Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: Records, Copies, Forms & Contact Info

by
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Guide

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: Records, Copies, Forms & Contact Info

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, often called the LA County RR/CC, is the official office for many of the county’s most requested records and filings. This includes birth, death and marriage records, real estate records, property document recording, fictitious business names, marriage licenses, notary public oaths, domestic partnership filings, professional registrations, and election services.

This guide explains where to go, which online request page to use, how to avoid the wrong office, what forms and copies usually require extra steps, and how to contact the Recorder/County Clerk before mailing documents or visiting a branch office.

Official LA County RR/CC Website Recorder Records & Copies Locations & Google Map

Last reviewed: September 2026. Always confirm current fees, hours, appointments, processing times, and accepted payment methods on the official LA County RR/CC website before ordering, recording, or visiting.

Quick Facts About the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

Official office Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
Main headquarters 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650.
Recorder/County Clerk phone 800-201-8999.
Registrar of Voters phone 800-815-2666.
Main office hours Norwalk headquarters: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Records email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for vital and real estate record requests.
Important mailing rule Send all mail to Norwalk headquarters mailing addresses, not district offices.
Not a court clerk For Los Angeles Superior Court case records, use the court, not the RR/CC.
Fast rule: use the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk for vital records, real estate records, recording property documents, marriage licenses, fictitious business names, notary oaths, domestic partnerships, and voter/election services. Use the Los Angeles Superior Court for civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims court case records.

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Locations, Contact Info, and Google Map

The Norwalk headquarters is the main LA County RR/CC office and handles the broadest range of services. Branch offices may provide selected services such as vital record requests, marriage licenses, ceremonies, real estate copies, document recording, fictitious business name filings, notary services, domestic partnership statements, and voter registration support.

Service availability is different by location. Before visiting, check the official branch office page and confirm whether your service is offered at that office.

Norwalk Headquarters

Address: 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650

Recorder/County Clerk phone: 800-201-8999

Registrar of Voters phone: 800-815-2666

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Best for: birth, death and marriage records, marriage licenses and ceremonies, real estate records after recording, document analysis and recording, fictitious business name filings, notary authentication and oaths, and election services.

Open Norwalk Office in Google Maps

Beverly Hills

9355 Burton Way, 4th Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Selected services include marriage licenses, ceremonies on listed appointment days, domestic partnership statements, and voter registration forms.

East Los Angeles

4716 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd., Building B
Los Angeles, CA 90022

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Selected services include vital record copy requests, same-day eligible copies, marriage licenses, ceremonies, domestic partnerships, voter registration forms, and voter abstracts.

Lancaster

44509 16th St. West, Suite 101
Lancaster, CA 93534

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Selected services include vital records, marriage licenses, ceremonies, document recording, real estate copies, notary oaths, FBN filings, domestic partnerships, and election information.

LAX / Courthouse

11701 S. La Cienega Blvd., 6th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Selected services include vital records, marriage licenses, ceremonies, document recording, real estate copies, notary services, FBN filings, domestic partnerships, and election information.

Van Nuys

14340 W. Sylvan St.
Van Nuys, CA 91401

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Selected services include vital records, marriage licenses, ceremonies, document recording, real estate copies, notary services, FBN filings, domestic partnerships, and election information.

Florence / Firestone

7807 Compton Ave., Room 102
Los Angeles, CA 90001

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Selected services include vital record copy requests, eligible same-day copies, marriage licenses, ceremonies on listed appointment days, domestic partnerships, and voter registration forms.

Official locationsLA County RR/CC Branch Office Locations

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the location closest to you, then read the exact services listed under that office.
  2. Check whether your service is available at a branch or only at Norwalk headquarters.
  3. Use the official map link or the Google Map above for directions and parking planning.
  4. Confirm the posted hours and observed holidays before visiting.
  5. Do not mail requests to district offices; use the official Norwalk mailing address for the correct department.

