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BIRTH, DEATH AND MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES
Did you know that the guidelines for ordering birth and
death certificates are changing?
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.
When 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. When ordering by mail, a
properly completed and notarized application form, signed
under penalty of perjury by the authorized requestor,
is required.
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).
Fees:
Birth - $14
Death - $12
Please provide a money order if ordering by mail, payable
to Madera County Recorder. If ordering in person, pay in
cash, by money order, or personal check
(on a California checking account), with appropriate identification.
Download an application:
ORDERING A CERTIFIED COPY OF A MARRIAGE RECORD
The Recorder’s office can provide certified copies
of public marriage records if the bride and groom obtained
their marriage license in Madera County. A certified copy
may be purchased in person or by mail. A certified copy
may not be faxed, e-mailed, or purchased over the internet.
No special application form is required to place an order.
When ordering a certified copy, please provide the following
information:
Name of the bride (provide surname at the time the license
was purchased, prior
to the wedding)
Name of groom
Date of the marriage ceremony
The fee is $13 for each certified copy. Please provide
a money order if ordering by mail, payable to Madera County
Recorder. If ordering in person, pay in cash, by money order,
or personal check (on a California checking account), with
appropriate identification.
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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