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California Declaration of Paternity

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Declaration of Paternity

STATE OF CALIFORNIA – HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

DECLARATION OF PATERNITY – NOTICE

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO UNMARRIED PARENTS

If the parents of the child are not legally married, the father’s name will not be added to the birth certificate unless you: (1) sign a Declaration of Paternity in the hospital or (2) sign the form later or (3) legally establish paternity through the courts and pay a fee to amend the birth certificate.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A DECLARATION OF PATERNITY?

A Declaration of Paternity form is used to legally establish the paternity (the father) of a child when the mother and father are not married to each other. It should be signed by the biological mother only if she is not married. It may be signed by the biological father regardless of his marital status. Signing this form is voluntary. If any part of this form does not make sense to you, talk to your Local Child Support Agency or a lawyer before signing the form.

HOW WILL YOU AND YOUR CHILD BENEFIT IF YOU SIGN THIS FORM?

• Legally establish a parent-child relationship between the biological father and the child.

• Allow the father’s name to be added to the birth certificate.

• Legally establish the man as the child’s father without going to court.

• Make it easier for your child to learn the medical histories of both parents, to benefit from the father’s health care coverage, and to receive Social Security or Veterans’ dependent or survivor’s benefits, if eligible.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOU SIGN A DECLARATION OF PATERNITY?

• A correctly completed and signed Declaration of Paternity filed with the California Department of Child Support Services will have the same effect as a court order establishing paternity for the child.

• By signing this declaration, you are, by your choice, giving up certain rights related to paternity establishment.

• A Declaration of Paternity may be challenged in court only in the first two years after the child’s birth under limited circumstances.

• If either or both of you are under the age of eighteen, a Declaration of Paternity will not establish paternity until sixty days after both of you are age eighteen or are legally emancipated.

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND AFTER YOU SIGN A DECLARATION OF PATERNITY

• If either of you later change your mind after you sign this form, you must complete a Declaration of Paternity Rescission Form (CS 915) to cancel or rescind the Declaration of Paternity.

• For further questions contact a State POP Coordinator toll-free at (866) 249-0773.

PRIVACY NOTICE

The information requested on this form is used by the Department of Child Support Services and local child support agencies for identification and establishing paternity. Failure to provide the mandatory information may result in the rejection of filing the declaration.

DECLARATION OF PATERNITY – INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETION COVERSHEET

THIS FORM IS TO BE COMPLETED ONLY WHEN THE MOTHER IS UNMARRIED.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The attached declaration form is to be used by unmarried parents to declare the father of the child. Completing and signing this form is voluntary. THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT. PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE REVERSE SIDE OF THE FORM BEFORE YOU SIGN IT.

PLEASE USE BLACK OR BLUE INK WHEN FILLING OUT THE ATTACHED FORM. PRINT ALL INFORMATION, EXCEPT FOR YOUR SIGNATURE.

SECTION A

All portions of this section must be completed. This section identifies the mother, biological father, child and the place of the child’s birth.

SECTION B

In this section, both parents declare they are the mother and biological father of the child named on this form. Both parents must sign and date the form, for this form to be legal.

SECTION C

This section is to be completed by the person who is a witness to the parents’ signatures on the form.

SECTION D

This section is to be completed ONLY when the form is witnessed by a Notary Public.

FILING THIS FORM

The original of this form MUST be sent to the Department of Child Support Services, Paternity Opportunity Program (POP), P.O. Box 419070, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9070.

CANCELING OR RESCINDING THIS FORM

To rescind or cancel this form, either parent must complete and sign a Declaration of Paternity Rescission (CS 915).

SECTION A

Name of Child - First

Middle

Last

Child Date of Birth

Sex

Place of Birth

Hospital Name

City

County

State

Father’s Information

Name of Father - First

Middle

Last

Date of Birth

Social Security No.

By checking this box I certify I do not have a social security number

Current Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip)

Mother’s Information

Name of Mother - First

Middle

Last

Date of Birth

Social Security No.