Recorder Services: Records, Copies, UCC, Military Discharge, and Recording

The Recorder side of the office handles birth records, death records, marriage records, real estate records, military discharge records, UCC financing statement records, and property document recording. The Recorder also provides instructions for viewing certain records and requesting copies by online, mail, fax, or in-person methods where available.

Use the Recorder page when the record already exists and you need a copy, certification, viewing instructions, or recording guidance. Use the County Clerk page when you need to apply for a marriage license, file a fictitious business name, register a notary public oath and bond, or file a domestic partnership statement.

Official recorder pageLA County Recorder Records and Copy Services

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the record category: birth, death, marriage, real estate, military discharge, UCC, or property document recording.
  2. Select request method: online, in person, mail, or fax if that option is listed for your record type.
  3. Read who is allowed to obtain the record before ordering a birth, death, marriage, or military discharge copy.
  4. Open the fees page for the exact record category before payment.
  5. Use the subpoena instructions only when a legal subpoena process is required.
Birth records Request certified copies and check whether you qualify for an authorized or informational copy.
Death records Request death certificates and confirm who may obtain authorized certified copies.
Marriage records Request marriage certificate copies for licenses issued in Los Angeles County.
Real estate records Request recorded real estate document copies or view real estate record instructions.
Military discharge records Access rules are stricter; verify eligibility before requesting DD-214 or discharge copies.
UCC records Use UCC instructions when you need copies of UCC financing statement records.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Record Copies

LA County RR/CC handles birth, death, and marriage record copy requests, but not every copy is issued the same way. Some records can be requested online, some require proof of identity, and some branch offices can issue same-day copies only for specific date ranges.

The branch page states that Norwalk can issue birth copies from 1962 to present, except 1972 to 1977, and marriage and death copies from 1995 to present when same-day service is available. Branch service ranges and availability can change, so verify before visiting.

Authorized certified copy

Usually used for official identity, legal, school, passport, benefits, estate, insurance, or government purposes. California rules limit who may receive an authorized certified copy.

Informational certified copy

May be available when the requester is not eligible for an authorized certified copy. It is marked for informational use and may not be valid to establish identity.

Birth recordsRequest a Los Angeles County Birth Record

After opening this link:

  1. Read who can obtain an authorized certified birth certificate copy.
  2. Choose online, in-person, mail, or subpoena instructions depending on your situation.
  3. Prepare the person’s full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parent information if required.
  4. Complete any required sworn statement or identity verification step.
  5. Check the current fee and processing time before submitting the request.

Death recordsRequest a Los Angeles County Death Record

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm whether you qualify for an authorized certified copy or need an informational copy.
  2. Prepare the decedent’s full name, date of death, place of death, and relationship information if required.
  3. Choose the correct request method: online, in person, mail, or subpoena route.
  4. Review identity, sworn statement, and payment requirements.
  5. For estate, insurance, property, or legal matters, confirm whether a certified copy is required.

Marriage recordsRequest a Los Angeles County Marriage Record

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm the marriage license was issued in Los Angeles County.
  2. Choose online, in-person, mail, or subpoena instructions.
  3. Prepare both spouse names, date of marriage, and license details if known.
  4. Check whether the record is public or confidential before ordering.
  5. Use the divorce record information link if you are trying to find a divorce judgment instead of a marriage certificate.
Divorce record warning: the RR/CC handles marriage records, not divorce case files. Divorce judgments and family-law case records generally belong to the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Real Estate Records: Copies, Viewing, and Online Requests

The LA County Recorder records and maintains real estate records in Los Angeles County dating back to 1850. These records can include deeds, deeds of trust, liens, releases, reconveyances, affidavits, notices, homestead documents, and other recorded property instruments.

Real estate record copies can be requested online through the official process, and the RR/CC states that online real estate record orders are processed within 20 working days from the date the request is received.

