What Is a Death Certificate?
A death certificate is an official government document that confirms someone has passed away. It lists important details that include the deceased person’s:
- Full legal name
- Date and place of death
- Date of birth
- Cause of death
- Other identifying details such as gender, marital status, occupation, and residence.
There are generally two types of death certificate copies you can get:
Authorized copies |
Informational copies |
| These may be required for legal and financial affairs. | These are for record-keeping and are not valid for official use. |
Note: Most places will ask for certified copies. So when you are getting a death certificate, be sure to request the right kind of copy.
How to Get a Death Certificate
The steps to getting a death certificate will be different by state, but this is the general process:
Step 1: Filing the Death Certificate Record
The mortuary will obtain the vital statistics portion of the death certificate from the person best qualified to provide that information. The medical information and causes of death are provided by the attending and/or certifying physician, or the Medical Examiner or Coroner. All information must be submitted to and approved by the local health department.
The completed and approved record is filed with the local vital records office, then registered with the state. Once this step has been completed, a certified death certificate can be ordered.
Step 2: Requesting a Certified Copy of the Death Certificate
Family members or other authorized individuals can request certified copies in the following ways:
| A funeral home | A state or county vital records office | An official government-approved website |
| Most funeral homes can order certified copies on your behalf as part of their services. This is often the most convenient option. | You can apply directly by mail or in person to the appropriate government office where the record is filed. | In states like California, you can order copies online through authorized vendors that can process requests on behalf of state and county vital records offices and mail the certificates to you. |
Step 3: Receiving the Death Certificate
Copies of death certificates may be mailed to you, or you can pick them up, depending on how you request them. Processing times can be different depending on the city or county where you live.
Why You May Need a Death Certificate
You may need a death certificate for various administrative and legal tasks after the loss of a loved one. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Closing bank accounts
- Accessing life insurance benefits
- Claiming Social Security or other government benefits
- Settling pension or retirement accounts
- Transferring property or real estate titles
- Managing probate and estate matters
- Canceling utilities and service accounts
- Resolving outstanding debts
- Filing final tax returns
- Transferring vehicle ownership
- Accessing employer benefits or final wages
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Since many places need an original certified copy, it’s a good idea to order several copies at once. Many families choose to order between 5 and 10 certified copies.
The exact number will depend on how many accounts or assets need to be managed.
Are there Specific Death Certificate Requirements in California?
Although the general process is similar across the U.S., California has its own rules and steps that are important to know:
Who Files the Death Certificate in California?
Depending on the circumstance, in California, the death certificate is typically completed and filed by:
- A funeral director, or an appointed funeral home employee
- A coroner or medical examiner
- A county morgue
- Some hospitals (if no funeral home is chosen)
The record must be filed with the local registrar within 8 days of the passing.
Note: Before a burial, cremation, or out-of-state transit can happen, the death record must be filled out completely, and the death certificate and permit for disposition must be officially filed.
How to Apply for a Death Certificate in California
There are several ways to get a death certificate in California.
- Through a Funeral Home
The most common way to get a death certificate is through the funeral home or cremation provider who handled the arrangements. Funeral directors typically manage the initial registration and can order several certified copies on your behalf.
- By Mail
You can send a death certificate request directly to the California Department of Public Health or the specific county recorder’s office. You need to be sure to include the necessary fees and details. Certain types of certified copies may also need you to provide a notarized sworn statement to verify your identity.
- In Person
You can visit a county vital records office to request a copy directly from the local registrar. You will typically need to bring a valid form of government-issued identification to complete the application on-site.
- Online
You can also use approved online services to order certificates through a digital portal. These sites usually make the process a bit faster and more straightforward, offering expedited shipping for additional fees.
What Are the Death Certificate Processing Times in California?
The actual timeframe often depends on the method and location of your request:
- Orders through funeral homes typically take 1 to 2 weeks after being filed.
- Mail requests generally require 3 to 4 weeks.
- Expedited shipping may speed up the delivery of the document, but it does not decrease the state’s internal processing time.
Remember that missing information or errors on your application can result in additional delays.
Who Can Request a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate in California?
To protect sensitive information, California limits who can request authorized copies. The list of authorized individuals includes:
- Immediate family members, such as a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild
- A legal representative or attorney
- A person authorized by a court order
- Law enforcement or government agencies conducting official business
If you do not meet these requirements, you can still request an informational copy, which is for record-keeping purposes only and not valid for official use.
Ordering Additional Copies and/or Older Death Certificates in Los Angeles County
While your funeral home can assist in obtaining additional copies of a loved one’s death certificate, as well as slightly older records (if a year has passed since the date of death), death certificates can also be ordered directly through the Registrar Recorder/County Clerk’s office throughout California. It is important to know the county in which the person passed away and order from that county. Otherwise, you can try ordering from the state records office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Death Certificates
What Is the Difference Between an Authorized Copy and an Informational Copy of a Death Certificate?
An Authorized copy is required for legal and financial tasks such as closing bank accounts or filing insurance claims. To get an Authorized copy, you must be an authorized person, like an immediate family member or legal representative.
Informational copies contain the same facts about a person’s passing but can’t be used for legal purposes, and may have redacted information on the certificate.
Can I Get a Death Certificate If I Am Not a Family Member?
If you are not an immediate family member or a legal representative, you may only be able to get an informational copy and NOT an authorized copy.
Are There Fees When Requesting a Death Certificate?
Yes. The cost for a certified copy of a death certificate varies slightly by county and state.
Do You Need a Death Certificate to Close a Bank Account?
Yes. To release funds or close an account, banks almost always ask for a certified death certificate.
Getting a Death Certificate in California
Obtaining a death certificate is one of the first and most common administrative tasks following a loss. While there is a lot of specific information needed to file a death certificate, and considerations regarding who can order it and how, experienced funeral providers like Hollywood Forever can walk you through each step and handle the process for you.
When working with funeral service providers like Hollywood Forever, every detail, from the initial filing to getting certified copies, is handled with care and accuracy. We’re here to help you manage the technical requirements so you can focus on honoring your loved one.