By checking this box I certify I do not have a social security number

Current Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip)

SECTION B

Read other side before signing

Father Declaration

Signature of Father

Date Signed

Mother Declaration

Signature of Mother

Date Signed

SECTION C

To be completed by a witness at the hospital, agency or clinic

Declaration Witnessed By (Signature and Printed Name)

Date Signed

Name of Agency (Hospital, Clinic or Other)

Current Address (Number, Street, City, Zip)

SECTION D

To be completed by a Notary Public if Section C is not witnessed above

State

County

Date

Name and Title of Officer

Personally Appeared

Notary Signature

Additional Notes

Rescission / Confirmation

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What the California Declaration of Paternity Is

The California Declaration of Paternity is a voluntary legal form completed by unmarried parents to establish the biological father's legal relationship to a child. When completed correctly and filed with the county or state vital records office, the declaration can add the father's name to the birth record, create parental rights such as custody and visitation, and support the establishment of child support, benefits, and inheritance access without a court paternity proceeding.

Why a Declaration of Paternity Matters

A completed declaration creates an official record of parentage that simplifies access to benefits, clarifies responsibilities for support, and helps avoid more costly court actions.

Why a Declaration of Paternity Matters

Who Typically Completes This Form

Hospitals, county vital records offices, child support agencies, and unmarried parents most commonly use the declaration.

  • Unmarried parents establishing parentage and birth records, often at hospital discharge or afterward through vital records.
  • Hospitals and birthing centers assisting with initial registry and offering the form for voluntary signature before discharge.
  • Child support and county welfare agencies using the declaration to set or enforce support obligations and to open benefit files.

Agencies and courts rely on the signed declaration as probative evidence of paternity; when disputed, DNA or court proceedings may still be required.

Primary Signatories and Roles

Mother

The mother is a required signatory when both parents agree to a voluntary declaration; her signature confirms acknowledgment of parentage and completes the birth record process when filed with vital records.

Father

The father signs to acknowledge paternity and accept legal responsibilities; signing typically establishes parental rights and obligations immediately upon filing with the appropriate registry.

Security and Compliance Considerations for eSubmission

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Audit Trail: Complete timestamped signing history and IP logs
Regulatory Compliance: ESIGN and UETA legal framework support
Healthcare Controls: HIPAA support available with a Business Associate Agreement
Records Integrity: Tamper-evident PDFs and version history
Access Controls: Role-based access and multi-factor authentication

Key Risks and Legal Consequences

Child Support Liability: Creates enforceable support obligations
Parental Rights: Grants custody and visitation claims
Perjury Exposure: False statements may result in criminal charges
Challenged Paternity: May require DNA testing or court action
Irrevocability Window: Revocation rules and time limits apply
Record Amendments: Changing records can require court orders

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Incomplete or mismatched names between ID and form cause processing delays and may trigger requests for additional documentation or a court determination.
  • Missing dates or incorrect date formats can create ambiguity about the effective date and complicate eligibility for benefits tied to birth records.
  • Using initials, nicknames, or partial addresses instead of full legal names and full addresses increases the risk that agencies will reject or question the declaration.
  • Failing to follow local county filing procedures—for example, filing at the wrong office or without required witness verification—can invalidate the filing or delay record updates.

Real-world Examples of Use

Examples show typical paths: hospital completion at birth and later voluntary filing through county vital records to resolve parentage without court.

Hospital Filing

A new mother signs the declaration before discharge to add the father to the birth record

  • Hospital staff files the form with county vital records
  • The father’s name appears on the official birth certificate, enabling benefits and school registration.

Later Voluntary Acknowledgment

Parents sign at a county office months after birth to correct the birth record

  • County processes and updates the birth certificate
  • The signed declaration avoids a formal paternity action and supports child support establishment.

Step-by-step: Completing the Declaration

Follow these four steps to complete, verify, sign, and file the California Declaration of Paternity accurately.

  • 01
    Obtain Form: Get the official state or county declaration form.
  • 02
    Complete Fields: Enter full legal names, birth details, and addresses.
  • 03
    Sign & Verify: Both parents sign; follow ID or witness requirements.
  • 04
    Submit to Registry: File with hospital clerk or county vital records office.

Where and How to File the Signed Form

After signing, deliver the declaration to the appropriate filing location so the birth record and parental status can be updated.

