How to Find California Death Records

Statewide registration of deaths began in 1905 with general compliance by 1920.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's death record:


 * Deaths before 1905
 * Deaths after 1905
 * Death year unknown


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Deaths before 1905
Before 1905, some counties in California kept death records. Search the following databases to see if your ancestor's death record was included. If not, you will need to search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Deaths after 1905
Statewide registration of births began in 1905 with general compliance by 1920. The Vital Records office of the California Department of Public Health has copies of deaths from 1905 to present day.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following database.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
Restrictions for death certificates: To obtain an authorized copy of the death certificate, you must be:


 * The decedent's spouse, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling
 * A legal party (attorney, law enforcement or representative of the government) with authorization or court order
 * The legal custodian, guardian, or authorized representative of the person named on the record
 * An individual who orders the certificate in behalf of an individual in the above categories

NOTE: An authorized copy of the death certificate cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above. If you cannot obtain an authorized copy, you may order an informational copy.

'''If you do not want to order the death record, there are other records with death information you can search. ''' Return to top: Choose another death year

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