Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates: Copies and Apostilles

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By the notaries at Mar Vista Cheap Mobile Notary, commissioned by the California Secretary of State · Updated October 26, 2026 · Sources: California Notary Public Handbook (Secretary of State, 2026), Health and Safety Code § 103545, Government Code § 8205

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Getting a certified copy

• Births and deaths in Los Angeles County: order an authorized certified copy from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (headquarters at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk), or from the California Department of Public Health’s Vital Records office.
• Marriages in Los Angeles County: the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Copies of a confidential marriage certificate are available only to the spouses.
• Authorized vs. informational copies: only an authorized certified copy works for identity and most foreign uses. Requesting one requires a sworn statement of your relationship to the person on the record, and if you apply by mail, that statement must be notarized. That notarization is something we can do.

Apostilles for vital records

Many countries require an apostille on a U.S. birth, marriage or death certificate (for dual citizenship, residency, marriage abroad or inheritance). The California Secretary of State issues apostilles on certified copies of California vital records signed by state or county officials. Some countries also want the certificate recently issued, or translated. We handle apostille requests from start to finish; see apostille services.

When a notary is part of the process

• Notarizing the sworn statement on a mail-in application for an authorized certified copy
• A sworn copy certification by document custodian, for recipients who accept it (many government offices won’t)
• Affidavits about a birth or marriage (for example, a delayed registration or correction affidavit, when the agency’s form requires a notary)
• Consent letters and powers of attorney that accompany vital records for a foreign process

Common questions

Can I get a birth certificate notarized?

No. In California, a notary can’t notarize or certify a birth certificate. Order a certified copy from the county or state, and get an apostille if it’s going abroad.

Can a notary certify a copy of a marriage certificate?

No. Only the county recorder or state registrar can issue certified copies of marriage records.

How do I apostille a California birth certificate?

Get an authorized certified copy from the county or state, then submit it to the California Secretary of State for an apostille. We can handle it for you.