i can't get a job!!!

Sorry to hear about this. There should be a way that you yourself can look up county records on-line. There are many websites that can find that documentation for you. Other than phone have you tried e-mail!! That is the most up and coming form of communication that gets a typically fast response. Being that people can check it and not be in the office. Make sure to send one or two every day and not just just one person everyone in the office!

Instead of calling I would send them a letter explaining the loss and demand that they issue a new certificate.

Hello Miacis, Obtaining a duplicate birth certificate should be as easy as: Calling the "Registrar of Vital Records" in the county where you were born. Requesting the address to send a written request, with whatever fee is required (usually less than $25.00), and mailing out the written request. My husband and I have both done this with great ease. However, since the county claims that you do not exist in their system, I would suggest the following: Apply for a U.S. Passport! You do not need a birth certificate to obtain a passport -- just as Senator Obama. Sorry, I digress -- I've got Sen. Obama's failure to provide evidence of his U.S. Citizenship on the brain, from another discussion. Anyway, if you don't have a birth cert. you can fulfill the following steps to get a passport -- which is considered proof of citizenship, and should easily substitute for your missing birth certificate. ___________________________________________________________ From the U.S. State Dept. website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html "If you do NOT have a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate, you will need: Letter of No Record Issued by the State with your name, date of birth, which years were searched for a birth record and that there is no birth certificate on file for you. AND as many of the following as possible: Baptismal certificate Hospital birth certificate Census record Early school record Family bible record Doctor's record of post-natal care NOTES: These documents must be early public records showing the date and place of birth, preferably created within the first five years of your life. You may also submit an Affidavit of Birth, form DS-10, from an older blood relative, i.e., a parent, aunt, uncle, sibling, who has personal knowledge of your birth. It must be notarized or have the seal and signature of the acceptance agent." Yeah, it's alot of work. But, it sounds like it's a real priority. So, I'll wish you patience, and the best of luck!

Do you have a passport? A military ID? Anything that they might take instead of a birth certificate when you go to apply for a driver's license? Or is a birth certificate the only thing they will use?

very sad to hear...

This is a very sad story to hear and is the classic example of how useless birocracy can make your life a living hell..... A can't think of any advice that might help you , other than just try to get to that office in California even if it means borrowing some mony from somebody

There are many routes to go one write a detailed letter explaining every thing along with your address and phone number so that they can get in touch with you, Also see if they have a website where you can contact them through that if all else fails file a complaint with the governor of the state and see where that gets you. I'll bet if you tried calling on a tues or wen. there would be less phone traffic. Good luck and one more question do you still have your license from your previous home? If so you should be able to get a new one. Depends on how your state works things. Good Luck and have a nice night!