California Vital Records: Difference between revisions

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{{CA-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
''[[United States|United States]] > [[United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]] > [[Portal:California|California]] > California Vital Records''
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[United States Vital Records|U.S. Vital Records]]
| link3=[[California, United States Genealogy|California]]
| link4=
| link5=[[California Vital Records|Vital Records]]
}}


== California Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online ==
<br>
 
= California Birth, Marriage and Death Records  =
 
== California Vital Records Online Links  ==


===Birth===
*[http://www.genealogybranches.com/california.html California Vital Records Indexes]  
*'''1812-1988''' {{RecordSearch|1674703|California Births and Christenings, 1812-1988}} at FamilySearch — [[California Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60239 Ancestry]($), [https://www.americanancestors.org/search/databasesearch/1695/california-births-and-christenings-1812-1988 American Ancestors] ($)''
*[http://www.sfgenealogy.com/norcal/caldata.htm#calvitals California Vital Indexes]
*'''1905-1995''' {{RecordSearch|2001879|California Birth Index, 1905-1995}} at FamilySearch — [[California Birth Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5247 Ancestry] ($), [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10070/california-births-1905-1995?s=275764761 MyHeritage] ($), [https://www.americanancestors.org/search/databasesearch/1694/california-birth-index-1905-1995 American Ancestors] ($)''


===Marriage===
== Introduction to Vital Records ==
*'''1809-2011''' {{RecordSearch|1854302|United States Western States Marriage Index}} at FamilySearch — [[United States Western States Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/search.cfm BYU Idaho], [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=70016 Ancestry]($)''
*'''1850-1877''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7848 California Marriages, 1850-1877] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''1850-1941''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8797 California Marriage Records from Select Counties, 1850-1941] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1850-1945''' {{RecordSearch|1674735|California, Marriages, 1850-1945}} at FamilySearch — [[California Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; Index; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60241 Ancestry]($)''
*'''1850-1952''' {{RecordSearch|1804002|California, County Marriages, 1850-1952}} at FamilySearch — [[California, County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; Index and images; ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30244/california-county-marriages-1850-1952?s=275764761 MyHeritage] ($)''
*'''1852-2007''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=california United States Marriages – California, 1852-2007] at Findmypast — index & images ($)
*'''1949-1959''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5186 California, Marriage Index, 1949-1959] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1960-1985''' {{RecordSearch|1949339|California, Marriage Index, 1960-1985}} at FamilySearch — [[California Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10202/california-marriages-1960-1985?s=275764761 MyHeritage] ($)''


===Death===
<br>
*'''1776-2000''' {{RecordSearch|3518938|California Deaths and Burials, 1776-2000}} at FamilySearch — [[California Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
*'''1800-1994''' {{RecordSearch|2001287|California, County Birth and Death Records, 1800-1994}} at FamilySearch — [[California, County Birth and Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1873-1987''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8835 California, Death and Burial Records from Select Counties, 1873-1987] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1905-1939''' {{RecordSearch|1932433|California, Death Index, 1905-1939}} at FamilySearch — [[California Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5187 Ancestry] ($)'' 
*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch — [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 Ancestry]($)''
*'''1936-2007''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at Ancestry — index ($); incomplete
*'''1940-1997''' {{RecordSearch|2015582|California Death Index, 1940-1997}} at FamilySearch — [[California Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10071/california-deaths-1940-1997?s=2757647 MyHeritage] ($), [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5180 Ancestry]($)''


===Divorce===
=== Local Records of Births and Deaths  ===
*'''1966-1984''' {{RecordSearch|2015584|California, Divorce Index, 1966-1984}} at FamilySearch — [[California Divorce Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1141 Ancestry]($)''


===City & County Databases===
The church records in [[Portal:California|California]] provide the earliest evidences of births and deaths. County recorders eventually kept vital statistics. Monterey County, for example, recorded a few births as early as 1824. Most clerks kept better records in the decades following the Gold Rush.  
*'''1800-1994''' {{RecordSearch|2001287|California, County Birth and Death Records, 1800-1994}} at FamilySearch — [[California, County Birth and Death Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1849-1980''' [https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61460 California, County Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1849-1980] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1849-1994''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60240 California, County Birth and Death Records, 1849-1994] at Ancestry — images ($)
*'''1872-1987''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8834 California, Birth Records from Select Counties, 1872-1987] at Ancestry — images ($)


The Family History Library has been acquiring microfilmed copies of the original records from many counties. For example, the Family History Library has 81 microfilms of births from Los Angeles (1905-19, indexed 1905-23), and deaths (1877-1905, indexed 1873-1920). You can also write to each county clerk for information.


A copy or an extract of most original records can be purchased from the [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/california.htm California Vital Records State Department of Health] or the County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred. See also [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=11&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20California%22 California Statewide Indexes] at the FamilySearch Library.  
Delayed registration of births began in 1943. These records are kept by each county. You can write to the county clerk for information.  


{| width="396" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 396px; height: 75px;"
The Family History Library has copies of delayed births for many counties, such as Los Angeles, for the years 1943 to 1964.  
|-
| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Birth Records'''
| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Marriage Records''' 
| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | '''Death''' '''Records'''
|-
| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [http://www.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5247&cj=1&sid=dicabirth&o_xid=0000584978&o_lid=0000584978 1905 - 1995] $
| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [http://search.ancestry.com/iexec/?htx=List&dbid=1144&offerid=0%3a7858%3a0 1960 - 1985] $
| valign="middle" height="35" bgcolor="#ffffcc" align="center" | [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2015582?collectionNameFilter=false 1940-1997]
|}


==History of Vital Records in California==
=== State Records of Births and Deaths ===
=== Birth and Death Records ===


'''Early - 1905'''  
'''Early - 1905'''  
Birth records [[California Church Records|California church records]] provide the earliest evidence of births and deaths. County recorders eventually kept vital statistics. Monterey County, for example, recorded a few births as early as 1824. Most clerks kept better records in the decades following the Gold Rush.


'''1905 - Present'''  
'''1905 - Present'''  


The FamilySearch Library has been acquiring microfilmed copies of the original records from many counties. For example, the FamilySearch Library has 81 microfilms of births from Los Angeles (1905-19, indexed 1905-23), and deaths (1877-1905, indexed 1873-1920). You can also write to each county clerk for information.  
The statewide registration of births and deaths began in July 1905, and was generally complied with by 1920.  


Delayed registration of births began in 1943. These records are kept by each county. You can write to the County Recorder for information.  
California San Francisco Area Funeral Home Records 1835-1931 are available online at [http://pilot.familysearch.org/recordsearch/start.html#c=1385518;p=collectionDetails;t=searchable Record Search]


The FamilySearch Library has microfilmed copies of delayed birth records for many counties, such as Los Angeles, for the years 1943 to 1964.
== <br>'''&nbsp;Birth Index''' (CABI) (1905-1995) is available for free at:  ==


The statewide registration of births and deaths began in July 1905, and was generally complied with by 1920.<br>
*[http://www.sfgenealogy.com/php/vitals/cabiindex.php California Birth Index]
*[http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/calbirths California Births]
*[http://vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/cabirthm.htm California Birth Menu]


'''Birth Indexes'''
The birth index includes the following information: Full name, birth date, gender, mother's maiden name, and&nbsp;birth county.<br><br>For additional information (including the mailing address) on ordering birth, marriage and death certificates from the state of California visit: [http://www.vitalrec.com/ A comprehensive resource for locating vital records]


:*'''1905-1995''' {{RecordSearch|2001879|California, Birth Index, 1905-1995}} at FamilySearch — [[California, Birth Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
=== Adoption Records ===
:*'''1812-1988''' {{RecordSearch|1674703|California Births and Christenings, 1812-1988}} at FamilySearch — [[California Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
:*[http://vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/cabirthm.htm California Birth Menu] at Vitalsearch


For additional information (including the mailing address) on ordering birth, marriage and death certificates from the state of California visit: [http://www.vitalrec.com/ A comprehensive resource for locating vital records].
Open / closed/ state statutes


'''Fetal Deaths'''
== Marriages Records  ==
Only parents may request a copy of a "Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth."  Only parents may request a copy of a "Certificate of Stillbirth."  A copy of a "Fetal Death Certificate" is available to anyone with the proper fee.<ref>“United States Fetal Death Records,” ''Lake Superior Roots, v 29, no 2.'' (Marquette, Michigan:  Marquette County Genealogical Society, 2016), 11.</ref>
==== Cause of Death ====
*[[Historical Causes of Death|Causes of Death]] - use this resource when trying to interpret a disease or medical condition listed on a death record or certificate


=== Marriage Records  ===
'''Early to 1905'''&nbsp;&nbsp;


'''Early to 1905'''
When&nbsp;the county was formed county clerks were assigned to&nbsp;record marriages.  
 
