Introduction to California Death Certificates

This article is designed to help you get a California Death certificate.  Counter to common belief, not everything is on the Internet.  Personal Death certificates are one of the items that are not readily available online, and that is probably a good thing.  You do not want your Death certificate in the public domain, where it can be seen by anyone.  However, this does not mean that you can’t easily get your Death certificate.  

California Death certificates have been maintained by the California Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records for individuals that died in the state of California since 1905.

California Death Certificate Authorized Persons

By California state law, California Death certificates are confidential records and can only be obtained by the following authorized individuals:

• Mother/Father (or Legal Guardian) of Person Named on the California Death Certificate
• Husband/Wife of Person Named on the California Death Certificate
• Domestic Partner of the Person Named on the California Death Certificate  
• Son/Daughter of Person Named on the California Death Certificate 
• Sister/Brother of Person Named on the California Death Certificate
• Grandparent of Person Named on the California Death Certificate
• Legal Representative of an Authorized Person of Person Named on the California Death Certificate

California Death Certificate for Genealogy Purpose

If you cannot obtain an authorized copy under California law, you can obtain an informational copy.  An informational copy contains the same information as an authorized copy, but will have a legend across the face with the statement "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."  Authorized and informational copies are both “certified copies.” This is the most utilized California Death certificate for genealogy.

California Death Certificate Ordering

Options Option 1 – Order California Death Certificate Online

This option is the simplest and easiest way to get your California Death Certificate.  Order online and you will get your California Death Certificate usually in less than a week.  Many times you will have the option of receiving your vital record by next-day or second-day service.

Order Birth and Death Records Online!  

Option 2 – Order California Death Certificate through the Mail

Follow the instructions below, if you are not ordering your California Death certificate online.  It usually takes 12 weeks upon receipt of request to be sent to you:

Step 1 - Determine whether you can obtain an authorized copy or an informational copy
In the State of California, authorized copies of vital records can only be obtained by the above mentioned authorized individuals.  All other requestors can only obtain informational copies.  All copies issued are “certified copies.”

Step 2- Download pamphlet for obtaining certified copies of Death and death records
<<Pamphlet for Certified Copies of Death and Death Records (PDF)>>

Step 3 – Download and complete the application form (and sworn statement if appropriate – see “Note” in Step 3)
 << Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate (PDF) >>
<< Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate (PDF)>>

Step 4 – Have your sworn statement notarized
You must have your sworn statement notarized if ordering an authorized copy.  
Note:  A notarized sworn statement is not needed if ordering an informational copy.  However, unless an informational copy is indicated on the application form, applications received without a notarized sworn statement will be returned to the sender.  

Step 5 – Determine certified copy fee  
A certified copy fee must accompany all requests for copies of vital records.  Requests received without the appropriate fee will be returned to the sender.  Make your check or money order payable to the Office of Vital Records.  Checks must be drawn on a United States bank.  Money orders must be drawn on a United States bank or issued by the United States Postal Service. Do not send cash.  If no record is found, we will issue a Certificate of No Public Record and retain the fee for the search according to State law.  

Step 6 – Mail your request to the Office of Vital Records
Include completed application form, notarized sworn statement if requesting an authorized copy, and check or money order for the certified copy fee.*  Do not send cash.  Mail to:

 

California Office of Vital Records

MS 5103

P.O. Box 997410

Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

Option 3 – In Person

In Person in California: You may go to any county health department in the State of California to obtain a certified copy of a California Death certificate. Most California Death certificates can be issued while you wait.

California Death Certificate Ordering Cost

The fee to search for a California Death certificate is $12.00, which includes one certified copy of the California Death certificate or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to " California Office of Vital Records." Please do not send cash. Fees are not refundable. Additional fees are required for expedited service.