California Genealogy Records

To begin, add a genealogy record or view a list of locations and resources for California genealogy records.

Genealogical researching has become a national past-time in an effort to bond with our past. In times of turmoil, locating our past can help ease the sting as we realize that similar plights befell our ancestors. In 1846 California broke away from Mexico and in 1850 it became a state.

California allows you to view and get copies of most records held by the California Department of Public Health, although confidential records are not available. Researchers have the ability because of a state law named the Public Records Act. This is of great assistance when searching for California genealogy records.

Most of the major records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, are housed by the California Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records.? The Office of Vital Records issues certified copies of birth and death records from 1905 and it maintains a central registry of marriages and divorces. It provides other services regarding adoptions and paternity information as well as fetal death and still birth certificates. This is the office that would be of the most assistance in locating California genealogy records.

In addition to the Department of Public Health, the California History Section houses many documents that offer assistance to those performing genealogical research in California including census information, city and county directories, as well as some telephone books.