California Death Records
California Death Records Search
In California, the California Department of Public Health is responsible for maintaining and issuing the official record of all deaths that occur in the state of California. The California Department of Public health maintains California Death Records of 1905-present. If you make a request for post 1970 death records, your request will take about three weeks to process. On the other hand, if you make a request for pre-1970 records, your request will take about seven weeks to provide. Whether you want pre-1970 or post-1970 California death records, you will receive the records only if you’re eligible for them. You can however lookup California death records online for reference only.
People who can request for certified death records in California include the immediate family members of the deceased and people with a financial interest in the record. There are two types of death records that you can request for in California: certified records and uncertified records. The fee for the certified death record is different from the fee for the uncertified death record. There are multiple ways for you to request for and obtain death records in California: in person, by mail and online. Following is how you can obtain the death record you need through each way.
Where Do I Get a Death Certificate in California?
The fastest way to make a request for and obtain the California death record you need is in online or in person. To make an in person request for the record, go to the local California Department of Public health office, submit a completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Record, and pay the required fee. Also, you may need to provide a sworn statement. Generally, a sworn statement is required when you’re ordering copy of the California death record. The fee for California death records is nominal and a copy can be mailed to you within a few weeks of ordering it from the Department of Public Health
How To Order a California Death Certificate By Mail
Another way for you to make and request for and obtain the California death certificate record you need is by mail. To make a mail request for the record you need, you must go online to the California DPH website and download the request for a certificate, print up and fill out the document and sign and show proof of relationship and your identity and pay the nominal fee. Only requests from immediate family will be honored and you may need to submit copies of your ID to verify your identity. You may want to call them up first to verify you’ve completed all the necessary paperwork before mailing in the certificate request form. The direct phone number for the California DPH is 916-445-2684. Generally, mail requests for copies of these certificates take a few weeks to process and be mailed out. You should get updates on when the certificate is processed and being sent out in the mail.
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records – MS 5103
P.O. Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
Are California Death Certificates Public Record?
A California death certificate is an official document that is part of the public record. It provides personal information, the record of death, relatives, spouse as well as a multitude of other information about the deceased. These records are maintained by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and can typically only be requested by immediate family. Much of this information is included on the viewable California death record except the SSN and cause of death, which are typically only available on the official CA death certificate
What Is Included on a California Death Certificate
- Full name of the deceased
- The date and location of their death
- Age at the time of death
- Sex or how they identify
- Their occupation if not retired
- Employer and job title
- Academic certificates
- Last known residence
- Marital status
- Ethnicity
- Date of birth
- Place of birth, state, county, and country
- SSN Social Security Number (only on a death certificate)
- Name of the surviving spouse if they were married
- Name of their father
- Name of their mother and her maiden name
- Cause of death if known
- Medical examiner, coroner, or physician
- Autopsy information if applicable (only on a death certificate)
- Name and place of burial or cremation
- California registrar signature and state seal
It is important to note that some death certificate information may vary depending on what information is available and recorded. The cause of death is not always known so if there is any question of a person’s passing, and no autopsy was performed then the cause of death in California might not be known or recorded. Other specific details such as the SSN of the deceased is not part of the public record and will not be viewable on public record websites that offer access to California death records.
Online Access To California Death Records
Most people that are looking for California death record information are interested in verifying a death of a friend, relative or someone they knew in their past. This type of California death record is unofficial and since it is part of a person’s public record, anyone can lookup this information. Unofficial death verifications can be performed with any number of the online public record websites that offer access to vital records which also include birth, marriage and divorce records. All you’ll need is the full name of the person in question, the state they call home and their date of birth. These are all important factors in finding the correct death record for the right person as many people in the United States have the same first and last name. It’s also important to note that unofficial CA death record information can only be used for verification purposes and research as they are not official government documents. Only a spouse or immediate family can obtain the official documentation of a person’s death in California.
Leading Causes of Death in California
According to the California Health and Human Services Department, there were more than 270,000 deaths in 2022 and the following are the leading causes of death in California:
- The leading cause of death in California, as well as the entire United States, was Heart Disease in 2022.
- Cancer was the second on the list of leading causes of death, in which there is a wide range of several types of cancer that fit into this list. The top cancer related deaths being lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.
- Stroke, which accounts for over 16,000 deaths in 2022
- Alzheimer’s Disease which is the most common form of dementia that affects a person’s cognitive abilities and eventually can lead to a premature death.
- Respiratory Diseases which can include Covid and influenza and pneumonia.
- Hypertension is one that most people do not easily recognize which can lead to heart attack and death. This can be attributed to genetic influences and lifestyle choices.
