California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
California · Vital Records
cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records-Obtaining-Certified-Copies-of-Death-Records.aspxState Vital Records in California
The California Department of Public Health - Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in California. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •By mail: Submit Application for Certified Copy of Death Record (VS 112) by mail
- •In person: Visit the county office where death was registered
- •Completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Record (VS 112)
- •Notarized sworn statement for authorized copy requests (law enforcement, government agencies and funeral establishments are exempt from the notary requirement)
- •Check or money order for $26 per copy, payable to CDPH-Vital Records (no cash)
State Vital Records in California: key facts
What California says9
- Administering office
California Department of Public Health - Vital Records.1
- Office location and hours
Customer service by phone Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Pacific Time (no public counter).1
- Mail orders
California Department of Public Health, Vital Records - MS 5103, P.O. Box 997410, Sacramento, CA 95899-7410.1
- Certificate fee
$26 for the first certified copy.1
- Processing time
4-6 weeks at state office; county offices often faster.1
- Who may order
Parent, legal guardian, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner; Law enforcement or government agency conducting official business; Person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act for the registrant or the estate (with the court order or executor documentation).1
Attorney representing registrant or estate; Funeral establishment agent acting for persons in HSC 7100(a)(1)-(8); Surviving next of kin per HSC 7100.1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 8 days.2
- Public record
Any requester may obtain a copy of a death record with no waiting period; certified copies follow the eligibility rules.1
- Records available from
July 1905.1
Governing law: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 7054
Sources2
- 1.California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
- 2.California death-certificate filing rule (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 7054; Cal. Health & Safety Code § 7003; Cal. Health & Safety Code § 7304; Cal. Health & Safety Code § 8113.1; Cal. Health & Safety Code § 8115; Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 102775, 102795, 102800; Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 103050, 103055, 103065, 103070; 16 CCR § 1223 (Cemetery and Funeral Bureau regulations))
California vital records offices
California Department of Public Health - Vital Records
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in California
Free tools for settling an estate in California: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In California, certified death certificates come from the California Department of Public Health - Vital RecordsCalifornia Department of Public Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $26California Department of Public Health - Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in California: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 120 daysCal. Prob. Code §§ 8800-8804, 8900-8903Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsCal. Prob. Code §§ 9050-9054, 9100-9104, 9150, 9153, 9256, 9353, 11420; CCP § 366.2Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 9 months to 12 months.
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