In Santa Clara’s tech-driven economy, vital records are essential for employment verification at major companies like Intel and NVIDIA, passport applications for international business travel, school enrollment for children attending Santa Clara Unified schools, and marriage ceremonies at the historic Mission. Tech workers relocating to Silicon Valley frequently need these documents for residency verification and professional licensing.
Vital Records & Certificates in Santa Clara, CaliforniaSanta Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. We also offer expedited passport services for Santa Clara residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Santa Clara residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Santa Clara
Santa Clara residents can obtain birth certificates through the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office located at 110 W Tasman Drive in San Jose. Babies born at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center or El Camino Hospital need certified copies for everything from preschool enrollment to youth sports registration. The county charges $28 for the first certified copy and $13 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days for walk-in requests, though expedited same-day service is available for an additional fee.
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 Santa Clara
Couples planning weddings at the historic Mission Santa Clara or the elegant Santa Clara Marriott can obtain marriage licenses from the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. California requires both parties to appear in person with valid identification, and there’s no waiting period once the license is issued. Popular ceremony venues like the Hyatt House and Central Park Gardens make Santa Clara an attractive wedding destination for Bay Area couples seeking both convenience and beauty.
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 Santa Clara
Death certificates for Santa Clara residents are processed through the county clerk’s office, essential for settling estates, insurance claims, and Social Security benefits. Families dealing with losses at Kaiser Permanente or other local medical facilities need multiple certified copies for various legal and financial purposes. The county provides these documents efficiently to help families during difficult times.
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 Santa Clara
Divorce records for Santa Clara County cases can be obtained from the Family Court Services or the clerk-recorder’s office. These documents are frequently needed for remarriage applications, name changes, and financial account updates. Having the case number expedites the process significantly for former spouses needing official documentation.
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 Santa Clara
Visit the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office at 110 W Tasman Drive, First Floor, San Jose (about 15 minutes from downtown Santa Clara). The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with ample parking available in the adjacent structure. They accept cash, checks, and major credit cards. Online ordering is also available through the county’s website for added convenience, with documents mailed to your address.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office
Address
110 W Tasman Dr 1st floor, San Jose, CA 95134, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
From Santa Clara, take Lawrence Expressway north to US-101 North, exit at Tasman Drive and head east to 110 W Tasman Drive in San Jose.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Santa Clara, California
Which VTA light rail stops are closest to the Santa Clara County clerk office?
▼Can I get expedited service for birth certificates in Santa Clara County?
▼Do I need an appointment at the Santa Clara County clerk office?
▼Where can I park when visiting the clerk office on Tasman Drive?
▼Can Santa Clara University students get birth certificates at the county office?
▼What forms of payment does Santa Clara County accept?
▼How long do birth certificates take to process in Santa Clara County?
▼Can I order certificates online for Santa Clara County records?
▼What if I need a birth certificate from another California county while living in Santa Clara?
▼Are there any holidays when the Santa Clara County clerk office is closed?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Santa Clara residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Santa Clara County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs