Download Forms

• Go to the California Department of Public Health website (see References). Download the "How to Obtain Certified Copies of Birth and Death Certificates" informational pamphlet and the "Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate" form. Fill out and sign the form.
  
  

Notarize Them

• If you are ordering an authorized copy of the death certificate, get your signature notarized. If you want an informational copy, you don't have to get the form notarized, but make sure you indicate on the form that you only want an informational copy.
  
  

Send the Form

• Mail the form, along with a fee if you are requesting a certified copy, to:
  
  California Office of Vital Records
  
  MS 5103
  
  P.O. Box 997410
  
  Sacramento, CA 95899-7410