Blank California Vs 12 Form

1. What is the California VS 12 form?

   The California VS 12 form is an application for obtaining a certified copy of a fetal death record. This form is managed by the California Department of Public Health and has been in use since July 1, 1905. It allows individuals to request official documentation regarding fetal deaths that occurred in California.

2. Who can apply for a fetal death record using this form?

   Any individual who is directly related to the deceased or has a legitimate interest can apply for a fetal death record. This includes parents, legal guardians, or authorized representatives. It is important to provide the necessary information to establish your relationship or interest.

3. What information do I need to provide on the form?

   You need to complete the Applicant Information section, which includes your name, address, and contact details. In the Fetal Death Information section, provide as much detail as possible about the fetal death, including:

   • First, middle, and last names of the fetus
   • City and county of the fetal death
   • Date of fetal death
   • Sex of the fetus
   • Names of the parents, including maiden names

   Accurate information is crucial for locating the record.

4. How much does it cost to obtain a copy of a fetal death record?

   The fee for each copy of a fetal death record is $18. This amount must be submitted with your application in the form of a personal check or a postal or bank money order. If no record is found, the fee will not be refunded, but a “Certificate of No Public Record” will be issued.

5. Where do I send my completed application?

   You should mail your completed application, along with the payment, to the following address:

   California Department of Public Health
   Vital Records – MS 5103
   P.O. Box 997410
   Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

6. Can I pay the fee in cash?

   No, you cannot pay the fee in cash. The California Department of Public Health does not accept cash payments. Payments must be made via check or money order to avoid the risk of loss or misdirection.

7. What should I do if I do not have all the required information?

   If you do not have complete information, you should provide as much detail as you can. Incomplete or inaccurate information may hinder the ability to locate the fetal death record. It is better to include approximate dates or any known details rather than leaving sections blank.

8. What happens if the fetal death record is not found?

   If the record is not found, the fee you paid will be retained for the search. You will receive a “Certificate of No Public Record” confirming that no record exists for the information you provided.

9. How can I check the status of my application?

10. Is there a way to expedite my request?

    Currently, the California Department of Public Health does not offer an expedited service for fetal death record requests. Processing times may vary, so it is advisable to submit your application well in advance if you need the record by a specific date.

Filling out the California VS 12 form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can delay their requests. One frequent error is not completing a separate application for each fetal death record requested. It is essential to follow this instruction to ensure that each record is processed correctly.

Another mistake often made is failing to provide complete and accurate information in the Fetal Death Information section. Incomplete or inaccurate details can lead to difficulties in locating the record. Always double-check the information you provide to avoid unnecessary delays.

Many applicants also forget to sign the form in the designated area. A missing signature can result in the application being returned or rejected. It is vital to ensure that your signature is included before sending the form.

Some people overlook the payment instructions. The form requires a fee of $18 for each copy requested. If the payment is not included or is in the wrong form, such as cash, it can cause significant delays. Always use a personal check or money order made payable to CDPH Vital Records.

Another common mistake is not indicating the number of copies needed. This information is crucial for processing the request correctly. Be sure to specify how many copies you are requesting to avoid confusion.

Applicants sometimes forget to include their contact information. Providing a daytime telephone number and an accurate mailing address is essential. This allows the department to reach you if there are any issues with your application.

Some individuals also fail to attach their payment correctly. The instructions clearly state to "please attach check here." Not following this instruction can lead to the payment being lost or misdirected.

In addition, people often do not provide the correct mailing address for copies if it differs from the applicant's address. Ensure that this information is accurate to avoid delays in receiving the requested records.

Another mistake involves entering an incorrect date format for the fetal death. The form requires the date in MM/DD/CCYY format. Not adhering to this format can lead to processing issues.

Finally, applicants may neglect to verify the county and city of fetal death. This information must be accurate and must correspond to a location in California. Double-checking this detail can save time and prevent complications in locating the record.

The California VS 12 form is essential for individuals seeking a certified copy of a fetal death record. However, several other forms and documents may accompany this application to facilitate the process or provide additional information. Below is a list of relevant documents commonly used alongside the California VS 12 form.

• California VS 10 Form: This form is used to request a certified copy of a birth record. It is often necessary for individuals who need to establish identity or relationship for legal purposes.
• California VS 11 Form: This document is utilized to apply for a certified copy of a death record. It serves a similar purpose as the VS 12 form but focuses on deceased individuals rather than fetal deaths.
• Certificate of No Public Record: Issued when a requested record cannot be found, this certificate confirms that a search was conducted and no record exists. It is important for legal documentation purposes.
• Authorization Form: This form allows an applicant to authorize another individual to request records on their behalf. It ensures that personal information is shared only with designated parties.
• Payment Form: Often included with applications, this form details the payment method and amount being submitted for record requests. It helps streamline the processing of requests by clarifying payment information.

