California Death Records

To begin, add a death record or view a list of locations and resources for California death records.

How to Request Copies of California Death Records

The California Department of Health provides access to California death records. There are two types of certified California death records available: authorized, which are under restricted access, and informational, which are available to the general public.

How to Access Death Certificates

You will need to contact the California Department of Health to order California death records. Request forms are available for download on the Department’s website.

Restrictions to Accessing Death Records

Authorized California death records are not considered part of the public record, and therefore they are only released to certain individuals. You must be a direct relative of the person listed on the death certificate, a legal authority, or an employee of a funeral home requesting one as part of your duties of employment.