Who is an "authorized party"?
Some copies of birth, death, or marriage records used for legal identification, like getting a passport or a driver’s license, are called authorized certified copies.
Only certain people can request those copies, as defined in Health and Safety Code 103526.
You are an authorized person if you are:
- The person named on the record
- A parent or legal guardian
- A grandparent
- A child
- A grandchild
- A sibling
- A spouse or domestic partner
- An attorney representing the person or their estate
- Someone who was granted court ordered access
- Law enforcement doing official work
- Representative of a state or local government agency
- A funeral home (for death certificates only)
What if I'm not an "authorized party"?
If you are not one of the parties listed above, you are still able to purchase a certified informational copy of of a birth, death, or public marriage record.
These copies will be clearly stamped: informational - not a valid document to establish identity. Some records also may have signatures or Social Security Numbers redacted.
Getting an authorized copy
If you are an authorized party, you will be required to complete a Sworn Statement.
- If you request a copy by mail or online, you must:
- Sign the Sworn Statement
- Have the Certificate of Acknowledgment completed by a Notary Public
- If you visit our office in person:
- You can sign the Sworn Statement in front of staff
- You must show valid photo ID
What about copies of a confidential marriage license?
Only the couple named on a confidential marriage certificate can request a copy. No one else may request copies unless they have a court order granting access.