Gardena’s diverse population frequently requires vital records for cultural organization memberships, immigration documentation, international family connections, school enrollment, passport applications for business and leisure travel, and maintaining genealogical records that span multiple generations and countries, reflecting the community’s rich multicultural heritage.
Vital Records & Certificates in Gardena, CaliforniaLos Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. We also offer expedited passport services for Gardena residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Gardena residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Gardena
Gardena residents access birth certificates through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office located at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Children born at local facilities like Gardena Memorial Hospital or nearby Harbor-UCLA Medical Center require certified copies for enrollment in Gardena schools, passport applications, and various family documentation needs. Los Angeles County charges $25 for the first certified copy and $7 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Given Gardena’s multicultural population, many families require multiple copies for international documentation, dual citizenship applications, and maintaining records across different cultural traditions and legal systems.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Gardena
Couples celebrating weddings at cherished Gardena venues like the Gardena Buddhist Church, intimate receptions at local community centers, or traditional Japanese ceremonies need marriage licenses from Los Angeles County. The county clerk issues licenses valid for 90 days statewide, with no waiting period required. At $91 per license, many couples also purchase the decorative keepsake certificate for an additional $20, creating a beautiful memento of their special day in this culturally rich community.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Gardena
Death certificates are essential for settling estates, claiming benefits, and handling property transfers in Gardena’s established neighborhoods. Los Angeles County provides certified copies for $21 each through the Registrar-Recorder office. Many Gardena families appreciate the county’s sensitive handling of these requests during difficult times, with expedited processing available for urgent legal or financial deadlines.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Gardena
Los Angeles County Superior Court maintains divorce records needed for remarriage, name restoration, and child support matters. Certified copies cost $75 each and can be obtained from various courthouse locations throughout the county. The court’s comprehensive online case search system helps Gardena residents locate specific records before visiting, making the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful but not required
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Gardena
Visit the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. From Gardena, take the 91 Freeway east to the Shoemaker Avenue exit. Ample parking is available in the county facility lot. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Online ordering through lavote.net offers convenient home delivery for many services. Public transportation users can take Metro bus lines that connect Gardena to the Norwalk location, though driving is typically more convenient for most residents.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Address
12400 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
From Gardena, take Highway 91 East to the Shoemaker Avenue exit in Norwalk. Head north to Imperial Highway, then turn right. The Los Angeles County office is at 12400 Imperial Highway with free parking available.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Los Angeles County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Gardena residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Gardena, California
Which Metro lines can I take from Gardena to get vital records?
▼Are there any Los Angeles County offices closer to Gardena than Norwalk?
▼Can I avoid the drive to Norwalk by ordering online from Gardena?
▼How long does it take to drive from Gardena to the LA County clerk office?
▼Is parking free at the Los Angeles County vital records office?
▼What languages are supported at the LA County clerk office for Gardena residents?
▼Can I get same-day service for marriage licenses from Los Angeles County?
▼Are there rush processing options for LA County vital records?
▼How far back do Los Angeles County vital records go for Gardena?
▼Can I order multiple types of certificates at once from LA County?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Gardena residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Los Angeles County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs