Guides · California
New Baby Paperwork Checklist for California
Five things every California parent needs to handle after a birth — with official links and suggested timing. Always confirm details on the official agency pages: fees, forms, and deadlines are set by the agencies and can change.
Order the birth certificate (California)
Certified copies come from California Department of Public Health — Vital Records. The published base fee is about $31 per certified copy — confirm the current fee and accepted payment methods on the official page. Order 2–3 copies: the Social Security application, insurance, and (later) a passport all depend on this document.
Apply for the Social Security number
Easiest path: check the box on the hospital's birth-registration paperwork and the SSA mails the card automatically. Otherwise, complete Form SS-5 and bring the baby's certified birth certificate plus your ID to a Social Security office. This is a federal process — it works the same in California as everywhere else.
Add the baby to health insurance
A birth opens a Special Enrollment Period: most employer plans allow 30 days from the birth date, and Marketplace plans through Covered California allow 60 days. Miss the window and your baby could be uninsured until open enrollment. If you're income-eligible, Medi-Cal enrolls children year-round.
Choose and register a pediatrician
Your baby's first check-up is typically 2–5 days after hospital discharge. Pick an in-network pediatrician before the birth if you can, tell the hospital, and they'll send the birth summary and newborn-screening results straight to that office.
File parental leave paperwork (Paid Family Leave (PFL) via EDD)
Federal FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected (unpaid) leave if you qualify. On top of that, California runs Paid Family Leave (PFL) via EDD — up to 8 weeks of paid family/bonding leave. Notify your employer in writing (30 days ahead when foreseeable) and file your claim as early as the program allows.
California FAQ
How much does a birth certificate cost in California?
California's published base fee is about $31 for one certified copy, ordered through California Department of Public Health — Vital Records. Fees change, so confirm the current amount on the official ordering page before you submit.
Does California have paid family leave?
Yes. California runs Paid Family Leave (PFL) via EDD, which provides up to 8 weeks of paid family/bonding leave on top of federal FMLA job protection.
How long do I have to add my baby to health insurance in California?
A birth is a Qualifying Life Event. Most employer plans allow 30 days from the birth date; Marketplace plans through Covered California allow 60 days. If you're income-eligible, Medi-Cal enrolls children year-round.
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FirstDays turns this checklist into a personalized task list with suggested timing for your exact dates — and drafts the letters and emails for you, signed and ready to send.
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FirstDays is an independent service and is not affiliated with any government agency. This guide is general information, not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the official agency linked above.