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California Vital Records: Difference between revisions

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


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*'''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
*'''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
*'''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, ($)  
*'''1873-1987''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8835 California, Death and Burial Records from Select Counties, 1873-1987] at Ancestry — index & images ($)  
*'''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] ($)''   
*'''1905-1939''' {{RecordSearch|1932433|California, Death Index, 1905-1939}} at FamilySearch — [[California Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5187 Ancestry] ($)''   
*'''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]($)''  
*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch — [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 Ancestry]($)''  
*'''1936-2007''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at Ancestry — index, ($); incomplete  
*'''1936-2007''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007] at Ancestry — index ($); 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] ($), [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5180 Ancestry]($)''
*'''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] ($), [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5180 Ancestry]($)''
*'''1991-2022''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20272/california-los-angeles-county-coroner-reports?s=275764761 California, Los Angeles County Coroner Reports] at MyHeritage; index ($)


===Divorce===
===Divorce===
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===City & County Databases===
===City & County Databases===
*'''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
*'''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, ($)
*'''1849-1980''' [https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61460 California, County Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1849-1980] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*'''1849-1994''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60240 California, County Birth and Death Records, 1849-1994] at Ancestry — images, ($)  
*'''1849-1994''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60240 California, County Birth and Death Records, 1849-1994] at Ancestry — images ($)  
*'''1872-1987''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8834 California, Birth Records from Select Counties, 1872-1987] at Ancestry — images, ($)
*'''1872-1987''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8834 California, Birth Records from Select Counties, 1872-1987] at Ancestry — images ($)


== Introduction to Vital Records ==


[[United States Vital Records|Vital Records]] consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]] recorded on registers, certificates, and documents. [[Locating United States Vital Records|United States Vital Records]] has additional research guidance on researching and using vital records. 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://familysearch.org/search/catalog/results?count=20&placeId=383&query=%2Bplace%3A%22United%20States%2C%20California%22 California Statewide Indexes] at the FamilySearch Library.  
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.  


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==History of Vital Records in California==
== California Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online  ==
=== Birth and Death Records ===
 
The following is a list of online resources useful for locating California Vital Records which consist of [[United States Birth Records|births]], adoptions, [[United States Marriage Records|marriages]], divorces, and [[United States Death Records|deaths]]. Check [[California Online Genealogy Records]] for more information about the resources listed below. Most online resources for California Vital Records are indexes. After locating a person in an index always consult the original record to [[Contradictions and discrepancies|confirm the information]] in the index. '''<br>'''
 
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170703223928/http://userdb.rootsweb.ancestry.com/regional.html California Databases] listed on [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ Rootsweb.com] - Free
*USGenWeb.org [https://cagenweb.org California Site] - Free
*Search Historical Record Collections on [https://www.familysearch.org/ FamilySearch.org] for [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list#page=1&countryId=11 California] - Free
*See the California sections at [http://www.germanroots.com/vitalrecords.html Online Birth Marriage Records Indexes] and [http://www.germanroots.com/deathrecords.html Online Death Records Indexes] - Free
*Search the [http://www.ancestry.com/search/locality/dbpage.aspx?tp=2&p=7&categoryFilterID=34&showPaging=true California Birth, Marriage Death] Records at Ancestry ($).
*Order [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/California.htm California Certificates] This site from the National Center of Disease Control gives addresses, information and fees for obtaining birth, death, marriage, and divorce records from the state of California as well as links to the agencies' websites.
*Search the [[Western States Marriage Index|Western States Marriage Index]] - Free
*[http://www.sfgenealogy.com/norcal/caldata.htm#calvitals California Vital Indexes] from NorCal Genealogy<br>
 
== Birth Records  ==


'''Early - 1905'''  
'''Early - 1905'''  


[[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.  
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'''  
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:*[http://vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/cabirthm.htm California Birth Menu] at Vitalsearch
:*[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].  
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].
 
'''Fetal Deaths'''
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  ==
=== Marriage Records  ===


'''Early to 1905'''  
'''Early to 1905'''  
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:*[http://vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/camarrin.htm California Marriages 1949-1986], Vitalsearch<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}}  
:*California State Registrar California marriage records indexes, 1960-1985. {{FSC|216166|item|sisp=FS Library fiche 6332554-6332559}}  
<br>
 
<br>  
====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>
*'''[[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  ===
=== Divorce Records  ===


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>
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>
== Death Records  ==
'''Early to 1905'''
The FamilySearch Library has been acquiring microfilmed copies of the original records from many counties. For example, the FamilySearch Library has microfilms of death records (1877-1905, indexed 1873-1920). You can also write to each County Recorder for information.
'''''Online Records'''''
*'''1776-2000''' {{RecordSearch|3518938|California Deaths and Burials, 1776-2000}} at FamilySearch; index, some images — [[California Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]
'''1905 - Present'''
<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>'''<span style="font-weight: bold;">D</span>eath Indexes'''<br>
:*{{RecordSearch|1932433|California, Death Index, 1905-1939}} at FamilySearch — [[California, Death Index, 1905-1939 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
:*{{RecordSearch|2015582|California, Death Index, 1940-1997}} at FamilySearch — [[California, Death Index, 1940-1997 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
:*[http://www.deathindexes.com/california/ Online California Death Records and Indexes]
:*[http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/cadeathm.htm California Deaths Menu] at Vitalsearch
:*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170703223928/http://userdb.rootsweb.ancestry.com/regional.html California Death Records] at Rootsweb<br>
:*[https://sites.rootsweb.com/~cabf1905/ Pre 1905 California Death Index Project] at Rootsweb
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>
California State Registrar. California Death Index 1905-1988, 1940-1994 {{FSC|620239|item|disp=FS Library fiche 6332560}}
'''Fetal Deaths'''
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>


=== Vital Records Code - California-County and City  ===
=== Vital Records Code - California-County and City  ===
In the statewide indexes prepared by California each county was assigned a number.<br>
In the statewide indexes prepared by California each county was assigned a number. The chart below will assist you in utilizing the indexes.  
*[https://notary.cdn.sos.ca.gov/forms/notary-county-codes.pdf List of California Counties and Codes]


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.  
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.  




