By Ben Kingsley
The vital records department of the California Department of Public Health is the central repository of all records of Marriage in California. They are also found at the specific county Recorder's Office that issued the license.
The county Recorder's office is the office in-charge of providing certified authorized versions of the documents while the vital records department only provides certified informational version. Informational versions only serve as a source of information and, therefore, cannot be used in any legal proceeding. Any person can obtain the informational versions of the documents but only a few have the authority to obtain the authorized versions. Authorized versions are granted only to the bride, groom, their lawyers, and other parties authorized by the court because they contain confidential information. Informational versions contain the basic details of a marriage document, including the names of the spouses, their date of birth, and the time and location where the marriage transpired.
A marriage license is essential for marriage to become completely valid. A license can be secured at the Recorder's office. The bride and the groom should be present at the same time when they apply for a license. A license has a 90-day validity period. The license is effective if the couple marries within the validity period. After 90 days, the license becomes useless and the couple will have to secure a new one.
To request for the files, you must fill out a request form at the vital records department or you can download it at their website. The request form should be submitted together with a $14 fee and a notarized sworn statement. The department only accepts payments of fees through check or money order. All requirements should be prepared for a request to be accepted. Requesting the files at the department is time-consuming, usually reaching 6 months for every request. If you want to get the files faster, head to the Recorder's Office.
The records can now be obtained online as well through private service providers. There service providers are authorized by the court to disseminate public records, including marriage records, to the public. They maintain a database that is linked with the database of the government so that their records are identical to that of the government's.
There are various search tools that supply Records of Marriage. Some even offer nationwide search, which is particularly helpful when the state where the records are kept is unknown. Search tools are either for free or have certain fees. Regardless of which kind you choose, make sure you do a history check on them so that you will know if they are credible or not. Both kinds provide the basic details of the documents but those that have certain fees are able to provide additional details.
The county Recorder's office is the office in-charge of providing certified authorized versions of the documents while the vital records department only provides certified informational version. Informational versions only serve as a source of information and, therefore, cannot be used in any legal proceeding. Any person can obtain the informational versions of the documents but only a few have the authority to obtain the authorized versions. Authorized versions are granted only to the bride, groom, their lawyers, and other parties authorized by the court because they contain confidential information. Informational versions contain the basic details of a marriage document, including the names of the spouses, their date of birth, and the time and location where the marriage transpired.
A marriage license is essential for marriage to become completely valid. A license can be secured at the Recorder's office. The bride and the groom should be present at the same time when they apply for a license. A license has a 90-day validity period. The license is effective if the couple marries within the validity period. After 90 days, the license becomes useless and the couple will have to secure a new one.
To request for the files, you must fill out a request form at the vital records department or you can download it at their website. The request form should be submitted together with a $14 fee and a notarized sworn statement. The department only accepts payments of fees through check or money order. All requirements should be prepared for a request to be accepted. Requesting the files at the department is time-consuming, usually reaching 6 months for every request. If you want to get the files faster, head to the Recorder's Office.
The records can now be obtained online as well through private service providers. There service providers are authorized by the court to disseminate public records, including marriage records, to the public. They maintain a database that is linked with the database of the government so that their records are identical to that of the government's.
There are various search tools that supply Records of Marriage. Some even offer nationwide search, which is particularly helpful when the state where the records are kept is unknown. Search tools are either for free or have certain fees. Regardless of which kind you choose, make sure you do a history check on them so that you will know if they are credible or not. Both kinds provide the basic details of the documents but those that have certain fees are able to provide additional details.
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Having trouble searching Marriage License Records, we can help you. Visit our dedicated website at Public Marriage Records and find detailed information and tips on Marriage Records Search.. This article, California Free Marriage Records is available for free reprint.
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