Here in MN you can contact the hospital and get a copy. I think it costs a few bucks but whatever. I had to get my birth certificate and my ss card when I got my permit. Both had been lost or misplaced by that point as I recall. I think they'll usually let you present several different forms of ID, see if there is one listed as s substitute for your birth certificate, like a school ID or something. They'll have a few different categories for you to choose from. Or maybe the rules are different in Cali.