Death certificates
What if the death certificate has an error?
Short answer
Contact the county vital records office where the certificate was filed. An amendment can be filed, but it takes time and paperwork. Do not let institutions rely on an incorrect certificate — fix it before it causes downstream problems.
What this usually means
Contact the county vital records office where the certificate was filed. An amendment can be filed, but it takes time and paperwork. Do not let institutions rely on an incorrect certificate — fix it before it causes downstream problems.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.