Marriage records in Kings County, California, are available through several channels. KingsCACourt.us allows you to find publicly accessible information about the county's marriage records. Additionally, the original documents are maintained by the Kings County Clerk-Recorder's Office, where requests can be made in person or by mail. California state online tools also assist in searching, and the public portal of Kings County Superior Court provides access to court cases related to marriage.
Kings Marriage Records Search
In California, marriage licenses are issued and marriage certificates are registered by the County Clerk-Recorder's Office. In Kings County, this function is performed by the Kings County Clerk-Recorder's Office located in Hanford. The record collection includes issued marriage licenses, registered marriage certificates, and confidential marriage licenses as provided by state law. Historical records, including those dating back to the county's establishment in 1893, are also stored in this office.
Marriage-related court cases, such as divorce or annulment, are handled by the Kings County Superior Court. The court records department is located at 1640 Kings County Dr., Hanford, CA 93230, and handles requests for public court records.
Certified Marriage Record Copies and Fees in Kings
Fees for copies of marriage records are set in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code and Government Code. Below are the basic rates applicable in Kings County:
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Copy | $15 | First copy; per H&S Code §103625 |
| Additional Certified Copy (same order) | $11 | Each subsequent copy of the same record |
| Informational Copy (Non-certified) | $15 | Not legally valid for identity verification |
| Archive Search | Included in copy cost | Search covers a 10-year period |
Authorized Certified Copies are issued only to individuals entitled under California law, typically the spouses, their parents, children, or legal representatives. Informational copies can be obtained by anyone. Mail request processing time is usually 2–4 weeks.
Order Marriage Certificates Online or In Person in Kings
There are three main ways to order a copy of a marriage certificate in Kings County.
Online
The State of California provides the option to order certified copies of vital records through the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) portal. On the CDPH website, you need to:
- Select the record type — "Marriage Record."
- Complete the form with the names of the spouses, date, and place of marriage registration.
- Upload a copy of your ID.
- Pay the fee online.
This method is suitable for marriages registered in any county in California. For court records, such as divorce cases, you can use the Kings County Superior Court online portal or submit a request through the records inquiry form.
In Person
Visit the Kings County Clerk-Recorder's Office during business hours without an appointment:
Bring a valid photo ID. If requesting a certified copy, be prepared to verify your entitlement to receive it. Payment is accepted on-site.
By Mail
To order by mail, send the following documents to the Clerk-Recorder's Office:
- Completed Vital Record Request form — the form can be downloaded from the CDPH website or requested from the office.
- A copy of the requester's ID.
- A check or money order for the appropriate amount, payable to "Kings County Clerk-Recorder."
- A self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mailing address for requests:
Californians also have the right to access public records under the California Public Records Act. However, marriage certificates containing confidential information are subject to access restrictions — an informational copy does not certify the marriage for official purposes. If you have questions about a specific record, contact the Clerk-Recorder's Office directly at (559) 582-3211. For information on court forms and filings, use the relevant section on the Kings County Superior Court website.