​On December 20, 2022, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Humboldt County to support the emergency response to the 6.4 magnitude earthquake near the City of Ferndale. The earthquake has resulted in two fatalities and injured multiple people, caused power outages and damaged roads, bridges, buildings and critical infrastructure including water lines and gas lines. 

Pursuant to this Proclamation of a State of Emergency, fees for certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage records are suspended for any individual who lost such records as a result of the earthquake. This Proclamation will remain in effect until the Governor terminates the State of Emergency. This Proclamation isavailable for viewing at: 

Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency to Support Response to Humboldt County Earthquake | California Governor​
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When requesting free copies of a vital record, survivors of the earthquake should state on the application, “Earthquake,” and complete the enclosed sworn statement declaring under penalty of perjury that they are a survivor. The sworn statement for earthquake survivors is a combined sworn statement which also includes the sworn statement required by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. For requests sent to the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records (CDPH-VR), survivors should additionally make the notation “Earthquake” on the front of the mailing envelope, for faster processing. 

The application and combined sworn statement must be submitted to complete the request.

Enclosed is a Monthly Transmittal of Fees form (VS 5), that includes a space to report the number of free copies issued by the county. The cell under “Total” for “Number of Free Copies Issued” has been shaded to avoid confusion when calculating the total fees owed. 

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the CDPH-VR, Quality Assurance and Production Section at (916) 552-8116.

Sincerely,

Original signed by:

Dana E. Moore, MPH, CPH

State Registrar

Deputy Director

Center for Health Statistics and Informatics

Enclosures

CDPH Vital Records, MS 5103 ● P.O. Box 997410 ●​ Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

(916) 552-8116 ● (916) 552-8170 FAX

Internet Address: www.cdph.ca.gov