- Liver Disease which is also known as Cirrhosis. This can lead to organ failure and death
Additional information about specific causes of death can be found by visiting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. You can research causes of death by country, state, gender and ethnicity.
Death Record Searches Nationwide
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
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- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
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- New Hampshire
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- Ohio
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- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
California Death Record FAQs
Are California death records public information?
Yes, all California vital records, including death records, marriage records and birth records are public information that anyone can lookup.How can I get a copy of a family member's California death record?
You can obtain a copy of your family member's California death record by contacting the California Department of Public Health and making a formal request. Only immediate family can obtain certified copies of CA death records.How do I find out when someone died in California?
The death date of when someone died in California can be found on that person's CA death certificate. It will most likely also have any surviving spouse and parents and children listed on the death certificate.How long does it take to get a copy of a California death certificate?
If you order a copy of this California vital record directly through the CDPH then it will take a few weeks unless you pay extra to expedite itBefore Comments
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Last Updated: 2023-02-04
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I am trying to obtain death records for two family members they are my great grandparents. Mark John Maystrovich Sr who died in 1975. and Mary Maystrovich who died in 1987. Both were born in 1903 I believe.
Trying to find the date of my fathers death. July 17 or 18 2020 in CA. Earl Ray Orum was his name.
William, we ran a California death record search for your father and only have a CA death record for an Early Orum that passed away in 1964. That being said, since this was a recent death it is probably not posted on many public record websites. You can reach out to the California Department of Public Health to get a CA death verification. You can call them directly @ 916-552-9700
How To Get a California Death Verification
There are a couple of options to get a death verification in California. First you can try looking up California death records on public record websites, since death records are public information. A second option is to contact the California Department of Public Health as they archive all death records in California
looking for a death certificate for my sister who was stillborn? no name was given to her. I found some information at the cemetery where she’s buried. she was a twin. My other sister who survived was born 8-17-1955. Not sure if the other twin was stillborn or died shortly thereafter. I want to get a headstone for her but need a death certificate for the cemetery office.
Thank you~
To obtain the record of your sister’s death you will want to contact the California Department of Health and request to obtain a vital death record. Follow the instructions below to obtain a certified copy of a California Death Record.
Get a Copy of a California Death Certificate
1. Request an authorized death record
2. Fill out the death record request form
3. Complete the sworn statement form
4. Have your request form notarized
5. Pay the fee for a certified copy
6. Mail in your form, processing takes 3-4 weeks
California Deparment of Health Address
Vital Records – MS 5103
1501 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95814
I’d like to find out if there’s a CA death record of my aunt named Olga Olson (last name might be spelled Olsen or Olsson). She died in a MVA in 1961-1965ish and she was about 17 years old.
I made a request on Dec 28: “I’d like to find out if there’s a CA death record of my aunt named Olga Olson (last name might be spelled Olsen or Olsson). She died in a MVA in 1961-1965ish and she was about 17 years old.”
I recently found out more information, the day of her death was June 7th.
Thank you.
Sarah, we do show CA death records for an Olga Olson for the time period you mentioned however we have multiple listings with different middle names. Do you also know her middle name so we can narrow down our search results for you?
how can I find out what date when did the person pass away her name is sylvia pimentel 61 yrs ago lives in Fresno CA
I was told that my ex-husband, Joseph F Butler, died by suicide somewhere in Marin County. I was given very little and vague information and no details of how or exactly when or anything. His sister is the one who told me the news but I’ve searched everywhere and even called the local police departments and coroners offices and no one seems to know what I am talking about or any incident occuring. I honestly don’t believe he’s dead but I need to know for sure. His name is Joseph Francis (could be spelled Frances also) Butler, born 03/24/1974 in Sioux falls, south Dakota, and the date I was told he died was May 26 or 27, 2021.
trying to find out about this old friend when she died and her age and daughters address i dont want the certificate im just trying to get in touch with her daughter
Gwen we can help with that if you can provide us with the full name of the person in question and their age, if you know it, and we’ll search our California database records for you.
Hello,
I am trying to find out the exact date that my mother died can you help. Ann Costa lived at 2612 Meyers Rd. Richmond California so this would be Contra Costa County. She died in a hospital that might’ve been in The city of San Pablo which is also in Contra Costa County. She died in early January. She was born in 1923 but was secretive about her age I’m thinking she was 80 or early 80s.
Thank you for your help
trying to get a copy of my ex wife’s death certificate. Linda Wagner, passed 5 October 2022. any help most appreciated
Edward, you can contact the county clerk in the state and county where your wife passed away or you can also contact the California Dept. of Health to order a certified copy of this record that can be mailed to you
I’m trying to find out the date of my friend’s death. Chase Putnam DOB: 10/04/1995 San Diego, CA. His death may have occurred in Nov of 2020. Please help, I’m trying to get some type of closure. Thank you.
Trying to find the date of my nieces death. She was born on July 18,1979 in CA. Last I knew she was homeless but still in CA. I think the year she passed was 2019 or 2020. Christi Ann Leahy was her name.
Carol, we ran a search for you in our CA death record index and could not find anything active for your niece. You can also check with the CA Dept of State Health as they also archive these types of vital records
I need to get a death certificate for my Step-father because a trust account needs it to complete a transaction my mother and he had.
I am looking for death record for my husband Gary A. Winters, born April 26, 1973.
Died on or around May 21st, 2022
I would like to obtain a copy of my Father’s California Death Certificate. His name was Marion Andrews Campbell. He died on Feb 16, 1994. He is buried at the Riverside National Cemetery. He was a WW II Veteran.
I am looking for the 2005 California Statutory Will of Lee Wayne Tracey
Robert, unfortunately we do not have access to any information about any California Statutory Will. You may want to reach out to the California State Bar for more information
I am trying to find the date of my brother death in Inglewood Ca, Ronald Blade was his name.
Shirley, we are happy to run a CA death record search for you but we’ll also need to know you brother’s middle name and date of birth to process your request
I’m looking for a death certificate for Gordon Cummings New. Born April 19, 1886, in Kanas and died April 9, 1958 in Riverside California
I am looking for a death record of my father.He died June 2013 our house burnt down 11/17/2021. The solar Co wants a copy of Kenneth Haynes my father. It seems impossible to get one. I am in a wheelchair and have great problems getting anywhere.
Pamela, you can obtain a certified copy of your fathers CA death certificate by calling the California Department of Public Health @ 916-558-1784
I am trying to find out if my friend has died in Santa Cruz County, California. Her name was Deborah Renae Buchanan, born in 1954. Her only child is my niece, Amber Buchanan Taylor. Amber was adopted by my sister, but we were able to find Amber’s biological mother, and she was able to meet her in Santa Cruz. She was homeless at the time. Amber and her mother kept in touch by phone until all of a sudden her mother’s phone got disconnected. Amber and I have been unable to contact her since early 2021. She was very ill, and we think she must have been put in a care center, where she died. She was legally blind, and was unable to take care of herself. We were unable to get any information from any of the care centers in Santa Cruz. Is there any way you can look at your indexes and see if she has died? If she has died, can Amber get a copy of the death certificate? Amber has no documents stating that she is the daughter of Debra Buchanan. The adoption records are sealed. My sister, her adoptive mother met Debra Buchanan while she was Amber’s foster mother. My sister knew her name and all the particulars about the adoption. California online birth indexes do show Amber’s birth to her biological mother in Santa Clara County, California. Can you help Amber find closure if her mother has died? The only other living relative of Debra Buchanan is her nephew, Anthony Whitaker, a musician, living somewhere in Santa Cruz. We have been unable to locate him.
Laurel, unfortunately we cannot assist you with your request for a California death certificate copy. You may want to reach out and consult with an attorney about this CA death certificate request since only immediate family can make this request and Amber does not have any documentation to support this
I’m looking to see who Richard Paul Ernst Jr was married to at the time of his deat
Jeanette, we’ll need some more information to complete our CA death record search for you. Can you let us know his date of birth or age at death so we can filter our results. There are multiple people with the same first and last name that you’ve supplied us with and we’ll need the additional info to confirm the California recorded death information you’re interested in
My name is Louise Pitts I am going by my maiden name now I married William Raymond Buckius in Philadelphia New York by the Justice of the Peace he has very big in a several times since I am requesting information on how he died I know he died June 1st 1996 I met him in California and we had a common law marriage to begin with I am still legally married to him
Seeking info on Mary G. Adkins who died Jan. 1, 1935, at Stockton, CA. DOB: Dec.14, 1861, Clinton, WI. Fathers name Preston William Smith. Mothers name:
Francis Schofield. Spouse name John C. Adkins. Previous residence Hays, KS. My relationship; 2d great grand nephew. Purpose is family research. Thanks.
Jason Fredrick Gordon DOB 10/31/68
DOD 09/25/21
Chico, Ca.He was born Jason Fredrick Mueller but was adopted by one of his step fathers.
I can not locate an official death notice. Nor can I locate any family. We were not married so I\’m having trouble getting any kind of answers.Please help.