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=== Cause of Death ===
Inventory of Vital Records
*[[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
 
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>
 
<br>


== Destroyed, Lost and Missing Records  ==
== Destroyed, Lost and Missing Records  ==
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=== 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.


These links will take you to wiki pages describing alternate sources for birth, marriage and death records.
*[[Substitute Records For United States Birth Information|Birth Information]]
 
*[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Marriage Information]]
*[[California Church Records|Church Records]]: Depending on the denomination, church records may contain information about birth, marriage and death.
*[[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|Death Information]]
 
*[[California Record Finder|Record Finder Table]]
*[[Cemeteries|Cemetery Records]]: Cemetery records are a rich source of birth and death information. These records may also reveal family relationships.
==Tips==
 
*[[California Census|Census Records]]: Census records are a valuable source for birth and marriage information. You may also determine approximate time of death when the individual disappear from the census. This is a good place to begin a search.
 
*[[California Newspapers|Newspapers]]: Besides obituaries, local newspapers may contain birth and marriage announcements and death notices. Also check newspaper social columns for additional information.
 
*[[California Obituaries|Obituaries]]: Obituaries found in newspapers can list the age of the deceased, birth date and place, death date and place, and names of living relatives and their residences.
 
*[[California Periodicals|Periodicals]]: Local genealogical and historical societies often publish periodicals which may contain abstracted early birth, marriage and death information.
 
*[[California Military Records|Military Records]]: Military pension records can give birth, marriage and death information, In addtion, soldiers' homes records can included this same information.
 
*[[California Probate Records|Probate Records]]: If no death record exists, probate records may be helpful in estimating when an individual has died. Probate records in the 20th Century often contain the exact death date.
 
*[[California History|History]]: Local histories, family histories and biographies can all be sources of birth, marriage and death information. Often this information is found in county-level records or in surname searches of the FamilySearch Catalog.
 
=== More Online Links  ===
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170703223928/http://userdb.rootsweb.ancestry.com/regional.html California Databases] listed on [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/ Rootsweb.com] - Free
*See the California sections at [http://www.germanroots.com/vitalrecords.html Online Birth Marriage Records Indexes] and [http://www.germanroots.com/deathrecords.html Online Death Records Indexes] - Free
*Linkpendium Links for [http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/CA/ California Genealogy and History], including individual Counties - Free
*Order [http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/California.htm California Certificates] online - <span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247073573052_30"></span><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1247073573052_178"></span>
*Search the [http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernstates/search.cfm Western States Marriage Index] - Free<br>
 
== Tips ==
 
*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.  
*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.  
*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.  
*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.  
*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.  
*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 FamilySearch 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.
 
== Archives, Libraries and Societies  ==
 
[[California Archives and Libraries|California Archives and Libraries]]
 
California Societies


== References  ==
== References  ==

Latest revision as of 15:48, 12 April 2024

California Wiki Topics
California flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
California Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources

California Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online

Birth

Marriage

Death

Divorce

City & County Databases


A copy or an extract of most original records can be purchased from the California Vital Records State Department of Health or the County Clerk's office of the county where the event occurred. See also California Statewide Indexes at the FamilySearch Library.

Birth Records Marriage Records Death Records
1905 - 1995 $ 1960 - 1985 $ 1940-1997

History of Vital Records in California

Birth and Death Records

Early - 1905

Birth 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

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.

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

The FamilySearch Library has microfilmed copies of delayed birth records for many counties, such as Los Angeles, for the years 1943 to 1964.

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

Birth Indexes

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.

Fetal Deaths 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.[1]

Cause 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

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.

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 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

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 index for 1960 to 1985 is available at the FamilySearch Library [2]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.

Marriage Indexes


Gretna Greens

Divorce Records

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.

Vital Records Code - California-County and City

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 California Death Index, 1905-1930. No city codes were listed.


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

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. [4]


Destroyed, Lost and Missing Records

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake resulted in significant record loss.

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.

Tips

  • 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.
  • 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 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

  1. ↑ “United States Fetal Death Records,” Lake Superior Roots, v 29, no 2. (Marquette, Michigan: Marquette County Genealogical Society, 2016), 11.
  2. ↑ FS Library fiche 6332554—.
  3. ↑ 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).
  4. ↑ Volume II, Deaths, San Francisco, California: Historical Records Survey, 1941; FS Library book 979.4 V2h; film 897426 item 5.
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Bancroft Library · California State Library · Sutro Library · California State Archives · California Historical Society · Society of California Pioneers Library · State Lands Commission · California Genealogical Society and Library · Carlsbad City Library · Chinese Historical Society · Fresno City and County Historical Society Archives · Huntington Beach Central Library · Immigrant Genealogical Society Library · Long Beach Public Library · Los Angeles Public Library · Los Angeles FamilySearch Center · Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County · County of Los Angeles Public Libraries · Napa Valley Genealogical Society Library · Oakland California FamilySearch Center · San Diego California FamilySearch Center · Santa Cruz Public Library Downtown · Sons of the Revolution Library · Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library · Southwest Museum Braun Research Library · Tuolumne County Genealogical Society Library · National Archives at Riverside · National Archives at San Francisco · FamilySearch Library
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