California Department of Public Health - Vital Records · California state form
VS 85 Delayed Registration of Birth
Use California VS 85 to apply to register a birth that was not registered within the first year. The completed form becomes the official birth record after registration.
- What this form is
- VS 85 is used to register a California birth that was not registered within the first year. The applicant completes the form and submits it with the required documentary evidence, any applicable parentage documents, and payment. Applicants requesting an authorized copy must also submit a notarized sworn statement. The form becomes the official birth record after registration, and supporting documents will not be returned.
- Who needs it
- A person whose California birth was not registered within the first year, or an eligible applicant registering a birth for someone under 18, may use VS 85.
- Why it needs a notary
- A notarized sworn statement is required when requesting an authorized copy. The applicant must sign it in a notary’s presence; a commissioned online notary can do this online.
- How to submit it
- Mail the completed VS 85 and required documents to California Department of Public Health, Vital Records – Amendments – M.S. 5105, P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410. Include payment by check or money order payable to CDPH Vital Records.
Questions
Who can apply using VS 85?
For a person age 18 or older, the applicant must be the person whose birth is being registered. For someone under 18, the applicant must be a parent, legal guardian, attending physician, or principal attendant at birth.
What documents must be submitted with VS 85?
Submit the completed form and documentary evidence that validates the date and place of birth. The required number of evidence records depends on the Affidavit and Signatures section. Parentage documents are required in certain cases for births on or after January 1, 1995.
Does VS 85 need to be notarized?
The VS 85 form itself is not identified as requiring notarization. If requesting an authorized copy, submit a notarized sworn statement signed in the presence of a notary; a commissioned online notary can notarize it online.