Trying to find an official death notice for jason f gordon. I was told he died Sept. 25,2021 at his home in Chico, Ca. I found a notice on a website but nothing official from the coroner in Butte County.
ShirleyConley
William, are you looking to verify a death record for a Shirley Conley? If so we’ll also need her middle name and date of birth to verify this California vital record for you
I am trying to find the DOD for my sister, Mary Caldwell Graham in Stanislaus co. CA in 2021
Rusty, we can certainly run a California death record search for you. We’ll also need to know your sister’s date of birth to run this search
Mary Caldwell Graham, born: Mary Elizabeth Sleadd 05/19/1944
Hello…I am trying to find the exact date of death for my mother, Esther Monty. She died on either 10/16/87 or 10/17/87. Her maiden name was Kousnetz. Thank you for your help.
Looking for My Formal Pastor David Elijah Woodard his age is 71 and he lived in Antioch. But worked in San Francisco, CA with the Walden House Group Home as a counselor.
There was a rumor which I hope is not true. No family of his knows anything either.
Can an ex-wife request the death record of an ex-husband, Rizaldy Saranillas, for the family members who are in the Philippines. The family members in the
Philippines are requesting my help.
I am trying to verify whether my cousin Paul Magyar,Samuel Paul Magyar was his father)of Clovis, CA is deceased, and have no other family I can contact to confirm this.
Michael, you can contact the California Department of Public Health to confirm this information
How can I find someone’s death record in California?
Jann, when you sign up with our premium membership you can lookup unlimited death and public records for California and any state in the USA
I was told that Larry Michael Hirst born October 6, 1958 passed away on May 3, 2020, but I have seen no obituary or death notice. Sacramento area. Thank you
Stella, we are not able to locate the CA death record you’re inquiring about. There are delays in reporting because of Covid. Please check back another time
He was a WW1 VETERAN a private.
I am trying to find out if my brother is deceased. His name is Jeffrey lee ripley. Dob 12/2/1960
Janine, we didn’t find any CA death record for your brother in our California vital record search.
Looking for date of death of relative. Her name is Mary C Moore of Riverside CA. Possible month of death is March of this year.
Carolyn, we show multiple people with the same first and last name for our CA death record resources. Can you verify her middle name and age or DOB so that we can filter our results?
I recently found photographs of myself, my sister, and a younger girl with a strong resemblance. I would have been 4, my sister 3, and the younger unknown girl looks about 2. Date on back of the photos is 1969. I have no memories of a younger sibling but she looks so much like us. This would have been right before we moved from CA. My parents and sister are deceased so cannot ask them. Awful to wonder but how would I find out about a death record for a female child about 2 years old in 1969? Family name was Daniels.
Josie, unfortunately our California death record search did not show any results based on the information you provided. You can also reach out to the California Department of Public Health as they manage and archive California death certificates and since you’re immediate family you can have access to a copy of such CA death certificate
Death certificate
Joyce, we can assist you with looking up a CA Death Record if you can give us the name of the person in question.
I\’m desperately trying to find out about my grandfather. His name is Ronald P. Brown. I\’m not for sure which city or county he died in but he was fairly young (not past 50). I think it was probably late 1970s. He was in air force I think.
Ali, the name Ronald Brown is a fairly common name in California. Can you confirm his date of birth or at least the year?
I would like the actual day of my moms death as my mothers new husband and i did not get along..Her name was Patsy Ruth Gonzales Patsy Ruth Christman,Patsy Ruth Torres,PatsyRuth Miller.. I\’m her daughter April Patricia Torres April Patricia Kerney she on my bith Certificate her birthday was September01 1926
April, unfortunately we could not find the date of death for your mother. You can also reach out to the CA Department of Public Health and request a CA death verification
Trying to see if a friend of mine, Elizabeth Ann Hendricks from Los Angeles has passed away. I can\’t get a hold of her. She was 58 or 59, birthday August 16.
Kerri, we don’t show any record of her death records in our California death index
Looking for death Certificate on my sister in law for Linda Carol Vaughn from San Miguel California
Debra, if you need a copy of a California death certificate you will need to reach out to the California Department of Health and make your request with them. You can call them directly or order a copy of a CA death certificate through their website. Since you are immediate family this should be a simple process.
I’m checking to see if my brother Mark, a homeless man, has passed.
Jean, if you can provide us with his full name and age we are happy to run a California death record search for you
Looking for a possible death of Jeffery Allen Sager born in 1966, Kalamazoo, Mi.
Marcena, we checked our California death records database and did not find a death record for a Jeffery Sager
I\’m looking to see if my birth Father has died in California. His name is Samuel Lee Robinson age between 78-81.
