Vital Records & Certificates in California, MarylandSt. Mary’s County Clerks Office

California, Maryland’s growing population and significant military presence create frequent vital records needs. From security clearances and military family benefits to property transfers, school enrollment, and passport applications, residents regularly require certified documentation through St. Mary’s County services.

California, Maryland residents obtain birth certificates through St. Mary’s County Clerks Office at 41605 Court House Dr in Leonardtown. Many area births occur at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown or patients travel to facilities in nearby Charles County or Southern Maryland Hospital Center. The county clerk maintains birth records for all St. Mary’s County births and processes certified copy requests. Given the area’s significant military population from nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station, expedited processing is often available for families with deployment or transfer orders requiring immediate documentation.

Couples planning weddings in California’s scenic venues, including waterfront ceremonies along the Patuxent River or celebrations at local establishments like Smokey Joe’s Grill, obtain marriage licenses from St. Mary’s County Clerks Office in Leonardtown. Maryland has no waiting period once the license is issued, allowing immediate ceremonies. Military couples from the naval air station often coordinate licensing with deployment schedules and receive priority assistance for urgent requests.

Death certificates for California residents are processed through the St. Mary’s County Clerks Office in Leonardtown. These documents are essential for estate settlement, particularly given the area’s substantial property values and military survivor benefits processing. The county office maintains comprehensive death records and provides certified copies for insurance claims, Social Security benefits, and property transfers common in this growing community.

Divorce decree copies for California area residents are available through the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court system in Leonardtown. These records are frequently needed for remarriage, property division, or military benefit changes. The courthouse maintains divorce files and provides certified copies upon proper request with identification and case information when available.

St. Mary’s County Clerks Office operates at 41605 Court House Dr in Leonardtown, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. From California, take Route 5 south to Leonardtown, approximately 15 miles through scenic southern Maryland countryside. Ample free parking surrounds the courthouse complex. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. During peak travel seasons to Solomons Island, allow extra time for the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge traffic that can extend travel times.

From California, Maryland, head south on Route 5 toward Leonardtown. The St. Mary’s County courthouse complex is located on Court House Drive, about 15 miles from the California commercial area via Route 5 south.