Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: Records, Marriage, Filings and Voting

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) administers elections, maintains vital and recorded property records, and provides marriage licenses, business name filings, and other County Clerk services. This guide helps you select the appropriate service, prepare an application, and choose a visit or mailing destination.

Independent information guide: This website is not affiliated with RR/CC. Official agencies and their designated service providers handle applications, record orders, appointments, filings, and payments.

Choose Your Next Step Election and Voter Services Birth, Death and Marriage Records Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies Property Records and Recording Fictitious Business Names Other County Clerk Services Office Locations Contacts and Mailing Addresses Before You Submit

Choose Your Next Step

RR/CC combines three functions: the Registrar of Voters handles elections; the Recorder maintains vital and recorded property records; and the County Clerk handles marriage licensing, business name filings, and other listed registrations and certifications.

Starting points for common RR/CC services
Your task	Where to start	What to prepare
Register to vote, check voter status, or find voting information	Registrar of Voters services.	Current residence information and the specific election or voting question.
Request a birth or death certificate	Vital record request instructions.	Names, event date and location, copy type, and any required eligibility or identity documentation.
Request a copy of an existing marriage record	Marriage record access and copy options.	Names of the parties, marriage details, and whether the record is public or confidential.
Obtain a marriage license or arrange a ceremony	Marriage application and appointment instructions.	Eligibility information, valid identification, application confirmation number, and the intended appointment type.
Get a copy of a recorded deed, lien, or other property document	Existing real estate records services.	Party names, document type, and recording date or document number when available.
Submit a new property document for recording	Property document recording requirements.	The completed document, required supporting forms, and applicable fee or tax information.
File a Fictitious Business Name Statement	FBN filing and publication instructions.	Business and registrant information, required identity verification, and the selected filing method.
Complete a notary, professional registration, or certification transaction	The specific County Clerk service category.	Documents, registration details, and payment required for that transaction.

Election and Voter Services

The Registrar of Voters service page provides voter registration, voting options, election information, results, accessibility resources, and candidate or election worker information.

Check Registration and Election Information

Use the official voter registration page to register or reach the registration-status tool.
Check that your residence and registration information are current.
Select the relevant election from the current and upcoming elections page.
Review that election's deadlines, voting locations, and ballot information.

Election schedules and available materials vary. Use the information for the specific election rather than a saved calendar or notice from an earlier election.

Voting Options and Ballot Tracking

RR/CC provides information about Vote by Mail, ballot drop boxes, Vote Centers, conditional voter registration, provisional voting, and military or overseas voting. Check the current instructions for the voting method you plan to use.

The official Vote by Mail page explains return options and provides ballot-tracking and status tools. Its instructions state that mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days to be processed, verified, and counted. Follow the separate deadlines for returning a ballot in person or through a drop box.

Language and Accessibility Assistance

Use the Registrar of Voters' multilingual and accessibility resources when you need assistance with voting materials, a Vote Center, accessible Vote by Mail, or another voting service.

For election assistance, call 800-815-2666. The contact directory lists option 3 for multilingual assistance. Election questions should go to the Registrar of Voters rather than the Recorder or County Clerk.

Preliminary and Certified Results

Election Night totals are preliminary. Verification and counting continue during the official canvass, including review of eligible ballots not included in the initial totals.

Use the official election results page and check the election, update time, and certification status when comparing results.

Birth, Death and Marriage Records

Start with the official Recorder service directory and select the record type. Review its availability, eligibility, application, fees, and online, in-person, or mail options.

Confirm that RR/CC maintains the record you need. Birth and death requests depend on where the event occurred; for marriage records, check the agency that issued and maintains the marriage record. A person's current Los Angeles County address does not establish that their record is held here.

Choose the Appropriate Copy

Vital record copy types and access considerations
Record or copy type	Access and purpose	What to check before ordering
Authorized certified birth or death record	Available to eligible requesters. Often needed for identity, benefits, estate, or other official transactions.	The permitted requester categories and the identity or sworn-statement requirements for your request method.
Informational certified birth or death record	An alternative for requesters who are not eligible for an authorized copy. It is marked as not valid for establishing identity.	Whether the organization receiving the document will accept this copy type.
Authorized certified public marriage record	Available to eligible requesters and commonly used for name changes or other official purposes.	Eligibility, marriage details, and the requirements for an authorized copy.
Informational certified public marriage record	Available under the public marriage record instructions. It cannot be used to establish identity.	That the record is public and that an informational copy meets your needs.
Confidential marriage record	Copies are restricted to the parties to the marriage or access through a court order. Informational certified copies are not issued.	The confidential-record application and required proof of access.

Review Eligibility and Identity Requirements

Use the record-specific rules for birth records, death records, or marriage records. Eligibility differs by record type.

Identity verification and sworn-statement procedures depend on the request method. Follow the online, in-person, or mail instructions rather than assuming that every application requires the same notarized document.

Prepare the Record Details

The names shown on the record.
The event date and location.
Additional identifying information requested by the application.
The number of copies and required copy type.
Your relationship or legal authority when requesting an authorized copy.
The supporting documents, statement, and payment specified for your request method.

If an adoption, amendment, or legal name change affects the record, review the relevant Recorder guidance before ordering under a different name.

Same-day availability depends on the record year and office. Check the selected location's service range before traveling, especially for older records or a recently recorded event.

Divorce Records

A marriage certificate is not a divorce judgment. Divorce case records and judgments should be requested from the court handling the case. RR/CC's service directories provide divorce record information to help direct these requests.

Marriage Licenses and Ceremonies

Applying for a marriage license is different from ordering a copy of an existing marriage record. Couples planning to marry should begin with the official marriage application and appointment page.

Complete the Application First

Review the marriage eligibility requirements and public or confidential license options.
Complete the online application with accurate information for both applicants.
Save the confirmation number generated by the application.
Select the appointment type and location that match your plans.
Bring valid identification and any additional documents required by the eligibility instructions.

The application confirmation number is needed to schedule an appointment. RR/CC states that appointments may be scheduled up to three weeks in advance, subject to availability.

License-Only Appointments

A Marriage License Only appointment is for purchasing the license. It does not automatically include a ceremony. Follow the County Clerk's instructions to arrange a separate ceremony if needed.

Marriage License and Express Ceremony

RR/CC also offers a combined Marriage License and Express Ceremony appointment. After completing the application, select that specific appointment type rather than a license-only appointment.

The official page lists 45-minute express appointments at all seven RR/CC locations. For a public marriage ceremony, one witness must be present. RR/CC lists a $20 fee to provide a witness when needed. A confidential marriage license does not require a witness.

Review the current identification and attendance instructions. The express service is performed at the marriage license window, and accompanying family or friends who are not the required witness are instructed to wait outside.

After the Ceremony

Obtaining a license, completing the ceremony, returning the certificate for recording, and ordering a certified marriage record are separate steps. Follow the County Clerk's Recording Your Marriage Certificate instructions and check when a recorded copy may be requested.

Property Records and Recording

Request an Existing Recorded Document

Use Real Estate Records services in the Recorder directory when you need a copy of an existing deed, lien, reconveyance, or other recorded instrument.

Identify the document type and names of the parties.
Provide the recording date or document number when available.
Check the available search and request methods.
Determine whether you need a certified copy.
Review copying, certification, provider, and delivery charges before paying.

A street address alone may not identify the particular document you need. Use available recording information to distinguish among documents associated with the same property.

The official online real estate record request page links to the designated ordering provider. It lists processing within 20 working days after receipt; this describes processing time rather than a guaranteed delivery date.

Record a New Property Document

Use Property Document Recording services when submitting a new instrument for recording. This is a different transaction from ordering a copy of an existing record.

Select the recording requirements for the document you intend to submit.
Review required signatures, acknowledgments, property information, and supporting forms.
Check recording fees and any applicable documentary transfer tax instructions.
Choose an accepted submission method and confirm the handling office or mailing section.
Keep the submission details and any returned recorded document.

Recording a document does not provide advice about its legal effect, ownership rights, or tax consequences. Resolve questions about how a document should be prepared before submitting it.

Other Recorder Records

The Recorder directory also provides separate access and request instructions for military discharge records and UCC financing statement records. Choose the relevant category rather than sending these requests to the birth, death, and marriage records section.

Fictitious Business Names

A Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Statement identifies the registrant doing business under a qualifying name. Review the official FBN filing page and its requirements before deciding whether a filing is needed.

Check the Business and Filing County

Filing requirements depend on the registrant and business name. The rule concerning a name that does not include an owner's surname should not be applied as a complete test for every corporation or other business entity.

RR/CC states that the statement must be filed in the county of the principal place of business. It identifies nonprofit corporations, organizations, and associations as not required to file under its listed rules.

An FBN filing is separate from obtaining any business license, permit, or other authorization required for the activity.

Choose a Filing Method

Complete online filing: Registered owners may complete identity verification, signature, and payment through the designated system. The official page lists an additional $10.75 online service fee and delivery of the completed filing by email.
In-person appointment: Complete the Online Business Filing and Registration System first. Save the confirmation number and use it to schedule an available appointment.
Mail: Follow the mail instructions for the completed FBN Statement and notarized Affidavit of Identity. Mail filings are processed through Norwalk headquarters, not district offices.

Check the current filing fee and any additional charges before submitting. Completing an online application for an appointment is different from completing the entire filing online.

Publication and Follow-Up

Filing the statement is not the end of every FBN transaction. The official publication page explains the requirement to begin publication within 45 days of filing and publish once a week for four consecutive weeks in a qualifying newspaper in the county of the principal place of business.

Review the applicable publication and proof-of-publication instructions after filing. Renewal transactions may have different publication requirements; check the renewal guidance rather than assuming the rules are identical.

Keep the filed statement, payment receipt, publication records, and any confirmation of required follow-up submissions.

Other County Clerk Services

The County Clerk directory lists additional registrations, filings, searches, and certification services.

