Los Angeles Genealogy Records

Los Angeles genealogy records trace family histories through birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and historical documents maintained by Los Angeles County offices and city institutions. Researchers can access vital records through the county recorder, explore historical collections at the Los Angeles Public Library, and consult resources at the Southern California Genealogical Society. The city's diverse archives hold millions of records spanning from Spanish colonial times through modern California history, making Los Angeles one of the richest genealogy research destinations in the western United States.

Los Angeles County Vital Records

All vital records for Los Angeles are maintained by Los Angeles County offices, not by the city itself. Birth and death certificates for events in Los Angeles must be obtained through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. The county office holds records for all births and deaths that occurred within Los Angeles city limits since county formation in 1850.

The Los Angeles County Recorder processes vital records requests at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. You can order certificates online, by mail, or in person. Birth certificates cost thirty one dollars. Death certificates run twenty six dollars. Marriage certificates cost nineteen dollars. Same day service is available for in person visits when records are on file.

Los Angeles County maintains an online portal at apps.lavote.net/BDM where you can start applications for birth, death, and marriage certificates. The system allows you to fill out forms electronically before submitting by mail or bringing to the office. Processing times vary from same day for walk-in service to two weeks for mail requests.

Marriage records are kept by the county where the license was issued, not where the ceremony took place. If your ancestor obtained a marriage license in Los Angeles County but married elsewhere in California, the Los Angeles County office still has the record. Confidential marriages performed after 1971 remain sealed except to the spouses or by court order.

Los Angeles Public Library History and Genealogy

The Los Angeles Public Library maintains extensive genealogy resources at the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. The History and Genealogy Department holds city directories from the 1880s forward, Los Angeles Times historical indexes, telephone books, and local manuscript collections. Researchers can access these materials in person or request assistance through the library's reference services.

The library's collection includes California census records, Los Angeles area newspapers on microfilm, and family history research guides. Staff can help locate obituaries, marriage announcements, and local news items that provide context for genealogy research. Many resources are available only on site due to copyright restrictions, though some digital collections can be accessed remotely with a library card.

Note: The Los Angeles Public Library website at lapl.org offers online research guides and indexes to help plan your visit.

Southern California Genealogical Society Resources

The Southern California Genealogical Society operates a research library at 417 Irving Drive in Burbank with over forty thousand volumes. The collection covers Los Angeles area families, California vital records indexes, cemetery records, and genealogical reference materials. SCGS members receive access to subscription databases, research assistance, and educational programs throughout the year.

The society publishes research guides specific to Los Angeles genealogy challenges. Their collection includes Los Angeles County death indexes, Southern California obituary files, and family histories donated by members. Non-members can visit the library for a small daily fee. The library is open Tuesday through Saturday with extended hours on research days.

SCGS hosts monthly meetings, workshops on genealogy methods, and special interest groups for ethnic genealogy research. The Los Angeles area's diverse population means specialized resources exist for researching Hispanic, Asian, African American, and European immigrant families. The society maintains connections with other local historical organizations and can direct researchers to additional sources.

Los Angeles Historical Society and Archives

The Los Angeles City Historical Society preserves records and photographs documenting city development from the Spanish and Mexican periods through modern times. Their collections include early land grant records, photographs of Los Angeles families and businesses, maps showing neighborhood changes, and oral histories from longtime residents.

Los Angeles city directories from the 1870s help locate where ancestors lived and worked. These annual publications list residents alphabetically with addresses and occupations. Cross-referencing multiple years shows when families moved, changed jobs, or disappeared from the city. The historical society reading room provides access to original directories and microfilm copies.

Catholic church records from the Los Angeles area date back to the mission period. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles archives holds baptism, marriage, and burial records from parishes throughout the region. These church records often predate civil registration and may be the only documentation for events before 1850. Access requires an appointment and proof of relationship for recent records.

Cemetery records provide another genealogy source for Los Angeles researchers. Angeles Abbey Memorial Park, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Forest Lawn, Calvary Cemetery, and other historic burial grounds maintain interment records. Some cemeteries allow online searches while others require written requests or in person visits.

Los Angeles Genealogy Research Tips

Los Angeles County is the most populous county in California. Millions of vital records exist, but searching without specific details wastes time. Know at least an approximate year and the person's full name before requesting records. Common names like Garcia, Martinez, or Smith require additional identifying information such as parent names or addresses to locate the correct record.

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake did not directly affect Los Angeles, but some county records were lost to other fires and disasters over the decades. Earlier records from the 1850s through 1870s are less complete than later records. If vital records are missing, check church registers, cemetery records, newspaper obituaries, and probate files for alternative documentation.

Los Angeles grew rapidly during several immigration waves. Chinese exclusion era records from the late 1800s, Japanese immigration records from the early 1900s, and Hispanic migration records from throughout California history require specialized research approaches. Ethnic genealogical societies and university archives hold materials not found in mainstream repositories.

Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County includes many other cities with populations over one hundred thousand. Researchers with Los Angeles area ancestors should check these nearby cities for additional records and resources.

Major cities near Los Angeles: Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Pomona, Torrance, Inglewood, Lancaster

All cities in Los Angeles County use the same county recorder office for vital records. City-specific resources include local libraries, historical societies, and cemetery records that supplement county-level documentation.