Sacramento County Genealogy Records

Sacramento County genealogy records trace family history through vital documents maintained by the Clerk-Recorder office. These records include birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and property documents dating back to 1850. You can search Sacramento genealogy records online through the county portal, visit the office in person at 600 8th Street in Sacramento, or request copies by mail. Most birth and death records from events after 1905 are available at both the state and county levels, while earlier records exist only at the county office. The Clerk-Recorder serves researchers Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with recording services closing at 4:00 p.m.

Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder Vital Records

The Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder maintains all vital records for events that occurred within county boundaries. Birth certificates cost thirty one dollars per copy. Death records run twenty six dollars each. Marriage certificates cost nineteen dollars. These fees match state rates and took effect in January 2026.

The Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder office is located at 600 8th Street in downtown Sacramento. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Recording services close at 4:00 p.m. You can request records in person, by mail, or through their online portal. In person requests often process the same day if the record is on file.

Mail requests should include a completed application, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Personal checks may delay processing by fifteen business days. Genealogists should request informational copies, which do not require notarized statements. Informational copies work fine for family history research even though they cannot establish identity.

Phone the Clerk-Recorder at 916-874-6334 for questions about record availability. The office also maintains property records, fictitious business names, and court documents useful for genealogy research. Deeds and probate files often list family relationships and previous residences.

Online Genealogy Record Requests

Sacramento County offers online ordering through a third-party portal at sacramentocavitals.permitium.com. The system accepts credit cards and processes requests electronically. An additional five dollar service fee applies to online orders. You can verify your identity online or opt for notarization if you need certified copies.

Orders process during business hours Monday through Friday. Certificates for recent births typically take up to two weeks to become available after the event. Death certificates require about four weeks. The online system sends tracking information once your order ships via U.S. Postal Service first class mail.

Note: Online ordering adds convenience but costs more than mail requests due to processing fees.

Sacramento Genealogy Research Centers

The Center for Sacramento History maintains extensive archives for local genealogy research. The center holds city directories, newspapers, photographs, maps, and manuscript collections. Their reading room welcomes researchers by appointment. Staff can guide you through Sacramento area resources and local history materials.

Sacramento Public Library branches offer access to Ancestry.com and other subscription databases for free with a library card. The central library hosts genealogy workshops and maintains a local history collection with rare books and documents about early California families.

Sacramento County also maintains historical records at the County Archives located at 600 8th Street. These archives include older court records, naturalization papers, and original documents dating back to the 1850s. Some materials require advance notice for retrieval from offsite storage.

Historical Records in Sacramento County

Sacramento County was one of the original twenty seven counties created when California achieved statehood in 1850. As the state capital, Sacramento kept detailed records from early years. Many county residents worked in government, creating rich paper trails through employment records, voter registrations, and property transfers. Gold Rush arrivals also left traces through mining claims and business filings.

Civil registration of births and deaths began in Sacramento County before California mandated statewide reporting in 1905. The county has birth records from 1872 onward, though early compliance was spotty. Death records from the same period exist but many gaps appear until mandatory registration took effect in 1915. Marriage records date to 1850 because counties issued licenses from the beginning.

Sacramento's location at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers made it prone to flooding. Major floods in 1850, 1862, and 1907 damaged some early records. Most surviving documents were preserved, but researchers should expect occasional gaps in nineteenth century files. The county transferred many older records to microfilm in the 1970s and 1980s.

Types of Genealogy Records Available

Birth certificates from Sacramento County list parents' names, birthplaces, occupations, and residence. Certificates from after 1960 include more detailed medical information. Earlier certificates provide less detail. Some pre-1915 births were registered years after the event, creating delayed certificates that may have incomplete information.

Death records show cause of death, birthplace, parents' names, marital status, and burial location. These details help trace family connections and migration patterns. Sacramento County death certificates often list funeral homes, which may have additional records if the business still operates.

Marriage licenses from Sacramento County include both spouses' names, ages, birthplaces, parents' names, and witnesses. Licenses issued in Sacramento County are recorded there regardless of where the ceremony took place. If your ancestors married in another county but got their license in Sacramento, the record stays with Sacramento County. Confidential marriages performed after 1971 remain sealed except to the spouses.

Property records help establish residence and financial status. Deeds list family members involved in transactions. Some deeds note relationships like widow, heir, or guardian. Probate files in the Sacramento County Superior Court list all heirs and their relationships to the deceased.

How to Order Sacramento County Records

In person ordering works best for fast service. Visit the Clerk-Recorder at 600 8th Street with photo ID and details about the record you need. Bring the full name on the record, the date or approximate year, and the type of record. Staff will search the index and provide copies while you wait if the record exists.

Mail requests need a completed application form specific to each record type. Download forms from the county website or request them by phone. Include your payment, a copy of your ID, and a stamped return envelope. Allow two weeks for processing. Mail applications to Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder, P.O. Box 839, Sacramento, CA 95812-0839.

Online requests through the Permitium portal work well for recent records. The system walks you through identity verification and payment. You can check order status online after submission. Expect one to two weeks for delivery after the order is approved.

Major Cities in Sacramento County

Sacramento County includes several cities with significant populations. The city of Sacramento serves as both the county seat and state capital. Other cities in the county include Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova. All vital records for events in these cities are maintained by the Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder regardless of which city the event occurred in.

Adjacent counties include Placer County to the north, El Dorado County to the east, San Joaquin County to the south, and Yolo County to the west. If your ancestors lived near county boundaries, check records in neighboring counties as well.