California Death Certificate - How to Get Certified Copies

An independent guide to ordering certified death certificates in California. Fees and processing times change, so confirm them with the state office.

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Independent service, not a government agency. GetDeathCertificates.com is an independent information site. We are not the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records, we are not affiliated with any government agency, and we do not issue death certificates. You can order directly from the state office yourself at its California Department of Public Health - Vital Records website.

Getting a Death Certificate in California

Obtaining certified death certificate copies in California requires submitting a request to the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records. Fees and processing times are set by that office and change, so check the current fee and turnaround on its California Department of Public Health - Vital Records website before you order. Online ordering through this site is not available right now; ordering directly from the state office is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine eligibility: In California, only authorized persons may request death certificates. See the "Who Can Request" section below.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide specific documentation with your request. See the "Required Documents" section below.
  3. Submit your request: Requests can be submitted to the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records by mail, or in person at the state office by appointment.
  4. Pay the official fees: The state office sets the fee per certified copy and the payment methods it accepts. Check current fees and accepted payment methods with the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records website.
  5. Receive your copies: Certified copies are mailed to your address after processing. Processing times vary by office and season; ask the office for its current turnaround and whether expedited handling is offered.

Required Documents

  • Completed sworn statement form
  • Valid photo ID
  • Proof of relationship (if requesting on behalf of registrant)
  • Payment

Who Can Request a California Death Certificate

California restricts access to death certificates to authorized individuals. Eligible requestors include:

  • Registrant (if 18+)
  • Parent
  • Legal guardian
  • Child
  • Grandparent
  • Grandchild
  • Sibling
  • Spouse or domestic partner
  • Attorney representing the estate
  • Funeral director

California Vital Records Office Contact

California Department of Public Health - Vital Records

Address
1501 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone
(916) 445-2684
Website
State office website
Cost
Check current fees with the office
Processing Time
Varies - check with the office

Counties in California

Death certificates in California can be requested for deaths that occurred in any of the state's 58 counties.

Show all 58 California counties
  • Alameda
  • Alpine
  • Amador
  • Butte
  • Calaveras
  • Colusa
  • Contra Costa
  • Del Norte
  • El Dorado
  • Fresno
  • Glenn
  • Humboldt
  • Imperial
  • Inyo
  • Kern
  • Kings
  • Lake
  • Lassen
  • Los Angeles
  • Madera
  • Marin
  • Mariposa
  • Mendocino
  • Merced
  • Modoc
  • Mono
  • Monterey
  • Napa
  • Nevada
  • Orange
  • Placer
  • Plumas
  • Riverside
  • Sacramento
  • San Benito
  • San Bernardino
  • San Diego
  • San Francisco
  • San Joaquin
  • San Luis Obispo
  • San Mateo
  • Santa Barbara
  • Santa Clara
  • Santa Cruz
  • Shasta
  • Sierra
  • Siskiyou
  • Solano
  • Sonoma
  • Stanislaus
  • Sutter
  • Tehama
  • Trinity
  • Tulare
  • Tuolumne
  • Ventura
  • Yolo
  • Yuba

Order from the California vital records office

Online ordering through this site is not available right now. You can order a certified death certificate directly from the California vital records office (link below) - this is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

California vital records office

Start an order (online ordering opening soon)

Related: Find Funeral Homes in California

If you are working with a funeral home in California, our directory lists funeral homes across the state. Browse funeral homes in California.

Frequently Asked Questions - California

The state office sets the government fee and it can change, so check the current fee on the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records website.

Processing time depends on the vital records office and how it receives your request, and it changes over time. Check the current turnaround, and whether expedited handling is offered, on the California Department of Public Health - Vital Records website.

Most requests in California go through the state vital records office at California Department of Public Health - Vital Records. Some counties may have local options - contact us or check the county health department website.

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office for the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If the death occurred in California, you request it from California vital records regardless of where the deceased resided.