Los
Angeles County recently rolled out a new system for obtaining birth, death, and
marriage records. It’s no longer as simple and easy as before, especially if you
are ordering older copies of your ancestors’ records. Previously, all it took
was to submit an application with a check or money order to cover the costs of
copying the record. The county now requires more than just an application and
money. But first, let’s look at what records are available.
Records
dated after 1964, and are available immediately (same day service from the
county).
·
Birth records are available for births
occurring in Los Angeles County since 1964. If
the birth occurred from 1972 to 1977, the copy is not available the same day.
·
Death records are available for deaths
occurring in Los Angeles County since 1995.
·
Marriage records are available for
marriages where the license was issued in Los Angeles County since 1995.
·
Birth records are available for births
occurring in Los Angeles County since 1866.
·
Death records are available for deaths
occurring in Los Angeles County since 1877.
·
Marriage records are available for
marriages where the license was issued in Los Angeles County since 1852.
·
Authorized Certified Copy Birth: $28 per
copy
·
Death: $21 per copy
·
Marriage: $15 per copy
But
here’s the hitch—getting these older copies is what’s complicated. Here are the
steps:
1. You
must fill out an online application. Once done, you will receive a receipt with
a barcode that you must print out. The receipt will include a deadline of 15
days. If you do not follow the 15-day deadline and the next 2 steps, you will
have to re-apply.
2. Along
with the receipt, you must have a valid photo ID and fee payment available to
bring to the Registrar locations.
3. Your
next step is to walk into one of the Registrar offices and to show your ID, submit
your payment, and the receipt you printed out. Cash, checks, money orders and credit cards
are accepted.
4. However,
you will not get your document when you visit the Registrar’s office. Instead, your
requested records are mailed out within 20 working days of your order. Yes, you
make the trip into the offices, and leave empty-handed waiting the postal
service to deliver your certificate.
5. Here’s
the website for Los Angeles County records: https://www.lavote.net/home/records
6. Where
are the locations? See the chart, below.
Not
very easy nor convenient, especially if you do not live in or near Los Angeles
County. So, what do you when you do not live nearby? You will have to order
through VitalChek. Yes, VitalChek can be very convenient, but it is not known
for being inexpensive.
In
addition to filling out the VitalChek application and if you want a certified copy,
you have to complete and send in the notarized Certificate of Identity. If you do not live in California, you must
have the notary strike out "California" on the Certificate of
Identity and put the state in which the form is notarized. It will be accepted
with the change. Helpful hint: request
an Informational Certified Copy and you will not need notarization!
Another
option is to order the birth and death certificates from the California Department
of Public Health (CDPH), located in Sacramento, the state capital. You can mail
in the application and a check or money order. No ID required, and no notarization.
And the office does not take walk-ins, as they do not have any customer service
counters. Only mail-in applications are accepted. It will take 4-6 weeks to receive
the certificates—a huge improvement from years ago when it took up to six months
or longer. Their website: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/birthdeathmar/Pages/CertifiedCopiesofBirthDeathRecords.aspx
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