When the county was formed county clerks were assigned to record marriages.  


The first law that required the recording of marriages was passed in 1850. Each county usually kept these records as soon as it was organized.  
The first law that required the recording of marriages was passed in 1850. Each county usually kept these records as soon as it was organized.  


There is no residence requirement to be married in California. Couples can get a marriage license in one county and get married in another, unless one of the parties is underage. For a time, couples had to get their marriage license in the county where the ceremony was to be performed.
The Family History Library has copies of the marriages for many counties. For example, Los Angeles County marriage applications (1850-1905) and certificates (1851-1919) are available on 120 microfilms.  
 
The FamilySearch Library has copies of the marriage records for many counties. For example, Los Angeles County marriage applications (1850-1905) and certificates (1851-1919) are available on 120 microfilms.  


'''1905 - Present'''  
'''1905 - Present'''  
Line 101: Line 60:
The statewide registration of marriages began in 1905. The state records are indexed.  
The statewide registration of marriages began in 1905. The state records are indexed.  


The FamilySearch Library has copies of the marriages for many counties. For example, Los Angeles County marriage applications (1850-1905) and certificates (1851-1919) are available on 120 microfilms.  
The Family History Library has copies of the marriages for many counties. For example, Los Angeles County marriage applications (1850-1905) and certificates (1851-1919) are available on 120 microfilms.  
 
The index for 1960 to 1985 is available at the Family History Library <ref>Family History Library fiche [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&amp;amp;amp;titleno=216166&amp;amp;amp;disp=California+marriage+records+indexes%2C+1%20%20&amp;amp;amp;columns=*,0,0 6332554—]. </ref>The Family History Library has not obtained copies of the actual certificates from the state office. Write to the Office of Vital Records and Statistics for further information.
 
=== '''Marriage Indexes''' (1949-1986) are available at:  ===
 
*[http://vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/camarrin.htm California Marriages]<br>


The index for 1960 to 1985 is available at the FamilySearch Library <ref>FS Library fiche {{FSC|216166|title-id|disp=6332554—}}. </ref>The FamilySearch Library has not obtained copies of the actual certificates from the state office. Write to the Office of Vital Records and Statistics or the County Recorder (if the county is known) for further information.
=== Divorce Records ===


'''Marriage Indexes'''
Divorce records have been kept by the superior court in the county where the divorces were granted. You can write to the clerk of the court for information. You can also write to the State Department of Health for records since 1962.


:*{{RecordSearch|1804002|California, County Marriages, 1850-1952}} at FamilySearch — [[California County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
Many of the early marriages for the state are searchable online at no cost in the&nbsp;[[Western States Marriage Index|Western States Marriage Index]].  
:*{{RecordSearch|1949339|California, Marriage Index, 1960-1985}} at FamilySearch —  [[California Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
:*{{RecordSearch|1674735|California, Marriages, 1850-1945}} at FamilySearch —  [[California Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
:*[http://vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/camarrin.htm California Marriages 1949-1986], Vitalsearch<br>
:*California State Registrar California marriage records indexes, 1960-1985. {{FSC|216166|item|sisp=FS Library fiche 6332554-6332559}}


