I saw the birth certificate fees and had to comment. When my kids were born, I don’t remember paying fees. Not that I remember much anymore. But I thought it was funny that kids start paying fees and taxes upon birth. Gets them used to it for the rest of their lives. Maybe funny is the wrong word, ironic perhaps. No, sad.

Very funny. But seriously…. You’ll pay it, and be grateful it isn’t nearly as high as some counties.

Fortunately, most of the places that require an original birth certificate are also willing to return the original once they’ve copied it.

Some counties seem to be using these fees as a revenue source instead of simply covering their cost. I think they should offer a choice between simple certificates that don’t cost much and fancy schmancy certificates for those who want them. Why anyone would want a spiffy death certificate that’s suitable for framing completely beats me. I wouldn’t even want spiffy birth and marriage certificates, but at least I can see why some people might.

The $21 dollars PER COPY we had to pay for my mom’s (Alameda County) death certificates felt like robbery. When I heard that price I kind of sputtered and said, “Don’t you offer a cheap alternative?” Nope. They don’t. And they’ve got you over a barrel because if you’re a survivor and especially an heir, you have to have those certificates.