If you have an emergency (i.e. leaving the country or state, have an airline flight, or need to obtain a passport within 14 days of the birth), you must apply for a certified copy of the birth certificate at our office in person. The cost for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $28.00. Payment may be cash, check, or money order payable to County of San Diego Public Health Services. Credit and debit cards are accepted through VitalChek with a $2.50 convenience fee.