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.
Who can obtain death certificates?
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 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 Copies
An authorized 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 agent or employee of a funeral establishment who acts within the course and scope of his or her employment and who orders certified copies of a death certificate on behalf of any individual specified in paragraphs (1) through (5), inclusive, of Health & Safety Code section 7100(a).
Informational Copies
Informational copies are available to all requesters. 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 $14.00 per copy. Find out about acceptable forms of payment. 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 $14.00 per copy. Find out about acceptable forms of payment. 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 $14.00 per copy. Find out about acceptable forms of payment. 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.
Online
Online ordering service is available through a third-party website, VitalChek. The cost is $14.00 per copy. Find out about acceptable forms of payment. If ordering an authorized certified copy, you must mail or fax a notarized Sworn Statement to our office.
Place of death (city or town within Sacramento County)
Date of death
Mother's maiden name
Father's name
Number of copies desired
Requestor's full name, address, and phone number
Relationship to the certificate holder
Step 2:
If requesting one or more authorized certified copies, complete the Sworn Statement (Page 2 of the application [request alternate format]) in the presence of a Notary.
Step 3:
If requesting one or more authorized certified copies, send the notarized Sworn Statement to our office:
Fax: (916) 874-0947
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.
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