Find San Diego Genealogy Records

San Diego genealogy records help researchers trace family roots through California's second largest city. You can access birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and historical documents through San Diego County offices and local archives. The San Diego Public Library maintains extensive genealogy collections including city directories, newspapers, and family histories. San Diego County Recorder holds vital records for events occurring in the city and throughout the county. Additional resources include the California State Genealogical Society's San Diego branch, military records from local bases, and cemetery records spanning San Diego's history from Spanish colonial times to present. Many genealogy records are available online while others require in person visits or mail requests to obtain copies.

San Diego County Genealogy Records

San Diego vital records are managed by San Diego County Assessor Recorder County Clerk. Birth and death certificates for events in San Diego are available from the county recorder. Marriage licenses issued in San Diego County are filed with the county clerk. The county maintains these records at their downtown San Diego office.

The San Diego County Recorder processes vital records requests for the city and entire county. You can order online, visit in person, or mail applications with fees. Birth certificates cost thirty one dollars. Death records are twenty six dollars. Marriage certificates run nineteen dollars per copy as of 2026.

San Diego County records begin in 1850 when California became a state and the county was formed. Pre-1905 vital records exist only at the county level. The state did not require birth and death registration until 1915, so many earlier events were never recorded. If you find gaps in San Diego vital records before 1920, check church registers, newspaper announcements, and cemetery records for alternate documentation.

County offices are located at 1600 Pacific Highway in downtown San Diego. In person requests often receive same day service when records are on file. Online orders through the county portal typically process within a few business days. Mail requests take longer depending on postal delivery times.

San Diego Library Genealogy Collection

The San Diego Public Library genealogy collection is housed at the Central Library downtown. This collection includes thousands of genealogy books, microfilmed newspapers, city directories, and family histories. Researchers can access Ancestry.com and other subscription databases free using library computers.

San Diego city directories date back to the 1800s. These annual publications list residents by name with addresses and occupations. Use them to track San Diego ancestors through different neighborhoods and jobs over time. Combined with census records and vital certificates, directories help build complete family timelines.

The library maintains microfilmed copies of historic San Diego newspapers including the San Diego Union and Evening Tribune. Search these papers for obituaries, marriage announcements, birth notices, and local news mentioning your ancestors. Many issues have been digitized and are keyword searchable online through library databases.

Special collections include San Diego family papers, photograph archives, and local history materials. The library also holds cemetery transcriptions for historic San Diego burial grounds. These records list names, dates, and plot locations for thousands of early residents.

California State Genealogical Society San Diego

The California State Genealogical Society maintains offices and a research library in San Diego. This organization provides genealogy education, research assistance, and access to specialized collections. Members can use the library's holdings which include rare family histories, compiled genealogies, and reference materials not available elsewhere.

The society hosts workshops and seminars on genealogy research methods. Experienced volunteers help members trace difficult family lines and break through brick walls. They also maintain surname indexes and compiled family files for San Diego area families. These resources save time by pointing researchers toward relevant records.

Society publications include quarterly journals with research articles, record abstracts, and family histories. Back issues contain valuable San Diego genealogy information extracted from original sources. Check their catalog for surname coverage before beginning your research.

San Diego Military Genealogy Records

San Diego's military history creates unique genealogy opportunities. Naval personnel stationed at San Diego bases often married local residents and settled in the area. Marine Corps records from Camp Pendleton and MCRD San Diego document thousands of service members with San Diego connections.

The National Archives facility in nearby Riverside holds military personnel records for individuals who served at San Diego installations. Discharge papers, service records, and pension files provide birth dates, birthplaces, physical descriptions, and family information. These records are especially valuable when civilian vital records are missing or incomplete.

San Diego cemetery records include sections for military personnel and veterans. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery records are available through the National Cemetery Administration. Local cemeteries like Greenwood Memorial Park also have veteran sections with burial records.

Military newspaper archives from San Diego bases sometimes contain wedding announcements, birth notices, and obituaries for service families. These publications document San Diego's military community and can fill gaps in official records.

San Diego History Center Archives

The San Diego History Center in Balboa Park maintains extensive archival collections documenting the region's past. Their holdings include business records, personal papers, photograph collections, and manuscripts related to San Diego families. Researchers can access these materials by appointment.

Biographical files on prominent San Diego residents contain clippings, photographs, and documents. Church records from historic San Diego congregations include baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials. These religious records often predate civil vital records and include immigrant families.

Spanish and Mexican era records document San Diego's earliest European settlers. Mission registers from Mission San Diego de Alcala recorded births, marriages, and deaths for the Spanish colonial period. These records are critical for tracing old California families back to the 1700s and early 1800s.

San Diego Online Genealogy Databases

FamilySearch provides free indexed California vital records including San Diego entries. The California Birth Index 1905-1995 contains millions of San Diego births. The California Death Index covers 1905 to 1939. These indexes help verify that records exist before ordering copies.

The California Digital Newspaper Collection includes digitized San Diego newspapers searchable by keyword. This resource works well for finding San Diego obituaries and local news items when you have approximate dates. Many San Diego Union issues from the 1800s and 1900s are available.

Ancestry.com and other subscription genealogy sites offer San Diego specific databases. These include city directories, voter lists, school records, and compiled family trees. Check if your local library provides free access to these paid services.

Tips for San Diego Family History Research

Start with San Diego County offices for official vital records. The county recorder holds birth and death certificates. The county clerk maintains marriage licenses. Verify which office has your needed record type before requesting copies. This saves time and avoids incorrect fees.

Use multiple San Diego sources for each ancestor. Vital records give basic facts. City directories show where people lived. Newspapers provide context. Cemetery records list family groups. Church registers add details not in civil records. Cross check everything to catch mistakes and fill gaps.

San Diego's population boomed during different periods including the Panama-California Exposition era, World War II, and post-war development. Many families moved to San Diego from other states. Trace ancestors back to their origins. Naturalization papers might show immigration details for foreign born San Diego residents.

Consider San Diego's border location when researching Mexican American families. Some vital events may have occurred across the border in Tijuana or other Baja California locations. Mexican civil registration records and church records can supplement California sources for families with cross-border ties.