Real estate copiesRequest a Real Estate Record Copy Online

After opening this link:

  1. Read the online request instructions and processing-time note.
  2. Use the linked LexisNexis request path from the official RR/CC page.
  3. Enter the document number, recording date, parties, or property details as accurately as possible.
  4. Review whether you need a plain copy or certified copy before payment.
  5. Save the confirmation number and allow the posted processing time before following up.

Viewing recordsView Real Estate Records

After opening this link:

  1. Read the viewing instructions before assuming a full document image is available online.
  2. Search with the document number, grantor/grantee name, or recording date if available.
  3. Use the viewing process to confirm the right document before requesting a paid copy.
  4. If the record is older or not easy to locate, contact the RR/CC for the correct request method.
Best search detail Document number, recording date, book/page, property owner name, trust name, or business name.
Certified copy Use certified copies when a court, lender, title company, agency, or legal process asks for certification.
Property value questions Assessed value, tax bills, and parcel-value questions usually require the Assessor or Treasurer and Tax Collector.
Legal advice limit RR/CC staff record documents but cannot tell you how to draft a deed or fix title problems.

Record Property Documents in Los Angeles County

Property document recording is used when a document must become part of the official real estate record. Common recorded documents include deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens, releases, homestead declarations, affidavits of death, preliminary notices, restrictive covenant modifications, and other real property instruments.

A document must meet recording requirements before it can be accepted. Recording creates a public record; it does not prove that a document was legally drafted correctly or that a title issue is resolved.

Recording requirementsLA County Property Document Recording Requirements

After opening this link:

  1. Review formatting requirements before signing or mailing the document.
  2. Check whether the document needs notarization, original signatures, return address, legal description, or tax declaration information.
  3. Confirm whether documentary transfer tax applies.
  4. Open the fees page and calculate recording fees before submitting.
  5. If the document affects ownership or legal rights, speak with a qualified real estate attorney or title professional before recording.

Recording feesProperty Document Recording Fees

After opening this link:

  1. Find your document type and page count.
  2. Check whether additional fees apply for indexing, penalties, transfer tax, SB2 exemptions, or special document requirements.
  3. Use the official fee information before mailing a check or submitting a document in person.
  4. Do not guess the recording fee for deeds, reconveyances, liens, or multi-page documents.

Recording formsProperty Recording Forms and Document Examples

After opening this link:

  1. Open the form category that matches your document, such as deed, lien, homestead, affidavit of death, or restrictive covenant modification.
  2. Read the document example before preparing your own document.
  3. Confirm whether the form is only a sample and whether you need legal assistance.
  4. Check recording requirements and fees before submitting the completed document.
Homeowner protection tip: LA County offers homeowner-related notification and property-document resources. A notification program can help you notice recorded activity, but it does not block recording or replace title insurance, legal help, or regular record monitoring.

Fictitious Business Name Filings, Search, Renewal, and Publication

A Fictitious Business Name, often called an FBN or DBA, is used when a business operates under a name that does not show the legal surname of the individual owner or the full legal name of the registered entity. Los Angeles County handles FBN filings through the County Clerk side of the RR/CC.

FBN filings can involve an original filing, amendment, renewal, abandonment, withdrawal, proof of publication, name search, and publication requirement. A filing does not automatically create a trademark or guarantee exclusive business-name rights.

Official FBN pageLA County Fictitious Business Name Information

After opening this link:

  1. Read the general FBN information to decide whether your business name requires a filing.
  2. Use the filing section for original, renewal, abandonment, withdrawal, or proof of publication.
  3. Search existing FBN records before filing, but understand that the Clerk does not resolve business-name disputes.
  4. Review publication rules and deadlines if your filing requires newspaper publication.
  5. Check fees before filing online, by mail, or in person.

