Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

The Los Angeles County CA Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk manages several essential public services that residents may need at important moments in their lives. The department administers elections, maintains voter registration records, records property documents, issues copies of vital records, processes marriage licenses, accepts fictitious business name filings, registers certain professionals, and provides several authentication services. This guide explains how the department is organized, where to begin for common requests, which records may be available, and how to prepare before visiting an office or submitting an application.

Start With the Right Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Division

The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is one county department with three major service areas. Knowing which area handles your request can prevent delays, unnecessary office visits, and applications being sent to the wrong section.

The official Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website organizes services into the following divisions:

Registrar of Voters: Handles voter registration, election information, voting options, Vote Centers, election workers, candidate filings, campaign finance information, ballot measures, election results, and voter outreach.

Recorder: Maintains birth, death, marriage, real estate, military discharge, and Uniform Commercial Code financing statement records. It also accepts eligible property documents for recording.

County Clerk: Processes marriage licenses, fictitious business name statements, domestic partnership filings, notary public oaths and bonds, professional registrations, certifications, and document authentication services.

Some services overlap. For example, the County Clerk issues marriage licenses, while the Recorder maintains and provides copies of recorded marriage records. A person planning a wedding generally starts with the County Clerk. A person who needs a certified copy of an already recorded marriage certificate generally works with the Recorder.

Use Registrar of Voters Services Before an Election

The Registrar of Voters service center is the main official source for election information in Los Angeles County. Residents can use it to register, review voting options, locate election information, check election results, learn about accessible voting services, and find opportunities to serve as election workers.

Register or Update Your Voter Information

Eligible residents can use the county’s official voter registration page to begin a new registration or review available registration services. Voters should update their information after moving, changing a name, or changing a political party preference when applicable.

Voter registration information is used by election officials to provide official election materials, including Vote Center information, candidates, and measures appearing on the ballot. California law restricts commercial use of voter registration information. Driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, and voter signatures are not released for ordinary election, scholarly, journalistic, political, or governmental requests.

Before an election, voters should confirm that the following details are accurate:

Full legal name
Residential address
Mailing address, when different
Political party preference, when relevant
Language preference for election materials
Vote-by-mail status

Some voters facing life-threatening circumstances may qualify for confidential voter status through California’s Safe at Home program. The standard voter registration process should not be used as a substitute for confidential address protection when a voter qualifies for that program.

Check Current Elections and Local Contests

Election dates and participating jurisdictions vary throughout the year. The county’s current and upcoming elections information identifies elections conducted or supported by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

Available information may include candidate filing materials, offices scheduled for election, measures appearing on the ballot, election calendars, recount information, observer schedules, candidate handbooks, municipal information, and notices concerning qualified candidates. Not every election provides the same collection of documents, so users should select the specific election that applies to their address or jurisdiction.

Prepare Before Voting Begins

Voters can reduce last-minute problems by completing several steps before Election Day:

Confirm voter registration status and residential address.
Review the sample ballot and identify local contests.
Choose between voting by mail and voting in person.
Find a participating Vote Center when in-person voting is preferred.
Review accessibility services when assistance is needed.
Check procedures for military and overseas voting when applicable.
Learn how to correct or replace a vote-by-mail ballot if a problem occurs.

Understand Election Night Results

Election results published on election night are not necessarily final. Vote-by-mail ballots received within the legally permitted period, conditional voter registration ballots, provisional ballots, and ballots requiring additional verification may still need to be processed.

The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk updates reported totals as ballots are reviewed and counted during the official canvass. Residents following a close contest should use the county’s official election results reporting page rather than treating early totals as certified results.

Certification occurs only after required counting, verification, auditing, and canvass procedures have been completed. The timing of updates can vary depending on ballot volume and the number of ballots requiring additional review.

Request Birth, Death, and Marriage Records Through the Recorder

The Recorder services section provides information about vital records and real estate records maintained by Los Angeles County. Request options may include online, in-person, and mail service, depending on the record type.

Choose Between Authorized and Informational Copies

Vital record requests commonly involve two categories of certified copies. The correct choice depends on who is requesting the record and how the document will be used.

Authorized Certified Copies

An authorized certified copy may be used for legal and identity-related purposes. Depending on the type of record, it may be needed to apply for a passport, obtain a driver’s license, update a Social Security record, claim insurance proceeds, receive death benefits, settle an estate, or complete another official transaction.

California law limits authorized copies to specified individuals. Depending on the record, eligible requesters may include:

The person named on the record
A parent or legal guardian
A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner
A person entitled to the record under a court order
An attorney representing an eligible person or estate
A law enforcement or government representative conducting official business
A person or agency authorized by statute or appointed by a court

Additional eligibility rules may apply to death certificates and confidential marriage records. Requesters should review the rules for the specific record rather than assuming that eligibility for one type of certificate applies to another.

