✓ Official Merced County Information

Vital Records & Certificates in Merced, CaliforniaRecorder – Clerk

Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Recorder – Clerk. We also offer expedited passport services for Merced residents with 3-day processing.

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📚 Understanding Vital Records

❓ Why You Need These Certificates

In Merced’s dynamic environment of university life, agriculture, and growing business sectors, vital records serve countless purposes. UC Merced students need birth certificates for enrollment verification and international programs. Agricultural workers require documentation for seasonal employment and immigration processes. Growing families need certificates for school enrollment and healthcare enrollment. The proximity to Yosemite and international tourism also drives passport application needs throughout the Central Valley community.

🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?

Most Merced residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.

3-Day ServiceCertificate + Passport
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👶 Birth Records

Birth Certificates in Merced

Merced County birth certificates are obtained through the Recorder – Clerk office located at 2222 M Street. Babies born at Mercy Medical Center Merced, Sutter Health facilities, or other area hospitals require certified copies for school enrollment at UC Merced, passport applications, and employment verification in the agricultural sector. The county registrar maintains records for all births occurring within Merced County boundaries. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days for walk-in requests, with expedited service available for urgent needs. County staff can assist with locating records dating back decades for longtime Central Valley families.

Requirements

Valid government-issued photo ID, payment, proof of direct relationship to person named on certificate

💵 Fee: $28 for first certified copy, $13 for additional copies ordered at same time

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 Records

Marriage Licenses in Merced

Couples planning weddings at venues like the Merced Theatre, UC Merced campus facilities, or outdoor ceremonies at local parks obtain marriage licenses from the Merced County Recorder – Clerk at 2222 M Street. California requires a confidential or public marriage license, with no waiting period once issued. Many couples choose the historic courthouse area for their ceremonies, taking advantage of the beautiful Central Valley setting and convenient downtown location.

Requirements

Both parties must appear with valid photo ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married

💵 Fee: $91 for public license, $96 for confidential license

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 Records

Death Certificates in Merced

Death certificates for Merced County residents are processed through the Recorder – Clerk office. These documents are essential for settling estates, claiming life insurance benefits, and transferring property ownership. The office maintains comprehensive records for deaths occurring at local hospitals, care facilities, or residences throughout Merced County.

Requirements

Valid government ID, proof of direct relationship or legal authority to request record

💵 Fee: $21 for certified copy

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 Records

Divorce Decrees in Merced

Divorce decrees from Merced County Superior Court proceedings are available through the court clerk’s office. These certified documents prove dissolution of marriage for remarriage purposes, property transactions, and name change processes. Court staff can locate records using case numbers or party names.

Requirements

Photo identification, case number or party names, payment for copying fees

💵 Fee: $75-100 depending on document length and certification requirements

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 →
📋 Ordering Process

How to Order in Merced

Visit the Merced County Recorder – Clerk office at 2222 M Street during regular business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is located in the downtown government center with public parking available on surrounding streets and in nearby lots. Payment accepted by cash, check, or money order. Staff can assist with completing application forms and determining which documents you need for your specific purpose.

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In Person

⏱️ Same Day

✉️

By Mail

⏱️ 2-3 Weeks

💻

Online

⏱️ 1-2 Weeks

🏛️ Recorder – Clerk

📍

Address

2222 M St, Merced, CA 95340, United States

Office Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
🗺️ Getting There

Get Directions

The Recorder – Clerk office is located at 2222 M Street in downtown Merced, near the intersection with 22nd Street, accessible from Highway 99.

⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service

Choose the option that best fits your timeline

FeatureMerced County Clerk
(Government Service)
PassportsAndVisas.com
(Expedited Service)
Processing TimeSame 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
RELATED SERVICE

Need to Renew Your Passport?

Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Merced residents with 3-day expedited service.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about certificates in Merced, California

Where exactly is the Merced County Recorder – Clerk office in relation to UC Merced?

The Recorder – Clerk office at 2222 M Street is located in downtown Merced, approximately 5 miles south of the UC Merced campus. Students can easily reach it by driving south on N Lake Road to Bellevue Road, then east to M Street.

Can I get rush service for birth certificates if I need them for UC Merced enrollment?

Yes, expedited processing is available for urgent requests. Contact the Recorder – Clerk office at 2222 M Street to arrange same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, especially helpful during university enrollment periods.

What are the parking options near the Merced County government offices?

Free street parking is available along M Street and surrounding blocks. There are also public parking lots within walking distance of the Recorder – Clerk office at 2222 M Street in the downtown government district.

Do I need an appointment to get vital records in Merced County?

No appointment is necessary for standard vital records requests. The Recorder – Clerk office operates on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday. However, calling ahead can help confirm specific document availability and processing times.

Can agricultural workers get expedited service for employment documents?

Yes, the Merced County office understands the seasonal nature of agricultural work and can prioritize requests for employment verification documents when explained to staff at 2222 M Street.

Are weekend hours available for vital records in Merced?

The Recorder – Clerk office operates Monday through Friday only. Weekend service is not available, but you can plan visits during the weekday business hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

How far back do Merced County birth records go?

Merced County birth records are maintained from the early 1900s when the county recording system was established. Older records may require additional research time but are generally available through the Recorder – Clerk office.

Can UC Merced international students get help with document authentication?

The Recorder – Clerk office can provide certified copies that meet authentication requirements. International students should specify their intended use when requesting documents for consular services or foreign university transfers.

Is mail-in service available for Merced County vital records?

Yes, mail-in requests are accepted with proper identification copies and payment. Send requests to Recorder – Clerk, 2222 M Street, Merced, CA 95340 with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing.

What payment methods does the Merced County office accept?

The Recorder – Clerk office at 2222 M Street accepts cash, personal checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks. Credit card acceptance varies, so calling ahead is recommended for large orders.

Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?

Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Merced residents get what they need quickly and easily.

📋 Just need the county clerk office?

🏛️ Visit Merced County Clerk Website

Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs

Need Your Certificate Faster? Expedited passport service available for Merced residents