VITAL RECORDS

Assembly Bill (AB) 2967

Effective July 1, 2019, California law allows youths in foster care to be eligible to receive a copy of a birth record without a fee, if the youth:

Is receiving foster care
Can verify foster status

Requests for birth records under this law may only be directed to the county where the birth occurred. Applicants must fulfill the requirements listed on the affidavit found below, to receive a free copy of a birth record.

Frequently Asked Questions on AB 2967

1. When does AB 2967 take effect?

AB 2967 will take effect on and after July 1, 2019.

2. Does AB 2967 only apply to birth records?

Yes, AB 2967 is only for issuance of authorized live birth certificates.

3. Can the State Registrar issue fee exempt copies of birth certificates?

No, AB 2967 states only the local registrar or county recorder can issue, without a fee, a certified record of live birth.

4. Who is eligible to request a fee exempt birth certificate pursuant to AB 2967?

A youth in foster care or any person lawfully entitled to request a birth certificate on behalf of a youth in foster care as long as the individual has been verified as a youth in foster care.

5. Can the agencies charge a fee for verifying the status of a youth in foster care?

AB 2967 states that providers may not charge a fee for verification of eligibility.

6. If a youth in foster care was not born in the county of search can counties charge a search fee?

Counties may assist in searching for the record before the applicant makes a request. 
HSC Section 103575 provides that the state or local registrar or county recorder may, without a fee, verify date and place of birth, when the applicant presents sufficient information to identify the birth record.  Counties may also refer applicants to the Quality Assurance and Production (QAP) Section with the State Registrar at (916) 552-8116 to verify a county of birth.  The foster youth applicant can then contact the appropriate county to obtain the birth record.