<br>
== &nbsp;Death Records  ==
====Gretna Greens====
*'''[[Gretna Greens in the United States|Gretna Greens]].''' When a southern California couple's marriage is not in their home county, search for it in alternate places like [[Clark County, Nevada Genealogy|Las Vegas, Clark, Nevada]], or [[Yuma County, Arizona Genealogy|Yuma, Yuma, Arizona]]. A favorite alternative for northern California was [[Washoe County, Nevada Genealogy|Reno, Washoe, Nevada]].<ref name="Eakle1">Arlene H. Eakle, "Have you searched and searched for a marriage without finding it?" in ''Genealogy Blog'' at http://www.arleneeakle.com/wordpress/2007/02/19/have-you-searched-and-searched-for-the-marriage-without-finding-it/ (accessed 8 January 2011).</ref>


=== Divorce Records ===
'''Early to 1905'''
 
'''1905 - Present'''
 
=== <span style="font-weight: bold">&nbsp;</span>'''<span style="font-weight: bold">D</span>eath Index&nbsp; '''(CADI) (1940-1997) is available for free at: ===
 
*[http://www.sfgenealogy.com/php/vitals/cadiindex.php California Death Index]
*[http://www.deathindexes.com/california/ California Death Indexes]
*[http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/cadeathm.htm California Death Index]
*[http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/caldeaths California Death Index Family Tree Legends]
*[http://vitals.rootsweb.com/ca/death/search.cgi Rootsweb Death Search]
*[http://www.rootsweb.com/~cabf1905/?cj=1&o_xid=0000584978&o_lid=0000584978&o_xt=27215244 Pre 1905 California Death Index Project]


Divorce records have been kept by the superior court in the county where the divorces were granted. You can write to the clerk of the court for information. You can also write to the State Department of Health for records since 1962.<br>
<br>The death index includes: Deceased's full name, date of birth and country or state of birth, death date and death place in California, Social Security Number, and mother's maiden name.<br>


=== Vital Records Code - California-County and City  ===
<br>
In the statewide indexes prepared by California each county was assigned a number. The chart below will assist you in utilizing the indexes.


These codes have been taken from image 3 of the [https://familysearch.org/search/image/index#uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Frecapi%2Fsord%2Fwaypoint%2FM6PR-6WL%3A228662101%3Fcc%3D1932433 California Death Index, 1905-1930]. No city codes were listed.
== Vital Records Indexes  ==


In the statewide indexes prepared by California each county was assigned a number. The chart below will assist you in utilizing the indexes .........


