Sacramento County can only issue marriage certificates for licenses issued in Sacramento County since 1850. To order marriage certificates for licenses issued in another California county, contact the California Department of Public Health’s
Office of Vital Records.
Health and Safety Code section
103526 requires this office to issue 2 different types of certified copies to requesters: authorized and
informational. Both types are certified copies of the original document on file with our office.
An
authorized copy establishes the identity of the registrant (one of the parties to the marriage named on the certificate) and may only be issued to an “authorized person” as defined by Section
103526(c) of the Health and Safety Code. Persons requesting an authorized copy must sign a statement, under penalty of perjury, that they are an authorized person.
An
informational copy cannot be used for identity purposes. The certificate bears an inscription across the face of the document, stating, “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY.”
Public Marriage Records
An
authorized copy of a public marriage record may only be issued to the following persons:
- The registrant (one of the parties to the marriage named on the certificate) or a parent or legal guardian of the registrant.
- A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order.
- A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.
- A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.
- An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate, or any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant's estate.
Applicants who cannot claim one of the relationships identified above are issued an
informational copy.
Confidential Marriage Records
An
authorized copy of a confidential marriage record may only be issued to a registrant of the confidential marriage (FAM 509) or by court order (FAM 511). Informational copies of confidential marriage records cannot be issued (HSC 103526(b)(2)).
Fees
The fee is
$17.00 per copy. Find out about
acceptable forms of payment.
Order Copies
In Person
- Visit one of our office locations.
- You will be asked to complete an application. To obtain authorized copies, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Allow 20 minutes from receipt of completed application and payment to receive your certificate(s).
By Mail
- Complete and print the application form.
-
If you are ordering one or more authorized copies, complete page 2 of the application, and have your Sworn Statement notarized by a Notary Public.
- Mail your application, including the notarized sworn statement (if applicable), and payment to:
Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder
8239 East Stockton Boulevard, Suite A
Sacramento, CA 95828
-
Allow 5-7 business days from receipt of application and payment to receive your certificate(s).
By Fax
- Complete and print the application form.
- If you are ordering one or more authorized copies, complete page 2 of the application, and have your Sworn Statement notarized by a Notary Public.
- Fax the application, including the notarized sworn statement (if applicable), to: (916) 874-0947.
- Allow 5-7 business days from receipt of application and payment for fulfillment of "regular mail" orders and 2 business days for fulfillment of "expedited" orders. Note: There is an additional charge of $19.00 for expedited delivery service.
Online
- Go to www.VitalChek.com to place your order. An additional processing fee applies to all online orders.
The following information is required to request certified copies online:
- Person's full name as it appears on the birth certificate
- City and state where the person was born
- Date of birth
- Mother's maiden name
- Father's name
- Reason for requesting the birth certificate
- Requestor's full name, address, and phone number
- Requestor's driver's license
- Requestor's relationship to the certificate holder
-
Allow 5-7 business days from online order submittal and payment for fulfillment of "regular mail" orders and 2 business days for fulfillment of "expedited" orders. Note: There is an additional charge of $19.00 for expedited delivery service.