Informational Certified Copies

A person who is not eligible for an authorized copy may be able to request an informational certified copy. These copies are generally intended for non-identity purposes, such as family history or personal research. They are marked to show that they are not valid documents for establishing identity.

Confidential marriage records are handled differently. Copies generally may be issued only to the parties to the marriage or under a court order. Informational certified copies are not issued for confidential marriage records.

Match the Record to the Correct County

The Los Angeles County Recorder maintains records associated with events or recordings in Los Angeles County. A birth, death, marriage, or property transaction that occurred in another county may need to be requested from that county’s recorder or clerk.

Before submitting a request, confirm:

The event occurred in Los Angeles County.
The name on the record is spelled accurately.
The approximate event date is known.
The correct type of certified copy has been selected.
Any required identity statement is complete and properly notarized.
The correct fee and accepted payment method are included.

Incomplete information can make locating a record more difficult. Variations in names, missing dates, and requests submitted to the wrong county are common causes of delay.

Record Property Documents and Retrieve Real Estate Records

The Recorder preserves real estate records for property located in Los Angeles County. These records may include deeds, liens, reconveyances, homestead documents, affidavits, notices, and other instruments accepted for recording.

Separate Document Recording From Record Copy Requests

Document recording and requesting a copy of an existing record are different services.

Document recording places an eligible document into the county’s official public record after it satisfies recording requirements.

Real estate record requests provide copies of documents that have already been recorded.

Someone delivering a new deed, lien, affidavit, or reconveyance should follow document analysis and recording procedures. Someone researching a previously recorded deed or obtaining a certified copy should follow real estate record request procedures.

Review Recording Requirements Before Submission

The Recorder reviews documents for compliance with statutory recording requirements, but the office does not replace an attorney, title professional, or tax advisor. A document may require specific formatting, signatures, acknowledgments, legal descriptions, return addresses, transfer tax declarations, exemption statements, or supporting forms.

Common property document categories include:

Deeds transferring an interest in real property
Affidavits of death of a joint tenant or trustee
Homestead documents
Full reconveyances
Liens and lien releases
Re-recorded documents correcting eligible defects
Twenty-day preliminary notices
Restrictive covenant modification documents

Recording a document does not automatically establish that its statements are legally valid. The Recorder’s role is to examine whether a document meets applicable recording requirements and, when accepted, preserve it within the public record.

Protect Property Records With Available Notifications

Property owners should review county information about the Homeowner Notification Program. Such notifications can help owners become aware when certain property-related documents are recorded. A notification does not prevent recording and does not by itself establish fraud, but it can prompt a property owner to review an unfamiliar transaction promptly.

Complete County Clerk Filings Without Missing Key Steps

The County Clerk services directory covers marriage licenses, fictitious business names, domestic partnerships, notary registrations, professional registrations, certifications, and authentication services.

Apply for a Marriage License and Plan a Ceremony

Couples seeking a marriage license should review eligibility requirements, application procedures, fees, appointment availability, and ceremony options before visiting an office. Marriage ceremonies are not offered at every location every day, and some offices provide ceremonies only by appointment on designated weekdays.

A marriage license and a marriage certificate are not the same document. The license authorizes the marriage to take place. After the ceremony, the completed license must be returned for recording. Once recorded, certified copies of the marriage record can be requested through the Recorder.

Applicants should verify:

Identification requirements for both parties
Whether an appointment is required
The type of marriage license being requested
Current license and ceremony fees
Whether the selected office performs ceremonies
How the completed license will be returned for recording

File a Fictitious Business Name Statement

A fictitious business name filing may be required when a business operates under a name that does not meet statutory naming exemptions. The County Clerk accepts new statements and renewals, provides filing requirements and document examples, and maintains a fictitious business name search.

Filing a statement does not grant exclusive ownership of a business name, create a corporation, issue a business license, or confirm compliance with city zoning and tax requirements. Business owners remain responsible for determining which additional registrations, licenses, permits, and tax accounts apply to their operation.

Before filing, applicants should review the proposed business name, ownership structure, business address, registrant information, signature requirements, filing fees, renewal rules, and any required publication steps.

Handle Notary Oaths, Bonds, and Journal Surrenders

Newly commissioned notaries may need to file an oath and bond with the County Clerk within the required period. The office also handles notary authentication services and certain notary journal surrender or search matters.

Notaries should bring the required commission documents, identification, bond, filing fees, and any other materials specified by the County Clerk. Missing a statutory filing deadline can affect the commission, so applicants should not wait until the final day to schedule service.

Register Eligible Legal Support Professionals

The County Clerk processes registrations for several regulated professional categories, including process servers, legal document assistants, unlawful detainer assistants, and professional photocopiers. Individual and corporate registrations may have different forms, supporting documents, bonds, identification requirements, and fees.

Applicants should use the registration category that accurately describes their work. Registration with the County Clerk does not authorize a registrant to practice law or provide services outside the scope permitted by California law.