{| width="75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="90%" border="1"
|+  
|+  
==== '''Vital Records Code - California-County and City'''  ====
|-
|-
| align="center" | '''Code'''
| 1 Alameda
| align="center" | '''Name'''
| 13 Imperial
| align="center" | '''County/City'''
| 25 Modoc
| 37 San Diego
| 49 Sonoma
| '''Cities'''
|-
|-
| align="center" |60
| 2 Alpine
| align="center" |Alameda
| 14 Inyo
| align="center" |County
| 26 Mono
| 38 San Francisco
| 50 Stanislaus
| 60 Alameda
|-
|-
|  
| 3 Amador
| align="center" |Alameda
| 15 Kern
| align="center" |City
| 27 Monterey
| 39 San Joaquin
| 51 Sutter
| 70 Los Angeles
|-
|-
| align="center" |2
| 4 Butte
| align="center" |Alpine
| 16 Kings
| align="center" |County
| 28 Napa
| 40 San Luis Obispo
| 52 Tehama
| 80 San Diego
|-
|-
| align="center" |3
| 5 Calaveras
| align="center" |Amador
| 17 Lake
| align="center" |County
| 29 Nevada
| 41 San Mateo Cities
| 53 Trinity
| 90 San Francisco
|-
|-
| align="center" |4
| 6 Colusa
| align="center" |Butte
| 18 Lassen
| align="center" |County
| 30 Orange
| 42 Santa Barbara
| 54 Tulare
|  
|-
|-
| align="center" |5
| 7 Contra Costa
| align="center" |Calaveras
| 19 Los Angeles
| align="center" |County
| 31 Placer
| 43 Santa Clara
| 55 Tuolumne
|  
|-
|-
| align="center" |6
| 8 Del Norte
| align="center" |Colusa
| 20 Madera
| align="center" |County
| 32 Plumas
| 44 Santa Cruz
| 56 Ventura
|  
|-
|-
| align="center" |7
| 9 El Dorado
| align="center" |Contra Costa
| 21 Marin
| align="center" |County
| 33 Riverside
| 45 Shasta
| 57 Yolo
|  
|-
|-
| align="center" |8
| 10 Fresno  
| align="center" |Del Norte
| 22 Mariposa
| align="center" |County
| 34 Sacramento
|-
| 46 Sierra
| align="center" |9
| 58 Yuba
| align="center" |El Dorado
|  
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |10  
| align="center" |Fresno  
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |11
| align="center" |Glenn
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |12
| align="center" |Humboldt
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |13
| align="center" |Imperial
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |14
| align="center" |Inyo
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |15
| align="center" |Kern
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |16
| align="center" |Kings
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |17
| align="center" |Lake
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |18
| align="center" |Lassen
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |70
| align="center" |Los Angeles
| align="center" |County
|-
|-
| 11 Glen
| 23 Medocino
| 35 San Benito
| 47 Siskiyou
| 59
|  
|  
| align="center" |Los Angeles
| align="center" |City
|-
| align="center" |20
| align="center" |Madera
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |21
| align="center" |Marin
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |22
| align="center" |Mariposa
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |23
| align="center" |Medocino
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |24
| align="center" |Merced
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |25
| align="center" |Modoc
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |26
| align="center" |Mono
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |27
| align="center" |Monterey
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |28
| align="center" |Napa
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |29
| align="center" |Nevada
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |30
| align="center" |Orange
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |31
| align="center" |Placer
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |32
| align="center" |Plumas
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |33
| align="center" |Riverside
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |34
| align="center" |Sacramento
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |35
| align="center" |San Benito
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |36
| align="center" |San Bernardino
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |80
| align="center" |San Diego
| align="center" |County
|-
|-
| 12 Humboldt
| 24 Merced
| 36 San Bernardino
| 48 Solano
|  
|  
| align="center" |San Diego
| align="center" |City
|-
| align="center" |90
| align="center" |San Francisco
| align="center" |County
|-
|  
|  
| align="center" |San Francisco
| align="center" |City
|-
| align="center" |39
| align="center" |San Joaquin
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |40
| align="center" |San Luis Obispo
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |41
| align="center" |San Mateo Cities
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |42
| align="center" |Santa Barbara
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |43
| align="center" |Santa Clara
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |44
| align="center" |Santa Cruz
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |45
| align="center" |Shasta
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |46
| align="center" |Sierra
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |47
| align="center" |Siskiyou
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |48
| align="center" |Solano
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |49
| align="center" |Sonoma
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |50
| align="center" |Stanislaus
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |51
| align="center" |Sutter
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |52
| align="center" |Tehama
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |53
| align="center" |Trinity
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |54
| align="center" |Tulare
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |55
| align="center" |Tuolumne
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |56
| align="center" |Ventura
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |57
| align="center" |Yolo
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |58
| align="center" |Yuba
| align="center" |County
|}
|}


Inventory of Vital Records  
=== Inventory of Vital Records ===


You can learn more about the history and availability of vital records in ''Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in California''. <ref>Volume II, Deaths, San Francisco, California: Historical Records Survey, 1941; FS Library book {{FSC|979.4 V2h|disp=979.4 V2h}}; film {{FSC|131130|title-id|disp=897426}} item 5. </ref>  
You can learn more about the history and availability of vital records in ''Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in California''. <ref>Volume II, Deaths, San Francisco, California: Historical Records Survey, 1941; Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;callno=979.4+V2h 979.4 V2h]; film [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlefilmnotes&amp;amp;amp;columns=*%2C0%2C0&amp;amp;amp;titleno=131130&amp;amp;amp;disp=Guide+to+public+vital+statistics+records++ 897426] item 5. </ref>


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== Destroyed, Lost and Missing Records  ==
== Distroyed, Lost and&nbsp;Missing Records  ==


The 1906 San Francisco earthquake resulted in significant record loss.
Records Loss due to earthquakes - San Francisco  


=== Substitute Records  ===
== Substitute Records  ==
When the birth, marriage, or death information was not recorded by the government, you must use substitute records. These may contain dates and places regarding vital information for an individual and can be used in place of a missing official document. Substitute records can be less reliable as they may have recorded the information years after the event took place. Locating many substitute records for each event can help in determining the correct date.