Joann, this person has a very common name in California so it’s difficult to know for sure if one of these records is the person you mentioned. You can also contact the California Department of Public Health to verify a death record. You can visit their website or call them directly to inquire. Their phone number is 916-558-1784
I’m trying to find out if a distant cousin has passed away
Carolyn, if you can provide us with the full name of the person of interest we are happy to assist you with a California death record search
Can you look for my girlfriend\’s death certificate Shawna Lynn Campbell died 6-24-2020
Doug, in order to obtain a copy of a California death certificate you will need to contact the California Department of Public Health, they manage all the vital records for California and can assist you with a duplicate copy of a death certificate. Please note that typically only immediate family can obtain a a copy of a CA death certificate unless you have a court order, so you might want to reach out to a family member to assist you with gaining access to this
Trying to find out about my son’s death August 2020
His name was Daniel John Zeiszler.
Dan, we checked our California death records and did not find your son’s death record. Since this was a recent death it might not be posted to all public record repositories. You can try contacting the California Department of Public Health for a CA death verification. You can visit their website or call them directly @ 916-558-1784
Trying to find out if Gary L. Head has passed away,. Lives in Downey, CA.
Michelle, we show multiple listings for a Gary L. Head that have passed away in California. Can you verify the middle name and his year of birth so we can determine if one of these CA death records are the person in question?
Looking to find the death recor dof Mary Jane (Hart) Hale Alvord in Stockton CA after 1910. Hart was her maiden name.
She was last known to get a divorce from Elwood. Rhonemus in Stockton, Ca in January of 1911. She is my great Grandmother and I am desperately trying to find her location of death and burial.
Other places Mary Jane had lived prior to that date was in San Jose, CA and San Franciso, CA under the name of Mary Jane Hale. Mary Jane had been married at least 4 times under the names of Hale, Alvord, and Rhonemus in California.
Please advise as to how I can go forward in searching for her.
Thank you,
Betty S. Jones
Betty, unfortunately this California death record is much older than what we have in our CA death record repository. You can try contacting the CA Department of Public Health as they manage and archive older CA deaths. Another option is to try using a genealogy service or looking up old California newspaper obituaries
I am trying to find the official cause of death of my family member, Tiera Rudolph. Her city of death was Folsom, CA.
Unfortunately we do not show the cause of death in our California death records. This information is typically available on the California death certificate however our California vital record resources are for online reference only and more limited than the information you might find from the California Department of Public Health. You can inquire with them about the “Cause of Death” as well as obtain a copy of the original CA death certificate. A duplicate death certificate can only be obtained by immediate family or a court order.
The gentleman’s name is Raymond Ray Baggs, age 82, lived in Rohnert Park, California
Janice, the only listing we could find was for a Raymond R. Baggs that was born in 1899 and died in 1964 however the age and description do not match the criteria you provided us. You can also check with the California Department of Public Health as this agency manages all the vital records in California, which include California death records
I am looking for a friend of my husband who he met in the Army in Baumholder Germany from 1960-62. I have exhausted all avenues without paying but cannot find out if he is still living. I wanted to let him know that my husband had passed away. Can you help me?
Janice, we are happy to assist you with your search if you give us the full name of the person in question as well as his age and what state he lived in. The more information you can provide us the better chance we have at locating your husband’s friend. We’ll enter all his information into our public record website and hopefully get a hit on his name.
hello. I am looking for an old friend. I believe she must have died. We hadn’t spoken in 7 years. her social media page is gone, her website is gone, her email came back to me, her house was for sale on Zillow. I don’t have her DOB but I have her name and address approx. age as we were friends in a community church setting so I didn’t know exact details. NO ONE seems to know what happened to her. STRANGE! I honestly don’t want to pay to find out if she passed but she was a wonderful lady. I’d just like to know.
Ms. Hall, we are happy to search our California death record database for you if you can provide us with her full name and age. Another option is to contact the California Department of Public Health and make a request for a death verification, they are the managing state agency in California for vital records
I am looking for a death record for Paul Jeandeville. I found a record that the public date was Sept. 12, 1892.
I believe that he was in Los Angeles at the time of death.
Sunni, unfortunately this is a very old California death record that is much older than we carry in our death database index for California. You might want to check with the California Department of Public Health or the California State Archives
Dead or alive?
Have financial interest: bene. Life ins.
Margaret, we are happy to assist you with a California death record search but we’ll need to know more about the person in question. Do you know their full name and date of birth?
Is there an online index to California deaths between 1960 and 2020?
Twylah, we don’t have an index for California deaths that we can share but we do offer unlimited California death record searches in our member’s are after you sign up with our service