Parents' birthplaces move to the confidential part of California birth certificates
The birthplace of each parent is no longer printed in the public part of a new birth certificate. It goes in the confidential medical and social section, alongside items such as race and ethnicity of the parents.
Who it affects
Parents of newborns, hospitals and local birth registrars
When
This law took effect on January 1, 2026, but the changes described here start on July 1, 2027.
- : Signed into law
- : Law took effect
- : The changes described here start to apply
Official text
California SB 313: Vital records: birth certificates.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.