BIRTH AND DEATH CERTIFICATES
Because of the increased occurrence of identity theft, new laws were passed to protect birth and death records from misuse. Beginning July 1, 2003, the California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 permits only specific individuals to receive an authorized certified copy of a birth or death record. An authorized certified copy of a birth record is required to obtain a driver's license, passport, social security card and other services related to an individual's identity. An authorized certified copy of a death record may be required to obtain death benefits, claim insurance proceeds, notify social security and obtain other services related to an individual's identity. Those who do not meet the criteria for an authorized certified copy may receive an "informational" certified copy with the words "Informational, not a valid document to establish identity" imprinted across the face of the copy.
The following persons are authorized by law to receive
a certified copy of a birth or death record:
1. The registrant or a parent or legal guardian of
the registrant.
2. A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record in order to comply with the requirements of Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code
3. A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.
4. A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse
or domestic partner of the registrant.
5. 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 estate.
6. Any funeral director ordering certified copies of a death certificate on behalf of any authorized individual specified above or in Health and Safety Code Section 7100. Reference: Health and Safety Code Section 103526 (c).
Ordering in person, an authorized individual must complete the county's approved application, including a sworn statement under penalty of perjury, to receive an authorized certified copy.
Ordering by mail, an authorized individual must complete the county's approved application and have it notarized, including a sworn statement under penalty of perjury by the authorized requestor.
Ordering On-line at www.vitalchek.com. Note: Additional fees apply for orders placed with VitalChek.
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
The Recorder's office can provide certified copies of public marriage records if the couple obtained their marriage license in Madera County. A certified copy may be purchased in person, by mail, or on-line at www.vitalchek.com. (NOTE: Additional fees for orders placed with VitalChek). No special application form is required to place an order.
When ordering a certified copy by mail, please provide the following information:
- Names of the parties to the marriage (provide surnames of the parties at the time the license was purchased)
- Date of the marriage ceremony
- Fee for Certified Copies: $13.00
Contacting
Us  |
The
Recorder division is open Monday through Friday,
with the exception of holidays. Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
Documents are accepted for recording from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
only.
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