When you're a genealogy researcher, you know very well that it's important to be able to establish birth and death dates when constructing your archives. Luckily, this kind of data can be acquired from state-issued documents provided by public offices. In California , you can get your necessary certificates and information from the California Department of Public Health. To get instant access to California death records, fill the form at the top of this page.

One of the distinct characteristics of the procedures for acquiring death certificates in California is its availability to the public. Unlike other states that only allow public release of documents which are a certain number of years old, California releases two types of death certificates regardless of how recent the death was.

The first set of copies is called authorized copies, which are available only to a select few as provided by state law. This set is only available to the immediate family members of the deceased, their legal representatives, or other persons specifically provided by law. For other groups of people not eligible to apply for an authorized copy, they can apply for an informational copy. While both copies contain almost the same information, informational copies cannot be used as a document to prove identity or for other legal purposes. Both copy types are certified.

Start Your preliminary search by filling the the form at the top of the page and see if there's a record available for your query.

The apply for a California death certificate you need to fill out an application form and send it to the following address:

Office of Vital Records - MS 5103
PO Box 997410
Sacramento , CA 95899-7410

The application form is available for download at California 's Department of Public Health website. If you intend to get an authorized copy, you need to have a notarized statement that you are requesting for an authorized copy. Otherwise, you just need to fill out the application form.

Most of the fees are varying, but the death certificate only costs $12 (varying prices for specific death certificates such as those for still birth, etc.). If you want to make sure of your costs, you can take a look at the downloadable pamphlet at the same website mentioned above.

Lastly, don't forget that the courier service will take some time. Don't expect to get your certificate the next day after you send your application. Also, make sure you don't send any cash with your in-mail application.

Alternatively, you can just go to any county health center in Califorania and apply for it in person. Your request will be processed while you wait.