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California Vital Records: Difference between revisions

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=== Local Records of Births and Deaths ===
{{CA-sidebar}}{{breadcrumb
| 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]]
}}


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 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.
== California Birth, Marriage and Death Records Online ==


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.
===Birth===
*'''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]($), [https://www.americanancestors.org/search/databasesearch/1695/california-births-and-christenings-1812-1988 American Ancestors] ($)''
*'''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] ($)''


=== State Records of Births and Deaths ===
===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]($)''
*'''1850-1877''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=7848 California Marriages, 1850-1877] at Ancestry — index ($)
*'''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 ($)
*'''1960-1985''' {{RecordSearch|1949339|California, Marriage Index, 1960-1985}} at FamilySearch — [[California Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index; ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10202/california-marriages-1960-1985?s=275764761 MyHeritage] ($)''


The statewide registration of births and deaths began in July 1905, and was generally complied with by 1920.
===Death===
*'''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] ($), [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=5180 Ancestry]($)''


=== California Birth and Death Records Indexes Online ===
===Divorce===
*'''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]($)''


* Statewide death index (1940-1997) is available for free at: http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/caldeaths
===City & County Databases===
* and at http://vitals.rootsweb.com/ca/death/search.cgi
*'''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
* http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/gen/ca/_vitals/cadeathm.htm
*'''1849-1980''' [https://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=61460 California, County Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1849-1980] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
* [http://www.rootsweb.com/~cabf1905/?cj=1&o_xid=0000584978&o_lid=0000584978&o_xt=27215244 http://www.rootsweb.com/~cabf1905/?cj=1&o_xid=0000584978&o_lid=0000584978&o_xt=27215244]
*'''1849-1994''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60240 California, County Birth and Death Records, 1849-1994] at Ancestry — images ($)
* http://www.deathindexes.com/california/
*'''1872-1987''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8834 California, Birth Records from Select Counties, 1872-1987] at Ancestry — images ($)


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.


* Statewide birth index (1905-1995) is available for free at: http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/calbirths
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.


The birth index includes the following information:
{| width="396" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 396px; height: 75px;"
|-
| 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]
|}


* Full name
==History of Vital Records in California==
* Full birth date
=== Birth and Death Records  ===
* Gender
* Birth county<br>


For additional information (including the mailing address) on ordering birth, death and marriage certificates from the state of California visit: [http://www.vitalrec.com/ http://www.vitalrec.com.]<span>
'''Early - 1905'''
</span>


=== Marriages and Divorces ===
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.


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 index for 1960 to 1985 is available at the Family History Library (fiche 6332554—). The library has not obtained copies of the actual certificates from the state office. Write to the Office of Vital Records and Statistics (address above) for further information.
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.  


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


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


You can learn more about the history and availability of vital records in ''Guide to Public Vital Statistics Records in California'', Volume II, Deaths (San Francisco, California: Historical Records Survey, 1941; FHL book 979.4 V2h; film 897426 item 5).
The statewide registration of births and deaths began in July 1905, and was generally complied with by 1920.<br>


=== '''Web Sites<br>''' ===
'''Birth Indexes'''  


http://www.genealogybranches.com/california.html
:*'''1905-1995''' {{RecordSearch|2001879|California, Birth Index, 1905-1995}} at FamilySearch — [[California, Birth Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
:*'''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


[[Category:California]]
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  ===
 
'''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 <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.
 
'''Marriage Indexes'''
 
:*{{RecordSearch|1804002|California, County Marriages, 1850-1952}} at FamilySearch — [[California County Marriages - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection.]]<br>
:*{{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>
====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  ===
 
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>
 
=== 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 [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.
 
 
{| width="75%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|+
|-
| align="center" | '''Code'''
| align="center" | '''Name'''
| align="center" | '''County/City'''
|-
| align="center" |60
| align="center" |Alameda
| align="center" |County
|-
|
| align="center" |Alameda
| align="center" |City
|-
| align="center" |2
| align="center" |Alpine
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |3
| align="center" |Amador
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |4
| align="center" |Butte
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |5
| align="center" |Calaveras
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |6
| align="center" |Colusa
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |7
| align="center" |Contra Costa
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |8
| align="center" |Del Norte
| align="center" |County
|-
| align="center" |9
| 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
|-
|
| 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
|-
|
| 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
 
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  ==
 
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.
 
*[[Substitute Records For United States Birth Information|Birth Information]]
*[[Substitute Records for United States Marriage Information|Marriage Information]]
*[[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|Death Information]]
*[[California Record Finder|Record Finder Table]]
==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  ==
 
<references/>
 
{{California|California}} {{U.S. Vital Records}}
 
<br>
 
 
 
[[Category:California_Vital_Records]]

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.
v • d• e
Links to California-related articles
Topics
Counties
Extinct Co.
Major
 Repositories
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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v • d• e
Links to U.S. Vital Records-related articles
States
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