Sacramento County can only issue certificates for deaths which occurred in Sacramento County since 1850. Certificates for deaths prior to 1850 are not available. Death certificates are available approximately 4-6 weeks after the date of death.
What type of certificate do you need?
State law requires this office to issue 2 different types of certified copies to requesters: authorized and informational. Both types are certified copies of the original document on file with our office. Persons requesting an authorized certified copy must sign a statement, under penalty of perjury, that they are an “authorized person” as defined by Health & Safety Code section 103526(c).
Authorized Certified copies
An authorized certified copy establishes the identity of the registrant (decedent named on the certificate) and may only be issued to the following authorized persons:
A parent or legal guardian of the registrant (decedent named on the certificate).
A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record in order to comply with the requirements of Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code.
A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.
A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.
An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate, or any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant's estate.
Any funeral director who orders certified copies of a death certificate on behalf of any individual specified in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 7100 of the Health and Safety Code.
Informational Certified Copies
An informational copy cannot be used for identity purposes. The certificate bears an inscription across the face of the document, stating, “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY.”
How would you like to order?
In Person
The cost is $12.00 per copy. You may pay by cash, check, money order, American Express, Discover, or MasterCard credit cards, or ATM/debit card. VISA is not accepted for in-person transactions. An additional service fee applies to in-person credit and debit card transactions. If ordering an authorized certified copy, you must present a government-issued photo ID and sign a statement that you are an authorized requester.
You will be asked to complete a written application.
Step 3:
Allow 20 minutes from receipt of completed application and payment to receive your certificate(s).
By Mail
The cost is $12.00 per copy. You may pay by check, credit card, or money order. A processing fee of $6.00 applies to credit card transactions submitted by mail, fax or email. Out of country payments must be made in U.S. dollars. Make checks payable to: “Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder.” If ordering an authorized certified copy, you must submit a notarized Sworn Statement along with your application form.
If requesting one or more authorized certified copies, complete the Sworn Statement (Page 2 of the application) in the presence of a Notary Public.
Step 3:
Mail the application, including the notarized Sworn Statement (if applicable), and your payment to:
Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder
P.O. Box 839
Sacramento, CA 95812-0839
Step 4:
Allow 2 weeks from receipt of application and payment to receive your certificate(s).
By Fax
The cost is $12.00 per copy. Payment by credit card is required for fax orders. A processing fee of $6.00 applies to credit card transactions submitted by mail, fax or email. If ordering an authorized certified copy, you must submit a notarized Sworn Statement along with your application form.
If requesting one or more authorized certified copies, complete the Sworn Statement (Page 2 of the application) in the presence of a Notary Public.
Step 3:
Fax the application, including the notarized Sworn Statement (if applicable), to: (916) 874-0947.
Step 4:
Allow 2 weeks from receipt of application and payment for fulfillment of “regular mail” orders and 2 days for fulfillment of “overnight” orders. Note: There is an additional charge of $19.00 for overnight delivery service.
By Email
The cost is $12.00 per copy. Payment by credit card is required for email orders. A processing fee of $6.00 applies to credit card transactions submitted by mail, fax or email. If ordering an authorized certified copy, you must submit a notarized Sworn Statement along with your application form.
If requesting one or more authorized certified copies, complete the Sworn Statement (Page 2 of the application) in the presence of a Notary Public.
Step 3:
Email the application, including the notarized Sworn Statement (if applicable), to: sacrec@saccounty.net
Step 4:
Allow 2 weeks from receipt of application and payment for fulfillment of “regular mail” orders and 2 days for fulfillment of “overnight” orders. Note: There is an additional charge of $19.00 for overnight delivery service.
Online
Online ordering service is available through a third-party website, VitalChek. The cost is $12.00 per copy. Payment by credit card is required prior to issuance of the requested certificate(s). A processing fee of $6.00 applies to all credit card transactions. Note: If ordering an authorized certified copy, you must mail, fax, or email a notarized Sworn Statement to our office.
Mail:Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder
P.O. Box 839
Sacramento, CA 95812-0839
Step 4:
Allow 2 weeks from online order submission (or receipt of notarized Sworn Statement, if ordering authorized certified copies) and payment for fulfillment of “regular mail” orders and 2 days for fulfillment of “overnight” orders. Note: There is an additional charge of $19.00 for overnight delivery service.
Hours and Services
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