Lakewood’s position as a major residential hub in southeastern Los Angeles County creates substantial demand for vital records among its 80,510 residents. The city’s excellent schools require birth certificates for enrollment, while the area’s proximity to LAX and major employment centers means residents frequently need documents for job applications, security clearances, and professional licensing. Many families relocating to Lakewood from other states need certified records to establish California residency and transfer various credentials.
Vital Records & Certificates in Lakewood, 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 Lakewood residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Lakewood residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Lakewood
Los Angeles County residents in Lakewood obtain birth certificates through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Children born at nearby Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, or other Los Angeles County hospitals have their births registered with this office. The Norwalk location serves as the main vital records center for all of Los Angeles County’s 88 cities, including Lakewood. Given the city’s large population and proximity to major employment centers, birth certificates are frequently requested for school enrollment, passport applications, and professional licensing. Processing times vary based on demand, but same-day service is available for urgent needs.
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 Lakewood
Lakewood couples planning weddings at venues like the Lakewood Country Club, local churches, or reception halls obtain marriage licenses from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder in Norwalk. The county’s central location makes it convenient for couples from throughout southeastern Los Angeles County. California requires no waiting period, allowing couples to marry immediately after obtaining their license. The marriage license remains valid for 90 days, providing ample time for ceremony planning.
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 Lakewood
Death certificates for Lakewood residents are processed through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office in Norwalk. These essential documents are needed for insurance claims, estate settlements, and Social Security administration. Multiple certified copies are typically required for the various institutions involved in settling final affairs.
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 Lakewood
Los Angeles County divorce records are maintained at the Registrar-Recorder’s office in Norwalk. Certified copies are essential for remarriage, name changes, and legal proceedings. The vast size of Los Angeles County means having case numbers or specific court information helps expedite record searches.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
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 Lakewood
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Wednesdays until 7:00 PM. The facility offers free parking in a large lot adjacent to the building. Payment options include cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. From Lakewood, take the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) north to Imperial Highway, then head west to the office. The location is easily accessible from throughout southeastern Los Angeles County. Online ordering is available through the county’s website, providing convenient 24/7 service for many certificate types.
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 Lakewood, take the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) north to Imperial Highway, then head west approximately two miles to 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. The county office complex is clearly marked with signage.
⚖️ 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 Lakewood residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Lakewood, California
Is there a closer Los Angeles County office to Lakewood than Norwalk?
▼Can I take public transportation to the LA County vital records office from Lakewood?
▼What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds at the LA County office?
▼Do I need an appointment for vital records at the LA County office?
▼Can I get same-day service for birth certificates in Los Angeles County?
▼What forms of payment does Los Angeles County accept?
▼How do I get to the LA County office from the 605 freeway?
▼Can someone else pick up my certificate order in LA County?
▼Are expedited services available for urgent certificate needs?
▼What if I need a certificate for someone born in another LA County city?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Lakewood 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