Notary Services

Select the exact transaction, such as filing a notary oath and bond, requesting authentication, or searching for a surrendered notary journal. These services have different document and fee requirements.

Check the permitted filing location and any applicable deadline before arranging a visit. A notary registration transaction should not be confused with obtaining notarization of your own document.

Professional Registrations

Listed categories include process servers, legal document assistants, unlawful detainer assistants, and professional photocopiers. Individual and corporate registrations may follow different instructions.

Use the category-specific checklist for eligibility, supporting documents, bonds when applicable, fees, and registration procedures.

Domestic Partnerships and Certifications

RR/CC provides a local domestic partnership filing service and related amendment or termination information. Review the scope and effect of that service rather than assuming it is interchangeable with a California Secretary of State registration.

Other listed services include translation certification, notary authentication, exemplification, public agency searches, and environmental notice filings. Confirm the exact service and the requirements of the organization that will receive the resulting document.

Office Locations

Choose an office based on the transaction. The official branch directory lists location-specific services, hours, and notices.

RR/CC office locations and regular published hours
Office	Address	Regular hours	Service overview
Norwalk headquarters	12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650	Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.	Vital records, marriage services, real estate records and recording, FBN filings, notary services, and election information.
Beverly Hills	9355 Burton Way, 4th Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90210	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.	Marriage services and voter registration forms. Check the directory before selecting another transaction.
East Los Angeles	4716 East Cesar Chavez Boulevard, Building B, Los Angeles, CA 90022	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.	Listed vital record services, marriage services, domestic partnership statements, and voter registration services.
Lancaster	44509 16th Street West, Suite 101, Lancaster, CA 93534	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	Listed vital and real estate record services, recording, marriage services, FBN filings, notary services, domestic partnerships, and election information.
LAX/Courthouse	11701 South La Cienega Boulevard, 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90045	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	Listed vital and real estate record services, recording, marriage services, FBN filings, notary services, domestic partnerships, and election information.
Van Nuys	14340 West Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, CA 91401	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	Listed vital and real estate record services, recording, marriage services, FBN filings, notary services, domestic partnerships, and election information.
Florence/Firestone	7807 Compton Avenue, Room 102, Los Angeles, CA 90001	Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.	Listed vital record services, marriage services, domestic partnership statements, and voter registration forms.

Building hours do not establish that every service is available throughout the day. Review appointments, transaction cutoffs, ceremony schedules, holiday closures, and the services listed for your chosen location.

The directory lists same-day birth copies for certain offices from 1962 onward, excluding 1972–1977, and same-day marriage and death copies from 1995 onward. Check the current location and record instructions before relying on same-day availability.

Do not mail applications to district offices. RR/CC directs mail to the appropriate Norwalk handling section. Use the service-specific address rather than treating a walk-in office address as the destination for every request.

Contacts and Mailing Addresses

Use the telephone option and mailing section that match your transaction. Check the current application for required enclosures and address instructions before sending documents or payment.

RR/CC service contacts and mailing destinations
Service	Telephone	Mailing destination
Election information	800-815-2666	Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Election Information Section, 12400 Imperial Highway, Room 2013, Norwalk, CA 90650.
Birth, death, and marriage records	800-201-8999, option 1	Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Birth, Death and Marriage Records Section, P.O. Box 489, Norwalk, CA 90651-0489.
Marriage licenses and ceremonies	800-201-8999, option 1	Use the application and appointment process. The vital records mailing section is for record requests, not a substitute for a license or ceremony appointment.
Property document recording	800-201-8999, option 2	Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Document Analysis and Recording Section, P.O. Box 1250, Norwalk, CA 90651-1250.
Copies of recorded real estate documents	800-201-8999, option 3	Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Real Estate Records, P.O. Box 1130, Norwalk, CA 90651-1130.
Fictitious Business Name mail filings	800-201-8999, option 4	Norwalk Headquarters, Business Filings and Registration, P.O. Box 1208, Norwalk, CA 90651-1208, as listed on the FBN filing page.
Other business filings and professional registrations	800-201-8999, option 4	Follow the mailing instructions for the specific registration or filing. Confirm the destination before sending.

The official contact directory provides additional telephone categories, email contacts, and assistance options. A general inquiry does not replace a completed application, filing, or record order.

Before You Submit

Identify the exact transaction: A marriage license, recorded marriage certificate, divorce judgment, property recording, and existing property record copy are different services.
Check the handling agency: Confirm that RR/CC maintains the record or provides the service you need.
Select the correct copy: Verify whether an authorized, informational, public, or confidential record request applies.
Use the method-specific checklist: Online, in-person, and mail applications may use different identity and document procedures.
Keep confirmation numbers: Save application, appointment, order, and filing references.
Confirm the office or mailing section: Check location capabilities and use the current service-specific mailing instructions.
Review all charges: Distinguish the agency fee from certification, provider, delivery, or publication costs.
Complete follow-up steps: Check recording, publication, proof submission, or other requirements associated with the transaction.

If you find an outdated detail or broken link in this guide, please contact our website editor. Record orders, election questions, applications, appointments, and filing matters should go to the responsible official office.