  • Hospital Records: Clerks often accept declarations before discharge.
  • County Vital Records: Local registrar files changes to the birth certificate.
  • Child Support Agency: Agency can use the declaration to open a support case.
  • Mail or In-person: Follow county instructions for mailing or delivery.

Essential Elements in a Professional Declaration

A clear, legally sound declaration includes identity fields, explicit acknowledgments, and properly executed signature blocks to ensure immediate usability by agencies.

Child Details

Full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, and sex to match existing birth records and avoid mismatches.

Parent Identification

Full legal names, addresses, dates of birth, and government ID references for mother and father to confirm identity.

Acknowledgment Statement

A clear declaration that the signatory acknowledges paternity and accepts associated legal responsibilities.

Signature Block

Spaces for both parents' signatures, signature dates, and any required notarization or witness attestations.

Filing Instructions

Where to submit the form, whether a county clerk, hospital registrar, or child support office, and any local requirements.

Revocation/Modification

Any statements about revocation rights, timelines, or steps to seek a court determination if parentage is contested.

Supporting Documents Often Required

Include common supporting documents to speed processing and reduce follow-up requests from the filing office.

Government IDs

Photo identification for both parents, such as driver’s license or passport, to verify identity at signing and reduce rejection risk.

Birth Certificate

Existing birth record for the child when amending or correcting information; needed to match file numbers and registrant data.

Proof of Address

Recent utility bill or official mail verifying parent addresses if required for the filing or agency processes.

DNA Test Results

When paternity is disputed, court-ordered or consented DNA results may accompany the declaration or be required later.

Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these practical steps to minimize delays, ensure legal effect, and maintain clear records when completing a declaration.

Confirm identity with government-issued ID
Always match the names and birth details on the form to the primary government ID to avoid rejections by the registrar or agency.
Use full legal names and avoid nicknames
Enter surnames, given names, and middle names exactly as shown on IDs and prior records to prevent mismatch and processing delays.
Follow local filing procedures precisely
Check county vital records instructions for witness, notarization, or submission methods; requirements can vary by county.
Retain certified copies and proof of filing
Obtain and keep a stamped copy or filing receipt from the county as evidence of parentage and record update.

Timing Considerations and Typical Deadlines

Deadlines depend on whether the declaration is completed at birth or later; follow hospital and county timelines to avoid extra steps.

At Birth:

Often completed before hospital discharge to update initial birth registration.

Short-term Filing:

Many counties process voluntary declarations immediately when submitted in person.

Later Filing:

You may file later with the registrar; requirements vary by county.

Disputes and DNA:

If contested, expect additional time for testing and possible court proceedings.

Record Amendments:

Processing for amendments can take weeks depending on agency workload.

Key Milestones from Signing to Record Update

A typical filing lifecycle runs from completion through verification, acceptance, official recording, and notification to relevant agencies.

01

Form Completion

Parents complete and sign the declaration in person or electronically.

02

Identity Verification

Registrar or submitting entity confirms IDs and signatures.

03

Record Processing

Registry reviews and updates the birth certificate.

04

Notification

Agencies or parents receive confirmation or certified copies once processed.

Digital Workflow: Key Settings for eSubmission

When submitting electronically, configure authentication, fields, and routing to meet legal and county requirements.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email plus SMS code or government ID verification
Required Fields Full names, DOBs, addresses, and signature/date fields
Document Format PDF/A preferred for archives and official records
Delivery Receipt Provide signed copy and audit trail to all parties

How Voluntary Declaration Compares with Court Paternity Orders

Compare the voluntary declaration to court determinations to choose the most appropriate route when parentage questions exist.

Criteria Voluntary Declaration Court Order
Who initiates parents jointly either parent or agency
Requires hearing
Requires DNA not typically often required if disputed
Speed of resolution faster slower

eSignature Vendors: Pricing and Compliance Snapshot

Common vendor options and their base pricing or trial policies for eSignature use with legal forms; signNow appears first per platform comparison policy.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Plan Yes, 7-day trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about execution, revocation, filing, electronic acceptance, and what to do if parentage is disputed.


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