Death certificates
Who can request a death certificate in California?
Short answer
California death certificates are restricted. Authorized requesters include: the spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent; a licensed funeral director; an attorney representing the estate; or someone with a court order. Non-immediate family may need legal documentation.
What this usually means
California death certificates are restricted. Authorized requesters include: the spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent; a licensed funeral director; an attorney representing the estate; or someone with a court order. Non-immediate family may need legal documentation.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.