Contra Costa County Genealogy Records

Contra Costa County genealogy records help trace East Bay families through vital documents maintained by the Recorder's Division in Martinez. Birth, death, and marriage records are available for events that occurred within the county including Richmond, Concord, Antioch, and other communities. The Recorder's Division handles recording of deeds, court decrees, and many documents affecting property title plus vital records for the county. Kristin B. Connelly serves as Recorder. The office is located at 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Call 925-335-7900 for Recorder and County Clerk services. TTY users call 711. Office functions are conducted under provisions of State Constitution, State Law, and County Ordinances. Online services reduce the need for in person visits.

Contra Costa County Recorder Division

The Contra Costa County Recorder's Division maintains vital records including birth, death, and marriages within the county. The division is responsible for recording deeds, deeds of trust, court decrees and many other documents affecting title to real property in Contra Costa County. They also maintain Uniform Commercial Code filings, subdivision maps, and vital records.

All functions of the office are conducted under provisions of the State Constitution, State Law and County Ordinances. This legal framework ensures proper handling and preservation of vital records essential for genealogy research. The office follows California Health and Safety Code requirements for access to birth, death, and marriage records by authorized persons and genealogists.

The office is located at 555 Escobar Street, Martinez, CA 94553. Phone the Recorder/County Clerk at 925-335-7900 during business hours. The Registrar of Voters uses a separate number at 925-335-7800. TTY users can call 711 for accessibility services. Kristin B. Connelly serves as the current Recorder overseeing all vital records functions.

Online Services and Remote Access

Contra Costa County encourages customers to use online services for transactions. This reduces the rate of disease transmission and provides convenience for genealogy researchers. You can mail documents and forms or deposit requests in the mail drop box outside the Clerk-Recorder's office. These options help you avoid in person visits while still accessing vital records you need for family history research.

Online ordering systems allow you to request birth, death, and marriage certificates from your computer. Additional processing fees apply to online orders beyond the base certificate cost. Credit card payments are accepted for online transactions. Processing time varies depending on record age and office workload. Recent records typically process faster than historical records requiring manual searching.

Mail requests remain an option if you prefer traditional methods. Send completed applications with payment by check or money order. Include self addressed stamped envelope for return of certificates. Allow two to three weeks for processing and postal delivery. More time may be needed for older records or during peak genealogy research seasons in spring and summer.

Birth Death and Marriage Records

Birth certificates cost thirty one dollars per copy. Death records run twenty six dollars. Marriage certificates are nineteen dollars. These fees follow California statewide rates effective January 2026. Payment methods include check, money order, credit card for online orders, or cash for in person visits. Do not send cash through the mail.

Birth records are available if the birth occurred in Contra Costa County. Death records document deaths within county boundaries. Marriage records are on file if the license was issued in this county. The office cannot provide records for events that occurred in other counties. Contact the county where an event took place if it did not happen in Contra Costa County.

Genealogy researchers should request informational copies. These do not require notarized sworn statements and cost the same as certified copies. Informational copies contain all genealogical data but display a legend stating they cannot establish identity. This limitation does not matter for family history purposes. Requesting informational copies simplifies ordering and avoids notarization delays.

Contra Costa County History and Records

Contra Costa County formed in 1850 as one of California's original counties. The name means opposite coast in Spanish, referring to its location across the bay from San Francisco. Early settlement focused on ranching and agriculture. Towns grew along waterways and later railroad lines. Richmond developed as a major port and industrial center. Concord and other cities expanded with suburban growth after World War II.

Vital records from the 1850s through early 1900s are incomplete. California did not require registration until 1915. Some events were recorded voluntarily after 1905 but most people ignored registration until it became mandatory. Marriage records survive better since county clerks issued licenses as official duties. Birth and death recording was spotty until the law required it.

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake affected some areas of Contra Costa County. Record loss was less severe than in San Francisco itself, but some documents were damaged. Church records, cemetery records, and newspapers help fill gaps where official vital records do not exist for earthquake era ancestors. Historical societies throughout the county preserve local records and can guide genealogy research.

Contra Costa County Research Resources

Contra Costa County Library maintains genealogy collections at various branches. The History Center in Martinez specializes in local history and genealogy. Collections include county histories, cemetery records, and newspaper archives. Old newspapers contain birth announcements, marriage notices, and obituaries with family details not found in official certificates. Library staff can help locate relevant resources.

The Contra Costa County Historical Society preserves documents, photographs, and records relating to county history. Their archives include family papers, business records, and local government documents. The historical society provides context for ancestors who lived in the county and helps researchers understand local history affecting their families.

Cemeteries throughout Contra Costa County keep burial records. Many historic cemeteries date to the 1800s. Tombstones list birth and death dates, parents, spouses, and other family information. Cemetery offices maintain burial records and plot maps. Some cemetery databases are available online through Find A Grave and BillionGraves. These sites allow searching from home before visiting actual cemeteries.

The California Genealogical Society in Oakland serves the broader East Bay including Contra Costa County. Their library holds family histories, local records, and genealogical reference materials. Members receive research assistance and access to subscription databases. The society offers classes and workshops on genealogy research techniques.

Note: Always verify which county issued marriage licenses since ceremony location differs from issuing location.

Major Cities in Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County includes several cities with populations over one hundred thousand. Richmond, Concord, and Antioch all qualify as major cities for genealogy research. Each city has libraries and historical resources supporting family history research. Vital records for all cities are maintained by the county recorder in Martinez. Do not contact individual cities for birth, death, or marriage certificates.

City libraries often have local history rooms with photographs, maps, city directories, and newspapers. These resources complement the vital records kept at county level. Historical societies in Richmond, Concord, Walnut Creek, and other cities preserve local records and provide context for family history research in those communities.

Tips for Contra Costa County Genealogy Research

Use online services when possible. This provides convenience and reduces processing time. Online ordering works well for recent records stored in electronic format. Older records may still require mail or in person research depending on what has been digitized. Call the office if you are unsure whether a particular record is available online.

Order informational copies for genealogy purposes. They cost the same as certified copies but skip notarization requirements. The information content is identical. The legend about not establishing identity does not affect genealogy use. This simplifies the ordering process significantly for mail requests.

Provide complete information on applications. Include full names, exact or approximate dates, parents' names, and any other details you know. More information helps locate records faster. Write clearly or type applications to prevent misreading of names and dates. Double check spelling of names since variations can affect searches.

Check multiple sources if official records are missing. Church records, cemetery records, and newspapers often contain information never officially recorded. The county library history center and local historical societies can guide you toward alternative genealogy sources when vital records do not exist.

Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research

Contra Costa County neighbors several Bay Area counties. Alameda County lies to the south across the bay. Solano County extends to the northeast. Sacramento County sits to the east. San Joaquin County borders to the southeast. Marin County is northwest across the water. Families moved between these counties for work and housing. Check vital records in adjacent counties if Contra Costa has no record of an ancestor you believe lived in the East Bay region.