Almanac note · Rules and licenses
Vital records can start with the county or the state
California birth, death, marriage, and divorce records can involve CDPH Vital Records, county recorders, county clerks, or the court where the event was handled.
Vital records are easier once you name two things. What record do you need? Where did the event happen? A birth certificate, death certificate, public marriage record, private marriage record, and divorce record may use different offices.
CDPH Vital Records keeps state records and issues certified copies for many events. County offices can also matter. That is especially true when the record was filed in that county, when you want to go in person, or when the record involves a private marriage.
Before ordering, write down the full legal names, date, county, and record type. Then check the right door: state, county recorder, county clerk, or court. That can save time, fees, and mail delays.
Where to see it
CDPH Vital Records and county registrar, recorder, clerk, or court offices.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 4, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
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