County Registrar: The Local Office for Birth and Death Records
A county registrar is the local official who registers births and deaths in a county and, in some states, can issue certified copies. The title and duties differ by state, so the same job may sit with a health department, a county clerk or a recorder.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
How California divides the work
The California Department of Public Health lists two local offices for each county: a Local Registrar of Births and Deaths, usually in the county health department, and a County Recorder. For certified copies of birth, death, fetal death and marriage records, the page points to the county recorder in places such as Alameda County. Some cities, including Berkeley, Long Beach and Pasadena, run their own registrar offices.
Records may also move over time. The page says Monterey County's registrar keeps the current year plus one year and sends older requests to the County Recorder. Santa Clara's registrar provides the prior year plus the current year, and older certificates come from the County Clerk-Recorder.
County versus state
Indiana explains that ordering from the county of birth can be quicker, but a long form must be ordered from the state. Rules like this vary by state, so confirm which office handles your request.
Frequently asked questions
Is a county registrar the same as a county recorder?
Not in California, where they are separate local offices. In other states the roles may be combined.
Can I order from the county where I was born?
Many states allow it, as Indiana does. Check the state health department website for your birth state.
Do all counties keep old records?
No. California counties may keep only recent years and pass older records to another office, so ask before you travel or send a request.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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