Understanding these forms and documents can simplify the process of obtaining vital records in California. Each document serves a specific purpose, ensuring that applicants can effectively navigate the system and fulfill their needs.

The California VS 12 form, which is used to request a certified copy of a fetal death record, shares similarities with several other important documents in terms of purpose and structure. Below are four documents that are comparable to the California VS 12 form:

• Death Certificate Application: Similar to the VS 12 form, this application is used to request a certified copy of a death certificate. It requires the applicant to provide identifying information about the deceased, along with a fee for processing the request.
• Birth Certificate Application: This form is used to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. Like the VS 12, it demands specific details about the individual, including their full name and date of birth, and requires payment for the requested copies.
• Marriage Certificate Application: This document allows individuals to request a certified copy of a marriage certificate. It follows a similar format, requiring information about the parties involved and a fee for the issuance of the certificate.
• Divorce Decree Request Form: This form is used to obtain a copy of a divorce decree. It parallels the VS 12 form by requiring personal information about the individuals involved and necessitating a payment for processing the request.

When filling out the California VS 12 form, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s a helpful list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

• Do complete a separate application for each fetal death record you request.
• Do fill out the Applicant Information section accurately, including your signature.
• Do provide all available information in the Fetal Death Information section.
• Do include the correct fee of $18 for each copy requested.
• Do use a personal check or money order made out to CDPH Vital Records.
• Don't send cash, as it can be lost or misdirected.
• Don't submit incomplete or inaccurate information, as this may delay your request.
• Don't forget to mail your application to the correct address.
• Don't ignore the instructions regarding the number of copies you want.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your application for a fetal death record is processed without unnecessary delays. Good luck!

Understanding the California VS 12 form can be challenging, and there are several misconceptions surrounding its use and requirements. Here are nine common misunderstandings, along with clarifications to help you navigate the process more effectively.

• The VS 12 form is only for recent fetal deaths. Many believe that this form is only applicable for fetal deaths that occurred recently. In reality, fetal death records have been maintained since July 1, 1905, and the form can be used to request records from any time period.
• You can submit a single application for multiple records. Some applicants think they can request multiple fetal death records on one application. However, each record requires a separate application, so be sure to complete one form for each record you need.
• Fees are refundable if no record is found. A common misconception is that if the fetal death record is not located, the fee will be refunded. Unfortunately, the $18 fee is retained for searching the record, and a “Certificate of No Public Record” will be issued instead.
• Cash payments are accepted. Many people assume that they can pay the fee in cash. However, cash payments are not accepted. Instead, you must submit a personal check or a money order made out to CDPH Vital Records.
• All information on the application is optional. Some applicants believe they can skip filling out certain sections of the application. In truth, providing complete and accurate information is crucial. Incomplete or inaccurate details may hinder the ability to locate the record.
• Only immediate family members can request a fetal death record. There is a misconception that only parents or immediate family members are eligible to request this record. In fact, anyone can apply for a certified copy, provided they complete the application correctly.
• The form must be submitted in person. Some think that the application must be submitted in person at the Department of Public Health. This is not the case; you can mail your completed application along with the required fee.
• You can send your application to any address. There is a belief that the application can be mailed to any location. However, it must be sent specifically to the address provided in the instructions to ensure proper processing.
• The form is only for official use. Many assume that the VS 12 form is strictly for official purposes. In reality, it can be used by individuals for personal records, legal matters, or any situation where proof of fetal death is required.

By understanding these misconceptions, applicants can better prepare themselves for the process of obtaining fetal death records in California, ensuring that they have all the necessary information and documentation ready for submission.

When filling out and using the California Vs 12 form for requesting a certified copy of a fetal death record, consider the following key takeaways:

• Separate Applications: Each fetal death record request requires a separate application. Ensure you do not combine requests.
• Accurate Information: Provide complete and accurate information in the Fetal Death Information section. Incomplete details may lead to difficulties in locating the record.
• Fees: A fee of $18 is required for each copy requested. If no record is found, this fee is retained for the search, and you will receive a “Certificate of No Public Record.”
• Payment Method: Payments must be made via personal check or money order. Cash should never be sent, as it can be lost or misdirected.
• Mailing Instructions: Send the completed application and payment to the specified address for the California Department of Public Health Vital Records.