How much do death certificates cost in California?
A certified copy costs $26 from either the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or your county vital records office. This fee took effect January 1, 2026.
If you order online through an authorized vendor, expect additional service fees:
- Vital Records Online (VRO): $29 application fee on top of the $26 state fee
- VitalChek: Variable processing and shipping fees
Ordering through your funeral home is typically the easiest route. They add the per-copy cost to their invoice and handle all the paperwork.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
When making arrangements, tell your funeral director how many copies you need. They collect the information, coordinate with the medical certifier, and submit everything to the county registrar. Copies typically arrive within 2 to 4 weeks.
Online
CDPH partners with VitalChek and Vital Records Online for online orders. You will need a credit card and a valid photo ID. Processing takes approximately 5 to 7 weeks.
Some county offices also offer their own online portals.
By mail
Download the application from the CDPH Vital Records website. Include a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order payable to "CDPH Vital Records." Do not send cash.
Mail processing takes 5 to 7 weeks.
In person
Visit your county recorder or county vital records office with a valid photo ID. Some counties process requests the same day. Others take a few business days.
Authorized vs. informational copies
California makes an important distinction that most states do not:
-
Authorized certified copy. Printed on security paper with a raised seal. Required by banks, courts, insurers, and government agencies. Only eligible individuals can order one, and you must submit a notarized sworn statement under penalty of perjury.
-
Informational copy. Contains the same facts but is stamped "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY." Anyone can order one without proving a relationship. Not accepted for legal or financial purposes.
For settling an estate, you need authorized copies. If you are unsure which you received, check for the raised seal and the absence of the "INFORMATIONAL" stamp.
Who can order an authorized copy?
California restricts authorized copies to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent or legal guardian
- Child, grandchild, or sibling
- The executor or administrator of the estate
- An attorney representing the estate
- A funeral director acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must sign a sworn statement (included on the application) affirming your eligibility. False statements are punishable under California law.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Online (VitalChek/VRO) | 5 to 7 weeks |
| By mail (CDPH) | 5 to 7 weeks |
| In person (county office) | Same day to a few days |
If the cause of death is pending (autopsy or investigation), the certificate cannot be finalized until a physician or medical examiner signs off. This can add weeks or months. Ask CDPH whether a preliminary certificate is available in the meantime.
What to know about California specifically
County vs. state ordering. Deaths in California are registered at the county level first, then forwarded to CDPH. You can order from either the county where the death occurred or from CDPH directly. County offices are sometimes faster for recent deaths.
The sworn statement requirement. This is unique to California and catches some people off guard. The notarized sworn statement must be included with every request for an authorized copy. Without it, you will receive an informational copy instead.
No fee waivers for the general public. California does not currently offer fee waivers for veterans or military families for death certificates (though some counties may have local programs).
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in California.
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