Registering Births

Hospital Births
For every birth, birth information is collected and completed by a designated birth recorder at each birthing hospital in Santa Clara County. The Birth Recorder has 10 days to send the information to the Public Health Department for registration. Registration can take from 10-15 working days after receipt, at which point a birth certificate becomes available.

Out of Hospital Births (e.g. home, ambulance or car en route)
Parents who have a baby out of the hospital must register the birth with the Vital Records and Registration Office directly. A home birth packet must be obtained and completed, then call the office at 408-885-2010 to set-up an appointment for signing required documents. If you do not have pdf view/print capability, call the office to obtain a home birth packet by mail.

Note: Delayed registration is available after one year through the State Office of Vital Records.

Registering Deaths

Death certificates and permits for disposition of human remains are usually prepared by a funeral director and signed by a physician. The certificate and permit information is then brought/sent to the Public Health Department for registration or registered electronically. Contact the office to make sure a death certificate is ready for pick-up before you come or for further information on death registration, call 408-885-2010.

For information on Obtaining a Birth or Death Certificate, click here.

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