The LA County Registrar in Norwalk handles vital records and voter registration for the area

The LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office in Norwalk is a public facility where you can request birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and other vital records. It is also where you register to vote or update your voter information for Los Angeles County. The office does not handle all county services — property records, court documents, and business licenses are managed elsewhere — but for vital records and voter matters, this is the right location.

The Norwalk office is one of several locations run by the same department. If you live closer to another branch or prefer to handle your business by mail or online, those options exist. But if you are in the Norwalk area and need to pick up a document in person or register to vote face-to-face, this office serves that purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • The Norwalk Registrar office issues birth, death, and marriage certificates and handles voter registration for LA County residents.
  • You can request vital records in person, by mail, or online through the county website — in-person requests are often the fastest.
  • Voter registration can be done at the office, online at registrar.lacounty.gov, or by mail using a registration form.
  • Bring a photo ID and proof of address when visiting in person; requirements vary depending on which record you are requesting.
  • Hours and exact services may change, so calling ahead or checking the website before you visit saves a trip.

Where the Norwalk office is located and how to reach it

The LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Norwalk office is located at 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650. You can reach the office by phone at (562) 462-2137 to ask about hours, wait times, or whether a specific service is available that day.

The office is accessible by car and has parking available. Public transit options depend on your starting point, but you can check LA Metro's website for bus routes that serve the Imperial Highway area. If you are calling from outside the local area, you can also reach the main Registrar line at (888) 683-2837 to be directed to the right department or location.

How to request a vital record in person

When you visit the Norwalk office to request a birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage certificate, bring a photo ID and proof of your current address. The staff will ask you to fill out a request form — you can also read and pre-fill the form from the county website before you arrive, which speeds up the process.

The cost of a vital record varies: birth certificates and death certificates typically cost between $15 and $30 depending on how many copies you need, and marriage certificates follow a similar fee structure. Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or card, but call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods. In-person requests are often processed the same day or within a few business days, though this depends on how busy the office is.

If you are requesting a record for someone else — such as a child's birth certificate or a spouse's death certificate — you may need to show your relationship to that person or provide written authorization. The requirements differ by record type, so ask the staff when you arrive or call beforehand to confirm what you need to bring.

Requesting vital records by mail or online

If you cannot visit in person, you can request a vital record by mail. read the appropriate request form from the LA County Registrar website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with a copy of your photo ID and proof of address to the Norwalk office address. Include a check or money order for the fee plus postage for return delivery. Mail requests typically take two to three weeks to process, depending on the volume the office is handling.

You can also request some vital records online through the county website. Birth certificates and death certificates can often be ordered this way, and you can pay by credit card. Online orders are usually processed faster than mail requests — often within one to two weeks — and you can choose to have the document mailed to you or pick it up at the office.

Registering to vote at the Norwalk office

You can register to vote or update your voter registration in person at the Norwalk Registrar office. Bring a photo ID and proof of your current address. The staff will help you complete a voter registration form, and your registration is usually processed within a few days. You will receive a voter card in the mail once your registration is confirmed.

You do not have to visit the office to register. You can register online at registrar.lacounty.gov, by mail using a voter registration form (available at the office or online), or at many other locations such as the DMV or public libraries. Online registration is often the fastest option and takes only a few minutes.

What to bring and what to expect during your visit

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are requesting a record for someone else, bring documentation of your relationship or written permission from that person. Have the specific information ready: for a birth certificate, the full name of the person born, their date of birth, and their parents' names; for a death certificate, the full name of the deceased and the date of death; for a marriage certificate, the names of both people married and the approximate date of marriage.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early mornings and mid-week visits are often less crowded than afternoons or Fridays. The office may be busier around tax season (January through April) when people need birth certificates for tax returns, and around election season when voter registration increases. If you are concerned about wait times, call ahead or check the website for current information.

Services the Norwalk office does not provide

The Registrar office handles vital records and voter registration, but not all county services. If you need property records, you will contact the Assessor's office. Court documents and case information go through the Superior Court. Business licenses and fictitious business name filings are handled by the County Clerk's business services division, which may be at a different location or online.

If you are unsure which office handles what you need, call the main Registrar line at (888) 683-2837 and they can direct you to the right department. This saves you a trip to the wrong location and gets you to the correct office faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a birth certificate?

In-person requests at the Norwalk office are often processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail requests take two to three weeks, and online orders typically take one to two weeks. The exact timeline depends on how busy the office is and whether the record is on file.

Can I request a vital record for someone else?

Yes, but you may need to show your relationship to that person or provide written permission from them. Requirements vary by record type — for example, a parent can request a child's birth certificate, but requesting an adult's record may require their authorization. Call the office at (562) 462-2137 to confirm what you need to bring.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

A photo ID is the standard requirement for in-person requests. If you do not have one, call the office to ask what alternative documents they will accept. You may be able to bring a combination of documents that prove your identity and address.

Can I register to vote online instead of visiting the office?

Yes. You can register online at registrar.lacounty.gov, by mail, or at many other locations. Online registration is often faster and does not require a visit to the office. You must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old, and a California resident to register.

What if the office is closed when I need to visit?

Call ahead to confirm hours, as they may vary by season or holiday. If the office is closed, you can request vital records by mail or online, or visit another LA County Registrar location. The main office in downtown Los Angeles and other branch locations may have different hours.