*[[Substitute Records For United States Birth Information|Birth Information]]
*[[California Church Records|California Church Records]]  
*[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Marriage Information]]
*[[California Cemeteries|California Cemetery Records]]  
*[[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|Death Information]]
*[[California Census|California Census Records]]  
*[[California Record Finder|Record Finder Table]]
*[[California History|California History]]  
==Tips==
*[[California Newspapers|California Newspapers]]
*Information listed on vital records is given by an informant. Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record. The closer the relationship of the informant to the subjects(s) and whether or not the informant was present at the time of the event can help determine the accuracy of the information found on the record.
*[[California Periodicals|California Periodicals]]
*If you are unable to locate vital records recorded by governments, search for church records of christening, marriage, death or burial. A family Bible may have been used to record family births, marriages and deaths.
*[[California Military Records|California Military Records]]
*Privacy laws may restrict your access to some vital records. Copies of some vital records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct relative.
*If the survival of a baby was in question, the birth may not have been recorded. If the child survived search for a delayed birth cetificate.


== References ==
== Tips&nbsp;  ==
 
*Information listed on vital records is given by an informant.&nbsp; Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record.&nbsp; The closer the realationship of the informant to the subjects(s) and whether or not the informant was present at the time ofthe event can help determine the accuracy of the information found on the record.
*If you are unable to locate vital records recorded&nbsp; by governments, search for church records of christening, marriage, death or burial.&nbsp; A family Bible may have been used to record family births, marriages and deaths.
*Privacy laws may restrict your access to some vital records.&nbsp; Copies of some vital records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct realative.
*If the survival of a baby was in question, the birth may not have been recorded.&nbsp;If&nbsp;the child survived&nbsp;search for a&nbsp;delayed birth cetificate.
*Search for Vital Records in the Family History Library Catalog by using a '''Place Search '''and then choosing '''Vital Records.&nbsp; '''Search for&nbsp;California to locate records filed by the State and then search the '''name of the&nbsp;county '''to locate records kept by that county.
 
== Analyzing Records ==


<references/>
== Archives, Libraries and Societies  ==


{{California|California}} {{U.S. Vital Records}}
[[California Archives and Libraries|California Archives and Libraries]]


<br>
California Societies


== References  ==


<references />


[[Category:California_Vital_Records]]
[[Category:California]] [[Category:Record_Types_of_the_United_States]] [[Category:United_States_Vital_Records]]

Revision as of 08:05, 3 September 2009

United States > United States Vital Records > California > California Vital Records


California Birth, Marriage and Death Records[edit | edit source]

California Vital Records Online Links[edit | edit source]

Introduction to Vital Records[edit | edit source]


Local Records of Births and Deaths[edit | edit source]

The church records in California provide the earliest evidences of births and deaths. County recorders eventually kept vital statistics. Monterey County, for example, recorded a few births as early as 1824. Most clerks kept better records in the decades following the Gold Rush.

The Family History Library has been acquiring microfilmed copies of the original records from many counties. For example, the Family History Library has 81 microfilms of births from Los Angeles (1905-19, indexed 1905-23), and deaths (1877-1905, indexed 1873-1920). You can also write to each county clerk for information.

Delayed registration of births began in 1943. These records are kept by each county. You can write to the county clerk for information.

The Family History Library has copies of delayed births for many counties, such as Los Angeles, for the years 1943 to 1964.

State Records of Births and Deaths[edit | edit source]

Early - 1905

1905 - Present

The statewide registration of births and deaths began in July 1905, and was generally complied with by 1920.

California San Francisco Area Funeral Home Records 1835-1931 are available online at Record Search


 Birth Index (CABI) (1905-1995) is available for free at:[edit | edit source]

The birth index includes the following information: Full name, birth date, gender, mother's maiden name, and birth county.

For additional information (including the mailing address) on ordering birth, marriage and death certificates from the state of California visit: A comprehensive resource for locating vital records

Adoption Records[edit | edit source]

Open / closed/ state statutes

Marriages Records[edit | edit source]

Early to 1905  

When the county was formed county clerks were assigned to record marriages.

