How to Certify Documents with Long Beach City Clerk

General Governance and Administration California 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of California

In Long Beach, California the City Clerk’s office handles certification of certain official city records and can provide certified copies or attestations for city documents. This guide explains the practical steps to request a certified copy, what to bring, how to pay, and where to get help from the City Clerk. It covers common document types handled by the office, how requests are processed, timelines, and how to appeal or resolve problems if a certification is refused. Use the official City Clerk resources listed below to confirm specific fees, forms, and current processing times before you apply.

What the City Clerk Certifies

The City Clerk typically certifies copies or signatures on official city records such as council minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and certain certificates of action. County or state vital records and notarizations are handled by other agencies and not by the City Clerk. For official details about which records the City Clerk can certify, consult the City Clerk records page[1].

City Clerk certification is for city records only and is different from a notary public endorsement.

How to Request a Certified Copy

  • Identify the record you need (document title, date, and file number if known).
  • Submit a records request or contact the City Clerk to confirm availability and processing steps[1].
  • Provide valid photo identification when picking up in person or follow the Clerk’s instructions for mail requests.
  • Pay applicable fees as directed by the City Clerk; the official page should list current fees or state that fees are not specified[1].
  • Allow processing time as advised by the office; processing times are not specified on the cited page and may vary[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Certification of documents by the City Clerk is an administrative function rather than a penal enforcement regime. Specific fines or penalties related to certification requests are not detailed on the City Clerk records pages; if certification is misused in fraud, criminal or civil penalties under state law may apply and will be handled by the appropriate enforcement agency. For the City Clerk's role, contact information and administrative rules are available from the Clerk’s office[2].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Non-monetary remedies: administrative refusals, records denial, and referral to law enforcement or prosecution are possible when misuse is suspected; specific procedures are not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Enforcer and appeals: the City Clerk administers certifications; appeal or review routes for administrative decisions are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the Clerk’s office[2].
If you believe a certification refusal is incorrect, contact the City Clerk promptly to request review.

Applications & Forms

The City Clerk publishes instructions for records requests and any required forms on its records page. Specific form names, numbers, mandatory fields, official fees, and submission addresses are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed directly with the office[1].

Typical Action Steps

  • Confirm the exact document and whether the City Clerk can certify it by checking the records page[1].
  • Complete any published records request form or prepare a written request with document details.
  • Arrange payment as directed by the Clerk; if fees are not listed, ask the Clerk for a current fee schedule[1].
  • Pick up the certified copy in person or follow mail instructions; contact the Clerk for remote authentication options[2].
Bring government-issued photo ID for in-person pickup of certified documents.

FAQ

Can the Long Beach City Clerk certify my birth or marriage certificate?
Generally no; vital records are issued by Los Angeles County or the State of California. The City Clerk certifies city records only. See the City Clerk records page for details[1].
How long does certification take?
Processing time varies and is not specified on the cited page; contact the City Clerk for current timelines[2]
Are there fees for certified copies?
Fees may apply; the exact amounts are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the City Clerk before submitting a request[1].

How-To

  1. Identify the city record you need and note date, title, or file number.
  2. Contact the City Clerk to confirm availability and instructions for requesting a certified copy[2].
  3. Submit the records request or form as instructed and include identification information.
  4. Pay any required fees when notified; if fees are not posted, request the fee schedule from the Clerk[1].
  5. Receive the certified copy in person or by mail following the Clerk’s procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • City Clerk certifies city records such as ordinances and minutes, not vital records.
  • Confirm procedures and fees with the City Clerk before you apply.
  • Bring photo ID for in-person pickup and follow the Clerk’s submission instructions for mail requests.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Long Beach City Clerk - Records and Archives
  2. [2] City of Long Beach City Clerk - Contact
  3. [3] California Secretary of State - Notary Public

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