San Mateo’s position as a Peninsula hub for technology, healthcare, and education means residents regularly need vital records for security clearances at tech companies, international business travel through nearby SFO, employment verification in the competitive Bay Area job market, and school enrollment in highly-rated districts. The city’s affluent demographics and proximity to major corporations create frequent demands for certified documentation supporting professional advancement and family needs.
Vital Records & Certificates in San Mateo, CaliforniaSan Mateo County Office of Vital Records
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the San Mateo County Office of Vital Records. We also offer expedited passport services for San Mateo residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most San Mateo residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in San Mateo
San Mateo families obtain birth certificates through the San Mateo County Office of Vital Records, conveniently located at 1600 W Hillsdale Blvd #203 right here in the city. Babies born at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, Seton Medical Center, or other Peninsula hospitals have their births recorded with the county system. This local access proves invaluable for San Mateo residents working in Silicon Valley who need expedited documentation for employment verification, security clearances, or international business travel. The county office processes requests efficiently, requiring standard identification, payment, and relationship verification to the certificate holder.
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 San Mateo
Couples planning San Mateo weddings at stunning venues like the historic Kohl Mansion, outdoor ceremonies at Coyote Point Recreation Area, or elegant receptions at the San Mateo Marriott obtain marriage licenses through the county office on Hillsdale Boulevard. California’s marriage license procedures are streamlined for busy Bay Area professionals, though couples must appear together with proper identification. The county processes applications efficiently for San Mateo’s diverse community of tech workers, healthcare professionals, and educators.
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 San Mateo
When San Mateo families need death certificates for estate matters or insurance claims, the county vital records office provides these essential documents promptly. Whether memorial services were held at local funeral homes or celebration of life gatherings at Central Park’s Japanese Tea Garden, certified death certificates offer the legal documentation required for probate proceedings, survivor benefits, and financial account transfers throughout the Peninsula region.
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 San Mateo
San Mateo residents seeking divorce decree copies access these court records through San Mateo County’s superior court system. Given the area’s high property values and complex financial portfolios common among Bay Area professionals, these certified documents prove essential for asset division, refinancing, and remarriage applications. Court records are maintained locally, providing convenient access for Peninsula residents handling post-divorce legal matters.
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 San Mateo
The San Mateo County Office of Vital Records operates at 1600 W Hillsdale Blvd #203, easily accessible from Highway 101 and Caltrain stations. This central Peninsula location offers convenient parking and serves the entire county from one accessible San Mateo facility. Office hours accommodate working professionals, and multiple payment options include credit cards for busy Bay Area residents. The Hillsdale Boulevard location provides efficient service whether you need routine documentation or expedited processing for urgent business or travel requirements.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ San Mateo County Office of Vital Records
Address
1600 W Hillsdale Blvd #203, San Mateo, CA 94402, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
Located at 1600 W Hillsdale Blvd #203 in San Mateo, accessible via Highway 101 Hillsdale exit or Caltrain to Hillsdale Station
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | San Mateo 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 San Mateo residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in San Mateo, California
Can I reach the San Mateo vital records office via Caltrain?
▼What’s the parking situation at the San Mateo County vital records office?
▼Do you offer same-day birth certificate service for San Mateo tech workers?
▼Can I get expedited processing for urgent San Mateo certificate requests?
▼What if my child was born at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center?
▼Are there discounts for San Mateo senior citizens?
▼Can I order San Mateo certificates online?
▼What forms of payment are accepted at the San Mateo office?
▼How do I get marriage licenses for Kohl Mansion weddings?
▼Can someone else pick up my San Mateo certificates?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help San Mateo residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit San Mateo County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs