How to Find California Death Records

Looking for a California certified copy of a death certificate to handle:

• estate matters
• insurance
• or genealogy?

Here’s a simple guide to help with your death certificate search. State Vital Records (SVR) makes it easy to quickly get a certified copy of a death certificate in California.

Are death certificates public record in California?

California death records are partly public.

Anyone can usually obtain a informational copy, which is not valid for identity or legal use.

Certified copies are limited to authorized people like:

• immediate family
• legal representatives,
• or those with a court order

Knowing with one you need will determine the steps you take.

What information do you need before you search?

Have the decedents:

• Full Name
• Approximate date of birth
• Place of death (city or county)
• Extra details like: the decedent's parents' names (including mother's maiden name) or last known address.

... this information can speed up a death certificate search and reduce the chance of getting the wrong record.

Where do you find California death records?

1. County vital records office: In the county where the death occurred. Counties often process faster for recent events.
2. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH-VR) keeps records from all over the state. This is helpful if you’re not sure which county to check or if you need an older record.
3. SVR online assistance: to prepare your application correctly and route it to the right office.

How to obtain death certificate vs. informational copy

Authorized individuals can request a certified copy of a death certificate through SVR.

If not, ask for an informational copy. Both require an application; certified copies may also require a sworn statement (and sometimes notarization). Certified copies require a sworn statement (sometimes notarized), and errors or missing information can cause delays.

Step-by-step: How to get a death certificate

1. Decide whether you need certified or informational.
2. Gather your details and proof of relationship if applicable.
3. Complete the official application (SVR helps you avoid errors).
4. Submit to the county or CDPH-VR by mail or in person, or use SVR's optimized online process. They'll send your application to the jurisdiction for you.
5. Track processing times through the county office or CDPH-VR; mailed copies are sent once processed (SVR helps send applications to the CDPH-VR for you).

Can I do a free death record search?

For basic confirmation or genealogy, a free death record search may be possible through indexes or public listings. But, it won't provide a legally valid document.

To receive an actual copy you'll need to place a order and pay the government fee. This applies to an informational copy as well.

State Vital Records (SVR) shows you available lookup options and guides you through the right order process when you're ready.

What about a death certificate download?

California only issues certified or informational death certificates as mailed physical copies; electronic download is not available.

Availability varies by jurisdiction and record year. If a death certificate download is available for your case, SVR will help you access it. If not, we’ll work with the correct office to have it mailed to your address.

Timing and common issues

Offices may take a short time to register new records before releasing them. Delays usually come from:

• Incomplete applications
• Missing authorization
• Incorrect county selection

SVR checks your form for accuracy so your "how to obtain death certificate" process stays on track.

How to obtain a certified copy of a death certificate in California (fast with SVR)

If you're wondering how to obtain a copy of a death certifcate in California, SVR simplifies it.

• Order online – Submit the form on State Vital Records through our online order form.
• Notarization Through NotaryLive - In terms of notarization, some states require notarization of an application or a sworn statement. State Vital Record's partnership with NotaryLive helps this.

((Note: Keep in mind there are added fees when using NotaryLive for convenient, remote online notarization.)

• Upload Your Document
• VerifyYour Identity
• Connect Online With An Online Notary
• NotaryLive Routes Your Documents to State Vital Records Automatically

• State Vital Records – After notarization through NotaryLive,  State Vital Records will send the application to the jurisdiction. This is where the jurisdiction is responsible for the rest of the application process.
• Jurisdiction – Will complete the order and mail a copy of the requested vital records to you

If you require assistance in notarizing your document, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the notarization process? Click here to learn more.

Looking to order your state vital records? Click here to make a request. Have any questions, contact us!

How long does it take to get my California death certificate?

First, submit your application to order a death certificate copy, payment, and a notarized sworn statement if required. Then, the processing time usually takes 15 to 30 days for processing and delivery.

StateVitalRecords can expedite the process

State Vital Records makes it quick and easy to get a certified California death certificate through our online application.

Now you can skip the hassle of filling out forms wrong or making a trip to the local vital records office.

Start your California birth certificate application right now!

Why use StateVitalRecords.org?

SVR provides copies of government issued birth and death records, marriage, and stillbirth records. We explain the requirements clearly, check your forms, and send them to the right agency, saving you from repeat trips and rejected applications.