Pick an Office Based on the Service You Need

Not every branch provides every Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk service. The official branch office locations and services page should be checked before traveling.

Norwalk Main Office

The Norwalk headquarters provides the broadest range of services. Available functions include vital record copies, marriage licenses and ceremonies, real estate records, document analysis and recording, fictitious business name filings, notary authentication and oaths, and election services.

The main office generally operates Monday through Friday, excluding observed holidays. Visitors should verify current hours and appointment requirements before arriving.

Beverly Hills Office

The Beverly Hills location provides a narrower set of services, including marriage licenses, scheduled marriage ceremonies, and voter registration forms. Users needing property recording, vital record copies, or business filings should confirm whether another office is required.

East Los Angeles Office

The East Los Angeles branch accepts requests for birth, death, and marriage records and may issue certain eligible record copies on the same day. It also provides marriage licenses, scheduled ceremonies, domestic partnership statement filing, voter registration forms, and voter abstracts.

Lancaster Office

The Lancaster branch offers a broad collection of services, including vital records, marriage licenses, scheduled ceremonies, document recording, certain real estate record copies, notary services, fictitious business name filings, domestic partnership filings, and election information.

LAX and Courthouse Office

The LAX and Courthouse location handles vital record requests, marriage licenses, scheduled ceremonies, document recording, certain real estate record copies, notary services, fictitious business name filings, domestic partnership filings, and election information.

Van Nuys Office

The Van Nuys branch provides many of the same services offered at Lancaster and the LAX area office, including vital records, marriage services, document recording, real estate record copies, notary services, business name filings, domestic partnerships, and election information.

Florence and Firestone Office

The Florence and Firestone branch accepts vital record requests, issues certain eligible record copies, provides marriage licenses, offers scheduled ceremonies, files domestic partnership statements, and provides voter registration forms.

Send Mail Only to the Designated Mailing Address

Mail should be directed to the designated Norwalk mailing section rather than a district office. Birth, death, and marriage record requests, business filings, property documents, election information, and real estate record requests use different mailing addresses or post office boxes. Sending a request to a branch office that does not receive mail can delay processing or result in returned materials.

Prepare Documents Before Visiting or Mailing a Request

Preparation requirements vary, but several practical steps apply to many Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk transactions.

Confirm that Los Angeles County is the correct jurisdiction.
Choose the correct division and service category.
Read the eligibility and identification requirements.
Complete forms before arriving when forms are available in advance.
Check whether signatures require notarization.
Verify current fees and accepted payment methods.
Use the exact mailing address assigned to the service section.
Keep copies of applications, supporting documents, and payment records.
Check whether an appointment is required for a license, ceremony, or specialized filing.
Avoid mailing original personal documents unless instructions specifically require them.

Same-day service is not guaranteed for every record or transaction. Record year, office location, document condition, request volume, eligibility review, and payment issues may affect processing time.

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Departments and Contact Details

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
Registrar of Voters: (800) 815-2666
Recorder/County Clerk: (800) 201-8999

Vote Center Information
12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
(800) 815-2666, Option 1

Candidate and Measure Information
12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 462-2317

Campaign Finance Information
12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 462-2339

TDD Hearing Impaired Services
12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
(562) 462-2259

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk FAQs

How can I cancel my voter registration after moving or becoming ineligible?

The Registrar of Voters provides a formal cancellation process for people who no longer want their Los Angeles County voter registration to remain active. Cancellation may be appropriate after permanently moving outside the county, registering elsewhere, or handling the registration of a deceased voter. Do not simply ignore election mail, because an outdated registration record may continue generating official materials. Review the cancellation instructions through the official Registrar of Voters services and submit the required information using the method specified by the county.

Where can voters find their district and current elected officials?

The election services section includes tools for identifying voting districts and reviewing current public officials. District information can depend on the voter’s residential address and may include federal, state, county, municipal, school, or special district boundaries. Because boundaries and officeholders can change after redistricting or elections, use the county’s current lookup tools rather than relying on an old sample ballot or unofficial directory. Enter the address carefully, including apartment or unit information when requested.

Can the Recorder provide copies of UCC financing statements?

The Recorder maintains Uniform Commercial Code financing statement records and accepts requests for available copies. Request methods listed by the department include in-person, mail, and fax options. Before submitting a request, gather identifying details such as the debtor name, secured party name, filing number, or approximate filing date. Fees depend on the record and copy requested. Start with the Recorder’s official records directory to confirm the current request procedure and payment requirements.

Does the County Clerk offer document authentication or exemplification?

Yes. The County Clerk provides notary authentication, exemplification, and certain certification services. The correct service depends on the document, the official whose signature must be verified, and where the document will be presented. Authentication does not replace notarization and does not confirm the truth of a document’s contents. Review the County Clerk authentication services before submitting documents, because supporting certifications, original signatures, and separate fees may be required.