California Department of Public Health - Vital Records · California state form

VS 20 Sworn Statement

VS 20 is a sworn statement for people requesting authorized certified copies of California birth, death, or marriage certificates. It identifies the applicant’s relationship to the registrant.

What this form is

Use this sworn statement with an authorized copy request for a birth, death, or marriage certificate. The applicant declares they are eligible to receive the record and identifies their relationship to the registrant. The form states that only one sworn statement is needed for multiple records and that sworn statements are not required for informational copy requests. The applicant completes the remaining information in front of a notary.

Who needs it

People requesting authorized certified copies of birth, death, or marriage records who qualify as an authorized person must complete the sworn statement.

Why it needs a notary

The applicant’s signature must be notarized for an authorized copy request. This can be done online with a commissioned online notary; listed exemptions apply to certain agencies and funeral establishments.

How to submit it

The document says sworn statements are required for authorized copy requests and are not required for informational copy requests. Submit it to the California agency named on the form.