Ted Gostin
Professional Genealogist
Southern
California Research
Sample California Vital Records
Modern Era - 1905 to Present
Since 1905, the California Department of Health has required all county Recorders to forward copies of birth, marriage and death records to the state. This requirement prompted a move away from recording vital records in chronological registers to recording them on certificates, so that copies of the certificates could be easily forwarded to the state. Prior to that date, births, marriages and deaths were generally recorded in old-fashioned semi-alphabetical, chronological registers.
The links below provide examples of modern style birth, marriage and death records. Keep in mind that the actual information on each certificate varied over time. Also, modern copies to individuals who are not immediate relatives will have a stamp on them that says "Informational - Not A Valid Document To Establish Identify." The birth certificate below illustrates these stamps.
Birth Certificate
Marriage License
and Certificate
Death Certificate