Online FBN systemLA County Business Filing and Registration System

After opening this link:

  1. Select the correct filing type: original, amendment, renewal, abandonment, or withdrawal.
  2. Enter the business name and owner information exactly as it should appear.
  3. Review the filing for spelling and address accuracy before submission.
  4. Follow any notary, signature, payment, or publication instructions shown by the system.
  5. Save your confirmation and calendar any publication or renewal deadlines.
FBN search Search before filing to reduce confusion and check existing names in county records.
Publication Many FBN filings require publication in an approved newspaper within the required time window.
Renewals Renewal timing matters; late renewal may require a new filing and publication steps.
Not a trademark An FBN filing is not the same as trademark registration, business licensing, or entity formation.

Marriage Licenses, Civil Ceremonies, Confidential Marriage, and Name Change

The County Clerk side of the RR/CC issues marriage licenses and performs civil marriage ceremonies. Branch office services vary, and ceremonies are commonly by appointment on specific days or at specific offices.

The online marriage license application can help save time, but the application is not the same as receiving the license. Couples must follow the RR/CC’s identity, eligibility, payment, timing, and in-person instructions.

Marriage licenseApply for a Los Angeles County Marriage License

After opening this link:

  1. Read the eligibility information before starting the application.
  2. Complete the online marriage license application accurately.
  3. Remember the online application is kept on file for 90 days from the date submitted.
  4. Bring valid government-issued photo identification when visiting the RR/CC.
  5. Confirm the office location, ceremony appointment rules, and fee before arrival.

Marriage feesMarriage License and Ceremony Fees

After opening this link:

  1. Check the current public marriage license, confidential marriage license, ceremony, and deputy commissioner fees.
  2. Verify accepted payment methods before visiting.
  3. Confirm whether the location you plan to visit performs ceremonies that day.
  4. Keep your payment receipt and license paperwork safe after service.

Record certificateRecording Your Marriage Certificate

After opening this link:

  1. Read the instructions for returning the completed marriage certificate after the ceremony.
  2. Confirm who is responsible for returning the certificate.
  3. Wait for recording before requesting official certified marriage copies.
  4. Order copies through the Recorder marriage records process if you need proof after recording.

Notary Public Oath and Bond, Authentication, Domestic Partnership, and Professional Registrations

The County Clerk side of the RR/CC also handles notary public oath and bond registration, notary signature authentication, exemplification, domestic partnership filings, process server registrations, and other professional registrations where required by county or state rules.

These services often require original documents, identification, oath timing, bond information, signatures, and exact fees. Check the specific service page before visiting because requirements are not the same as ordinary record-copy requests.

Notary oathNotary Public Oath and Bond

After opening this link:

  1. Review who must file a notary public oath and bond with the County Clerk.
  2. Check the deadline after commission issuance before delaying your visit.
  3. Bring the required commission, bond, oath information, identification, and payment.
  4. Read the notary journal surrender and search instructions if that is your need.

AuthenticationNotary Authentication and Exemplification

After opening this link:

  1. Read whether your document needs authentication, exemplification, or another certification process.
  2. Confirm whether the notary signature is on file with Los Angeles County.
  3. Prepare the original notarized document and required fee.
  4. Ask the receiving country, agency, school, or court whether apostille or state-level certification is required instead.

Domestic partnershipDomestic Partnership Filings

After opening this link:

  1. Read what a domestic partnership is before filing.
  2. Review eligibility, important documents, amendment, and termination information.
  3. Prepare identification and the required filing form.
  4. Check the current fee and filing location before visiting.

Professional registrationsProcess Server and Professional Registrations

After opening this link:

  1. Select the professional registration category that matches your work.
  2. Read bonding, identification, photograph, certificate, and filing requirements.
  3. Prepare forms and fees before visiting the County Clerk.
  4. Calendar renewal or expiration dates if the registration has a limited term.

Important: RR/CC Is Not the Los Angeles Superior Court Clerk

The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is not the office for most Los Angeles County court case files. If you need civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, eviction, small claims, or divorce case records, you usually need the Los Angeles Superior Court.

