Birth, Death and Fees: City Will Likely Match State’s Higher Certificate Fees Starting Jan. 1

Pasadena residents seeking to obtain birth or death certificates will pay $2 more per document beginning January 1, 2026, under a fee increase the City Council is expected to approve Monday evening, December 8, 2025.

The Pasadena Public Health Department is asking the council to amend the city’s fee schedule to match new rates set by California, which last updated these fees in fiscal year 2022. The department and Los Angeles County have historically aligned their vital statistics charges with state rates.

Under the proposed changes, birth certificates would rise to $34 from $32. Death certificates would increase to $26 from $24. Fetal death certificates would cost $23, up from $21.

The adjustments would generate approximately $16,650 in additional annual revenue for the Public Health Fund (Fund 203). But city officials describe the rate changes as having “a net neutral impact” because they function as “a pass through to State fee collection services,” according to the staff report. The General Fund receives nothing from the increase.

The current fee schedule was adopted by the City Council on June 16, 2025.

The Department of Finance recommendation, routed through the Finance Committee, notes the action is exempt from environmental review under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15273 (Rates, Tolls, Fares, and Charges). The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to rates charged by public agencies for operating expenses and services.

The report was prepared by Byanca Banaga, Senior Administrative Analyst, and submitted by Finance Director Karin Schnaider. City Manager Miguel Márquez approved the recommendation.

Monday’s public session begins at 6 p.m.