The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is responsible for certified copies of a marriage certificate that can typically be used as proof of marriage and or other legal purposes. A certified marriage certificate copy can be used to obtain identification for a person named on the certificate, whereas a certified informational copy can't be used. Some Certified Informational Copies will have signatures and Social Security numbers removed depending on the year of the event.

California Marriage Certificate Steps to Obtain Marriage Certificate

1. Determine whether the marriage or divorce record you want is available from CDPH Vital Records
2. Determine whether you can obtain an authorized copy or an informational copy
3. Download pamphlet for obtaining certified copies of marriage and/or divorce records
   
   
   • Pamphlet for Obtaining Certified Copies of Marriage Records (PDF)
   • Pamphlet for Obtaining Certified Copies of Divorce Records (PDF)
4. Download and complete the application form if ordering a public marriage record or Certificate of Record for Divorce
   
   
   • Application for Certified Copy of Public Marriage Record (PDF)
   • Application for Certified Copy of Divorce Record (PDF)
     
     
5. Determine Certified Copy Fee
6. Mail your request to CDPH Vital Records

California Department of Public Health
Vital Records - MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410