Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder — Local services in Martinez

The facility is clean and nicely decorated, and that’s probably the only positive aspect I can disclose.

Over the phone and in person, everyone I've encountered there has been either negligent, rude or a shocking (as in, shocked that these people are still employed) combo of both. They’ve warped what should have been an easy, jovial procedure into a sluggish, spirit-crushing nightmare.

It's been nearly 6 MONTHS since my Wedding Day, and I still have to make an in-person appearance to confirm that a very small detail (that they initially screwed up— ‘clerical error’) has finally been fixed on my Certificate.

Repeatedly, every procedure within a procedure is laced with mystery. Adding to the strain, people divided amongst stations do not streamline information, causing one to go in unnecessary circles. What’s worse, the critique is either delivered by barking through glass or to your face in snide, overtly contemptuous tones.

To them, every question or error on your part is automatically worthy of increasingly disrespectful treatment, because apparently, asking for information (or any demonstration of graceful competence) is equivalent to asking for their right hand on a platter. In the midst of such treatment, be ready to never hear the phrase ‘sorry for the inconvenience’ — EVERY person you’ll encounter somehow’s been brainwashed into thinking that displays of empathy are beneath them.

You’ll always be the inconvenience to them, no matter how true the opposite may be.

Don't let the peaceful architecture & surroundings fool you-- please go where accuracy and service are paramount. Even for something as simple as procuring a marriage license/certificate, please go elsewhere and save yourself the time, sweat, and existential turmoil in making sure the Contra Costa County Staff are in fact doing their jobs with...

I have never experience a government office like this one. Go there in person. You will be blown away how this county office's staff is super friendly and helpful. Everyone there smiles and goes out of their way to answer questions, hands out the related forms and takes the time to point out what areas that need to be filled out depending on your need. This place doesn't feel like you are at a government office with drones for employees. Go early and the greeter will ask you what you are wanting and hands you a ticket with a smile and tells you to take a seat. The Recorder's office is clean, bright and tidy. There is a free parking lot with plenty of spaces. My only complaint is that the Recorder's Office is in Martinez (at the farthest point of Contra Costa County). All county government offices should be moved to Walnut Creek to make it more convenient for CCC...

9/1/14

My husband and I recently stopped in here to renew my notary commission. The final steps were to file my bond with the County Clerk-Recorder, and swear my oath. During the same visit, I also requested two certified copies of our marriage license.

The entire process was very fast. The short line at the front desk moved quickly and we were given a number that directed us to the correct window when it was called. The wait wasn't long and the woman at the window was very helpful.

There is an extra fee to pay for service with a credit or debit card ($2.50), but they do accept checks so this can be avoided. Fees were reasonable and similar to the fees in most counties. They also have a great website that's easy to navigate to find...