The first law that required the recording of marriages was passed in 1850. Each county usually kept these records as soon as it was organized.

The Family History Library has copies of the marriages for many counties. For example, Los Angeles County marriage applications (1850-1905) and certificates (1851-1919) are available on 120 microfilms.

1905 - Present

The statewide registration of marriages began in 1905. The state records are indexed.

The Family History Library has copies of the marriages for many counties. For example, Los Angeles County marriage applications (1850-1905) and certificates (1851-1919) are available on 120 microfilms.

The index for 1960 to 1985 is available at the Family History Library [1]The Family History Library has not obtained copies of the actual certificates from the state office. Write to the Office of Vital Records and Statistics for further information.

Marriage Indexes (1949-1986) are available at:[edit | edit source]

Divorce Records[edit | edit source]

Divorce records have been kept by the superior court in the county where the divorces were granted. You can write to the clerk of the court for information. You can also write to the State Department of Health for records since 1962.

Many of the early marriages for the state are searchable online at no cost in the Western States Marriage Index.

 Death Records[edit | edit source]

Early to 1905

1905 - Present

 Death Index  (CADI) (1940-1997) is available for free at:[edit | edit source]


The death index includes: Deceased's full name, date of birth and country or state of birth, death date and death place in California, Social Security Number, and mother's maiden name.


Vital Records Indexes[edit | edit source]

In the statewide indexes prepared by California each county was assigned a number. The chart below will assist you in utilizing the indexes .........

Vital Records Code - California-County and City[edit | edit source]
1 Alameda 13 Imperial 25 Modoc 37 San Diego 49 Sonoma Cities
2 Alpine 14 Inyo 26 Mono 38 San Francisco 50 Stanislaus 60 Alameda
3 Amador 15 Kern 27 Monterey 39 San Joaquin 51 Sutter 70 Los Angeles
4 Butte 16 Kings 28 Napa 40 San Luis Obispo 52 Tehama 80 San Diego
5 Calaveras 17 Lake 29 Nevada 41 San Mateo Cities 53 Trinity 90 San Francisco
6 Colusa 18 Lassen 30 Orange 42 Santa Barbara 54 Tulare
7 Contra Costa 19 Los Angeles 31 Placer 43 Santa Clara 55 Tuolumne
8 Del Norte 20 Madera 32 Plumas 44 Santa Cruz 56 Ventura
9 El Dorado 21 Marin 33 Riverside 45 Shasta 57 Yolo
10 Fresno 22 Mariposa 34 Sacramento 46 Sierra 58 Yuba
11 Glen 23 Medocino 35 San Benito 47 Siskiyou 59
12 Humboldt 24 Merced 36 San Bernardino 48 Solano

Inventory of Vital Records[edit | edit source]

You can learn more about the history and availability of vital records in Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in California. [2]


Distroyed, Lost and Missing Records[edit | edit source]

Records Loss due to earthquakes - San Francisco

Substitute Records[edit | edit source]

Tips [edit | edit source]

  • Information listed on vital records is given by an informant.  Learn the relationship of the informant to the subject(s) of the record.  The closer the realationship of the informant to the subjects(s) and whether or not the informant was present at the time ofthe event can help determine the accuracy of the information found on the record.
  • If you are unable to locate vital records recorded  by governments, search for church records of christening, marriage, death or burial.  A family Bible may have been used to record family births, marriages and deaths.
  • Privacy laws may restrict your access to some vital records.  Copies of some vital records recorded in the last 100 years may be unavailable to anyone except a direct realative.
  • If the survival of a baby was in question, the birth may not have been recorded. If the child survived search for a delayed birth cetificate.
  • Search for Vital Records in the Family History Library Catalog by using a Place Search and then choosing Vital Records.  Search for California to locate records filed by the State and then search the name of the county to locate records kept by that county.

Analyzing Records[edit | edit source]

Archives, Libraries and Societies[edit | edit source]

California Archives and Libraries

California Societies

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Family History Library fiche 6332554—.
  2. ↑ Volume II, Deaths, San Francisco, California: Historical Records Survey, 1941; Family History Library book 979.4 V2h; film 897426 item 5.
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