California Birth Index

What Is The California Birth Index?

The California Birth Index (CABI) provides access to over 90 years of California birth records, from 1905 through 1995. Created by the California Office of Health Information and Research, this database contains basic information from all births registered in California during this period.

Quick Facts

• Free to search — no account required
• Covers statewide births from 1905–1995
• Great starting point for genealogy and family research

What Information Will I Find?

Each CABI record includes:
- Full name of the person born
- Date of birth
- County of birth
- Gender
- Mother's maiden name

Historical Context

Before 1905, California didn't require birth registration, though some counties maintained their own records and births were sometimes announced in local newspapers. This index represents the first systematic recording of births in California's history.

Special Cases and Limitations

Adoption Records: Adopted individuals may be listed under their birth name, adopted name, or both
Pre-1905 Births: Not included in this database
Birth Certificates: This index does not provide actual birth certificates, which must be requested separately from California Vital Records

Using The Index

This free resource allows you to search for basic birth record information without requiring a subscription or membership. While other services like Ancestry.com and Family Tree Legends also provide access to this data, CaliforniaBirthIndex.org offers direct, immediate access to these historical records.

Birth Certificates and Official Documents

While this index is useful for research, it cannot be used as official identification. For certified birth certificates, you'll need to contact the California Department of Public Health's Vital Records office. Only authorized individuals can obtain official copies of birth certificates.

Accuracy and Completeness

While the California Birth Index is extensive, it's not infallible. As a compiled index based on county-level reporting, some legitimate California births may be missing, particularly from earlier years. If you're unable to find a birth you believe should be listed, consider:
- Checking variant name spellings
- Contacting the County Clerk's office in the county where the birth occurred
- Searching local newspaper archives for birth announcements

Expert Tip: County Records

In our experience, the County Clerk's office in the county where a birth occurred is often the most authoritative source for birth records. These offices maintained their own detailed records and may have information that didn't make it into the state-level index.

Where to Go Next

If you need:
- Official documentation: Contact California Vital Records
- Additional research: Visit the County Clerk's office where the birth occurred
- Historical context: Check local libraries and newspaper archives in the birth county

Sample Record Entry

Here's an example of how information appears in our index:
"Beverly R Kaaz was born on March 1, 1959 in San Diego County, California. Her father's last name is Kaaz, and her mother's maiden name is Keith."

Family Connections

Our system automatically identifies potential siblings by matching parents' names and reasonable birth year ranges. For Beverly Kaaz, for example, we found: - Robert (born 1962) - sharing both the Kaaz father's name and Keith mother's maiden name

Understanding Family Matches

- Matches are suggested based on shared parent names and birth years
- These are potential relationships only - additional research may be needed for confirmation
- Particularly useful for genealogical research and family tree construction
- May help connect family members separated by adoption or other circumstances

Note: While we identify possible family connections, we encourage users to verify relationships through additional research and family records.