign.
    • You can use one notarized statement to apply for more than one record at the same time.
  4. Follow the instructions to upload and submit your application.
    • You also have the option to submit it by fax.

Online forms

Birth
Marriage
Death

To apply in person

Visit:

  • A Disaster Recovery Center, or
  • The county recorder’s office in the county where the birth, marriage, or death occurred.

To apply by mail

  • Print the application for the record you need.
  • Fill it out, notarize it, and mail it according to the instructions.