The RR/CC can help with marriage records and certificates, but a divorce judgment is a court record. The RR/CC can record a real estate document, but it does not decide property disputes or issue court orders.

Use LA County RR/CC for

  • Birth, death, and marriage certificates.
  • Marriage licenses and civil ceremonies.
  • Real estate records and recorded property documents.
  • Fictitious business names.
  • Notary public oath and bond services.
  • Domestic partnership and professional registration filings.
  • Voter registration and election services.

Use LA Superior Court for

  • Divorce judgments and family-law case records.
  • Civil lawsuits and small claims case records.
  • Criminal and traffic case records.
  • Probate court case documents.
  • Eviction and landlord-tenant case records.
  • Court calendars, case indexes, and courtroom information.
  • Certified copies of court case documents.

Court recordsLos Angeles Superior Court

After opening this link:

  1. Use this court website if your record is a lawsuit, divorce, criminal case, traffic case, probate case, eviction, or small claims case.
  2. Search by case number, party name, courthouse, or case type where the court system allows it.
  3. Contact the courthouse or court division for certified court copies.
  4. Return to the RR/CC only if you need a marriage record, vital record, property record, business filing, or recording service.

Mailing Addresses for LA County RR/CC Requests

The RR/CC tells customers to send all mail to Norwalk headquarters, not district offices. Use the mailing address that matches the section handling your request.

Birth, Death, and Marriage Records

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Birth, Death and Marriage Records Section
P.O. Box 489
Norwalk, CA 90651-0489

Business Filings and Registration

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Business Filings and Registration
P.O. Box 1208
Norwalk, CA 90650-1208

Document Analysis and Recording

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Document Analysis and Recording Section
P.O. Box 1250
Norwalk, CA 90651-1250

Real Estate Records

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Real Estate Records
P.O. Box 1130
Norwalk, CA 90651-1130

Before mailing: print the correct form, sign it as required, include the right fee, add notarization if required, and use the official mailing address for that department. Do not mail original documents to a district office unless the official instructions specifically say to do so.

Public Records Act Requests, Subpoenas, and General Contact

If you need administrative records from the RR/CC that are not handled by an ordinary vital record, real estate record, business filing, or election service page, use the California Public Records Act request path. For subpoenas, use the RR/CC subpoena instructions instead of a normal public counter request.

Contact pageContact the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

After opening this link:

  1. Use the Recorder/County Clerk phone number for vital, real estate, business filing, marriage, notary, and recording questions.
  2. Use the Registrar of Voters phone number for voter registration, vote-by-mail, election, and vote center questions.
  3. Email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov for vital and real estate record requests.
  4. Use the Public Records Act request link only for PRA requests, not ordinary certificate or real estate copy orders.
  5. Avoid sending Social Security numbers, bank details, or unnecessary private information in a general email.

Public Records ActMake an RR/CC Public Records Act Request

After opening this link:

  1. Use this only for administrative public records, not standard birth, death, marriage, real estate, or FBN copies.
  2. Describe the record with dates, subject, department, document name, or file reference if known.
  3. Keep the request narrow enough for the agency to identify the record.
  4. Save the request confirmation for follow-up.

Related County Clerk and Recorder Guides

If you are comparing California county recorder offices or checking how services differ across counties, these related guides may help.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder records, copies, forms, and contact info Alameda County Clerk-Recorder records and office services Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder main office hours and services Riverside County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder records and locations Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder records and contact info Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder records and services San Diego County Clerk records and office information County Clerk & Recorder guide for records, copies, and forms

Before You Visit, Order, or Record a Document

Choose the right office Use RR/CC for vital records, real estate records, recording, FBN, marriage licenses, notary, and election services.
Use the court for cases Divorce, civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims case records usually belong to LA Superior Court.
Bring ID Vital records, marriage licenses, notary filings, and some certified-copy services require valid identification.
Check appointment rules Marriage ceremonies and some services may be appointment-based or available only on certain days.
Check fees first Fees vary by record type, copy type, certification, recording, and online vendor processing.
Protect private data Do not send unnecessary Social Security numbers, banking information, or sensitive identity details through general email.

Important Official Links Used in This Guide

Main websiteLos Angeles County RR/CC Official Website

After opening this link:

  1. Choose Registrar of Voters, Recorder, County Clerk, Contact, or Services.
  2. Use Recorder for record copies and property document recording.
  3. Use County Clerk for marriage licenses, FBN, notary, domestic partnership, and professional registrations.
  4. Use Contact for phone numbers, emails, branch offices, and Public Records Act requests.

Branch officesBranch Office Locations and Services

After opening this link:

  1. Click the office location you plan to visit.
  2. Confirm the exact services offered at that branch.
  3. Check hours, holidays, ceremony days, and same-day copy limitations.
  4. Use the map link for directions and parking planning.

Recorder servicesRecorder Records and Copy Requests

After opening this link:

  1. Select birth, death, marriage, real estate, military discharge, UCC, or property document recording.
  2. Read the request method and eligibility rules for that record type.
  3. Open the fee page before paying.
  4. Use the correct mailing address if you are not ordering online or visiting in person.

Privacy, Accuracy, and Legal Use Notice

This page is an independent informational guide and is not the official Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website. Government links, fees, hours, services, forms, processing times, and branch availability can change.

This website is not a consumer reporting agency. Do not use this guide or any linked record search for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance eligibility, or any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose.

Legal caution: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, recorded deeds, liens, FBN filings, notary documents, and court records can affect legal rights. RR/CC staff can explain procedures, but they cannot give legal advice or draft documents for you.

Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk FAQs

1. What is the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk?

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is the official county office for recorder services, county clerk filings, and election services. It handles birth, death and marriage records, real estate records, property document recording, marriage licenses, fictitious business names, notary oaths, domestic partnerships, and voter services.

2. Where is the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk main office?

The main headquarters is at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. The Norwalk office is the main office for the widest range of RR/CC services.

3. What is the phone number for the Recorder/County Clerk?

The Recorder/County Clerk phone number listed by LA County is 800-201-8999. The Registrar of Voters phone number is 800-815-2666.

4. Can I get birth, death, and marriage records from the RR/CC?

Yes. The RR/CC handles Los Angeles County birth, death, and marriage record copy requests. Eligibility, identity verification, copy type, and processing method depend on the record and request method.

5. Does the RR/CC record deeds and property documents?

Yes. The Recorder records and maintains Los Angeles County real estate records and accepts eligible property documents for recording, including many deeds, liens, releases, affidavits, and related real property instruments.

6. How do I request a real estate record copy?

Use the official RR/CC real estate records request page. Online requests are routed through the official linked process, and the RR/CC states that online real estate record orders are processed within 20 working days from receipt.

7. Can I file a fictitious business name with the County Clerk?

Yes. The LA County RR/CC handles fictitious business name filings, renewals, abandonment, withdrawal, proof of publication, and FBN search instructions through its County Clerk services.

8. Does the RR/CC issue marriage licenses?

Yes. The County Clerk issues marriage licenses and performs civil marriage ceremonies. Applicants should complete the official application steps, bring required identification, check fees, and confirm appointment or ceremony availability.

9. Is the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk the same as the court clerk?

No. The RR/CC is not the Los Angeles Superior Court clerk. For divorce judgments, civil cases, criminal cases, probate cases, family cases, traffic cases, evictions, or small claims records, use the Los Angeles Superior Court.

10. Is this the official Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website?

No. This is an independent guide. For official forms, fees, records, copies, locations, Google Map directions, marriage services, FBN filings, and election services, use the official LA County RR/CC links provided in this article.

Leave a Comment