Don’t Miss Your Flight! Get a Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate to Apply for a REAL ID or Passport

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder Michelle Ascencion is reminding residents that starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will require a REAL ID, U.S. passport, or other federally approved identification to board domestic flights.

To apply for a REAL ID or passport, applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship—most commonly, a certified copy of their birth certificate. This must be obtained from the county where the individual was born.

“We’ve seen an increase in requests for birth certificates lately,” said Clerk-Recorder Ascencion. “Anyone born in Ventura County—or their parent, sibling, child, grandchild, or spouse—can order a certified copy in person by appointment, by mail, or online through VitalChek.”

For in-person appointments, a valid photo ID is required. Mail-in applications must be notarized. The fee for a certified birth certificate is $29, with additional charges for credit card payments or postage and handling, if applicable.

To learn more or to request a certified copy, visit ClerkRecorder.venturacounty.gov or call (805) 654-3666.