How much is a death certificate in California?

$26 for the first certified copy from the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records, and $26 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. County offices may charge different fees. Since July 1, 2026, the state office accepts mail applications only and no longer accepts orders from online vendors.

Who can order a death certificate in California?

An authorized copy is available to the parent, legal guardian, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner, surviving next of kin, an attorney or court-appointed representative of the estate, law enforcement or government agencies, and funeral establishment staff acting for the family. Anyone else can get an informational copy.

How do I order a death certificate in California?

You can order by mail or in person. An authorized copy requires a notarized sworn statement signed under penalty of perjury.

Death certificates

Death certificates in California

In California, a certified copy of a death certificate costs $26 from the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records. Each copy costs the same. You can order by mail or in person. The funeral home can often order the first copies for you.

Last checked October 20, 2026 on the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records site. General information, not legal advice. Fees change, so confirm before you pay.

How to order in California

Ordering a certified copy of a death certificate in California
Office	California Department of Public Health, Vital Records
First certified copy	$26
Each extra copy, same order	$26 County offices may charge different fees. Since July 1, 2026, the state office accepts mail applications only and no longer accepts orders from online vendors.
Who can order	An authorized copy is available to the parent, legal guardian, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner, surviving next of kin, an attorney or court-appointed representative of the estate, law enforcement or government agencies, and funeral establishment staff acting for the family. Anyone else can get an informational copy.
ID you need	An authorized copy requires a notarized sworn statement signed under penalty of perjury.
Ways to order	By mail or in person. In person only at the county office where the death was registered.
How long it takes	About 4 to 6 weeks at the state office. County offices are often faster.

Do funeral homes order the first copies?

Often, yes. The funeral director files the death certificate with the state, so ordering copies at the same time is common. The FTC lists death certificates among the cash advance items a funeral home may buy for you and add to its bill. Ask what it charges per copy.

Funeral establishment staff may order authorized copies when acting for the family.

For more copies later, order from the office above. How many copies do you need? Our calculator counts one for each bank, insurer and agency.

Questions people ask

How much is a death certificate in California?: $26 for the first certified copy from the California Department of Public Health, Vital Records, and $26 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. County offices may charge different fees. Since July 1, 2026, the state office accepts mail applications only and no longer accepts orders from online vendors.
Who can order a death certificate in California?: An authorized copy is available to the parent, legal guardian, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner, surviving next of kin, an attorney or court-appointed representative of the estate, law enforcement or government agencies, and funeral establishment staff acting for the family. Anyone else can get an informational copy.
How do I order a death certificate in California?: You can order by mail or in person. An authorized copy requires a notarized sworn statement signed under penalty of perjury.

Death certificates in California

How to order in California

Do funeral homes order the first copies?

Questions people ask

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