Vital Records & Certificates in Torrance, CaliforniaLos Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

Torrance residents frequently require vital records for passport applications at nearby LAX, school enrollment in the acclaimed Torrance Unified School District, employment verification with major aerospace and automotive companies, and real estate transactions in the competitive South Bay market. The city’s diverse population and proximity to international business centers create ongoing demand for certified documentation.

Torrance birth certificates are processed through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk located at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. For children born at Torrance Memorial Medical Center or Little Company of Mary Hospital, families can obtain certified copies for school enrollment in the prestigious Torrance Unified School District or passport applications. The South Bay location means many residents also utilize the downtown Los Angeles office for faster service. Los Angeles County typically charges $25 for the first certified copy and $21 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Processing times vary from immediate for walk-in service to 2-3 weeks for mail requests, making advance planning essential for time-sensitive needs.

Couples planning weddings at the elegant Palos Verdes Country Club or intimate ceremonies at Torrance Beach obtain marriage licenses from Los Angeles County offices. The main facility in Norwalk serves the South Bay area, though downtown LA and Beverly Hills offices offer more convenient options for busy professionals. California requires no waiting period, allowing same-day ceremonies after license issuance. Licenses remain valid for 90 days statewide. Popular venues like the Torrance Marriott and Redondo Beach facilities often recommend advance coordination with the county clerk’s office to ensure proper documentation timing.

Death certificates for Torrance residents are issued by Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder offices. Families dealing with losses at Torrance Memorial Medical Center or other local healthcare facilities need multiple certified copies for insurance claims, estate settlement, and financial account closures. The county maintains records for deaths occurring throughout Los Angeles County. Authorized requesters include immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with legitimate interests in the record.

Divorce records for Torrance residents are maintained by Los Angeles County Superior Court. The Torrance courthouse handles local cases, while older records may require visits to downtown Los Angeles facilities. Certified copies are necessary for remarriage licenses, name change documentation, and various legal proceedings. Former spouses and their attorneys can obtain copies with proper identification and case information.

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s main office at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ample free parking surrounds the modern facility, accessible via the I-605 freeway. The office accepts cash, money orders, and credit cards for most transactions. Residents can also visit satellite offices in downtown Los Angeles for faster service or utilize online ordering for mail delivery. Same-day service is available for walk-in customers, while mail orders typically process within two weeks.

From Torrance, take I-405 north to I-605 north, exit Imperial Highway east. The Registrar-Recorder office is immediately visible on the right with abundant parking.