Where Do I Get a Certified Copy of My Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificate?
By John F. Heinz, Managing Director, Prismark Signature Services
Published: August 6, 2026
Quick Answer
If you need a certified copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate, you’ll generally obtain it from the government agency responsible for maintaining vital records in the state or county where the event occurred.
If your document will be used internationally, an official certified copy is generally required before it can receive an apostille.
Key Takeaways
- Certified copies are issued by government agencies.
- Vital records are generally obtained from the state or county where the event occurred.
- Photocopies and unofficial copies generally do not qualify for an apostille.
- Prismark recommends using a recently issued certified copy whenever possible, as it often provides a smoother apostille process.
Call or Text Prismark Signatures to schedule an appointment: (213) 563-0758
What Is a Certified Copy?
A certified copy is an official copy of a government record issued by the agency responsible for maintaining that record. It includes the required certification indicating that it is an official record.Where Do I Get One?
In most cases, certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates are obtained from the appropriate state or local government agency where the event was recorded. Because procedures vary by state, it’s important to obtain the document from the proper issuing authority.
Official California Resources
The following are official government resources for obtaining certified copies of vital records in the counties Prismark most frequently serves. Procedures, fees, and processing times may change, so please refer to the official agency website for the most current information.
- Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (Official Website): https://www.lavote.gov
- Orange County Clerk-Recorder (Official Website): https://ocrecorder.com
- Ventura County Clerk-Recorder (Official Website): https://clerkrecorder.venturacounty.gov
- Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder (Official Website): https://acr.rivco.org
- San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (Official Website): https://arc.sbcounty.gov
If your record was issued outside California, you’ll generally obtain a certified copy from the government agency responsible for maintaining vital records in that state.
Why Is a Certified Copy Important?
If your vital record will be used in another country, an official certified copy is generally required before it can receive an apostille. Using a recently issued certified copy may also help provide a smoother authentication process.
Every apostille request is different. The type of document, where it was issued, and the country where it will be used all affect the process.
How Prismark Can Help
If you don’t already have the appropriate certified copy of your birth, marriage, or death certificate, Prismark Signature Services can help identify the appropriate issuing agency and guide you through obtaining the document needed before the apostille process begins.
Once you have your certified copy, we’ll review it to help determine whether it is properly prepared for authentication and identify the appropriate apostille process based on where the record was issued and the country where it will be used.
If your vital record will be presented in a country where another language is required, Prismark can coordinate certified and sworn translations in more than 150 languages through our trusted translation partners.
For your peace of mind, Prismark is a bonded California Notary Public, background screened, and carries $1 million in Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Your important documents are handled with professionalism, confidentiality, and care throughout the authentication process.
Whether your vital record requires a California apostille or coordination with another state’s apostille office, Prismark can manage the process through our trusted nationwide network of professional apostille affiliates. Additional authentication or embassy and consular legalization can also be coordinated when applicable.
Located just minutes from the California Secretary of State’s Los Angeles Apostille Office, Prismark offers expedited same-day California apostille service. In qualifying cases, properly prepared California vital records can often be processed in as little as four hours.
Call or Text Prismark Signatures to schedule an appointment: (213) 563-0758
Related Guides
- Birth Certificate Apostille
- Does My Birth Certificate Need to Be a Certified Copy?
- Marriage Certificate Apostille
- Death Certificate Apostille
- Vital Records Apostille
Professional Notice
This guide is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prismark Signature Services is not a law firm. If you have questions about your legal rights or which documents are appropriate for your situation, please contact the requesting organization or a qualified attorney.
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