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California Free Death Records


 


Don't be tricked into paying for death records. Welcome to Find Free Death Records, Your # 1 Resource to Find Free California Death Records. I list the best ways to get California death records and obituaries for free or as little money as possible. This page is updated daily - if you have more up-to-date information or corrections, please don't hesitate to contact me.
   
California Free Death Records Obituaries
How to Apply:
  • Download and complete the Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate (PDF) from the California Department of Public Health.
  • Download and complete this sworn statement (that you are eligible to receive the death certificate).
  • Send the appropriate fees (see "Costs" below) in a check.
  • Mail the completed application to:
  • California Department of Public Health
    Vital Records - MS 5103
    P.O. Box 997410
    Sacramento, CA 95899-7410

Notes:

There are two different types of death records available from the CDPH, an authorized copy and an informational copy.

Authorized Copy:

  • The registrant (person listed on the certificate) or a parent or legal guardian of the registrant. A child, grandparent, grandchild, brother or sister, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.

  • A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record in order to comply with the requirements of Section 3140 or 7603 of the California Family Code.

  • A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.  (Companies representing a government agency must provide authorization from the government agency.)

  • An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate, or any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant's estate.  (If you are requesting a Certified Copy under a power of attorney, please include a copy of the power of attorney with the application form.)

  • Any agent or employee of a funeral establishment who acts within the course and scope of his or her employment and who orders certified copies of a death certificate on behalf of an individual specified in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 7100 of the Health and Safety Code.

Informational Copy:
  • If you cannot obtain an authorized copy under California law, you can obtain an informational copy.  An informational copy contains the same information as an authorized copy, but will have a legend across the face with the statement "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."  Authorized and informational copies are both “certified copies.”

Please also note that for death records from 1995 - Present, the processing time is 2 weeks, and for death records from 1995 - 1904, the processing time is 10 weeks. For more information, download the Pamphlet for Certified Copies of Birth and Death Records (PDF) from the California Department of Public Health.

Cost:

  • $12.00

Website:


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