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.
Who can obtain marriage certificates?
Health and Safety Code 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 Health & Safety Code section 103526(c). Applicants 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.”
For public marriage records, authorized copies may only be issued to the following authorized 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 of the public marriage record.
For confidential marriage records, authorized copies are only available to registrants of the confidential marriage (Family Code §509) or by court order (Family Code §511). Informational copies of confidential marriage records cannot be issued (Health and Safety Code §103526(b)(2)).
How would you like to order?
In Person
The cost is $14.00 per copy. Find out about acceptable forms of payment. If ordering an authorized copy, you must present a government-issued photo ID and sign a statement that you are an authorized requester.
You will be asked to complete a written application.
Step 3:
Allow 20 minutes from receipt of completed application and payment to receive your certificate(s).
By Mail
The cost is $14.00 per copy. Find out about acceptable forms of payment. If ordering an authorized copy, you must submit a notarized Sworn Statement along with your application form.
If requesting one or more authorized copies, complete the Sworn Statement (Page 2 of the application) and have your signature acknowledged by a Notary Public.
Step 3:
Mail the application, including the notarized Sworn Statement (if applicable), and your payment to:
Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder
P.O. Box 839
Sacramento, CA 95812-0839
Step 4:
Allow 2 weeks from receipt of application and payment to receive your certificate(s).
By Fax
The cost is $14.00 per copy. Find out about acceptable forms of payment. If ordering an authorized copy, you must submit a notarized Sworn Statement along with your application form.
If requesting one or more authorized copies, complete the Sworn Statement (Page 2 of the application) and have your signature acknowledged by a Notary Public.
Step 3:
Fax the application, including the notarized Sworn Statement (if applicable), to: (916) 874-0947.
Step 4:
Allow 2 weeks from receipt of application and payment for fulfillment of “regular mail” orders and 2 days for fulfillment of “overnight” orders. Note: There is an additional charge of $19.00 for overnight delivery service.
Online
Online ordering service is available through a third-party website, VitalChek. The cost is $14.00 per copy. Find out about acceptable forms of payment. If ordering an authorized copy, you must mail ir fax a notarized Sworn Statement along with your application form.
Step 1:
Go to www.VitalChek.com and complete the online order form.
Required information:
Full names of both parties exactly as they appear on the certificate
Date of marriage
City (must be within Sacramento County) and state where marriage occurred
Step 2:
If you are requesting any authorized copies, send the notarized Sworn Statement (page 2 of the application form [request alternate format]) to our office:
Fax: (916) 874-0947
Mail:Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder
P.O. Box 839
Sacramento, CA 95812-0839
Step 3:
Allow 2 weeks from online order submission (or receipt of notarized Sworn Statement, if ordering authorized copies) and payment for fulfillment of “regular mail” orders and 2 days for fulfillment of “overnight” orders. Note: There is an additional charge of $19.00 for overnight delivery service.
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