Find Berkeley Death Records

Berkeley maintains its own death certificates through the Office of Vital Statistics, separate from Alameda County. The city issues death certificates for any death that occurred within Berkeley city limits during the current year and the prior two years. For older records, you must contact Alameda County. Berkeley's independent health department lets residents get same day copies if you visit in person. The office is at 1947 Center Street in downtown Berkeley. Fee is $28 per copy. Online and mail requests are also accepted. You need to prove you are an authorized person to get a certified copy, or you can request an informational copy without proving a relationship.

Berkeley Vital Statistics Office

Berkeley operates its own Office of Vital Statistics, one of just three California cities with this power. The office is at 1947 Center Street in Berkeley. They are open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The office closes for lunch and does not have afternoon hours. Staff can process requests for death certificates while you wait if the record is in the city system. This is much faster than ordering from the state or county. You will need a valid photo ID and information about the deceased to request a copy in person.

Call the office at (510) 981-5320 if you have questions about whether a death occurred in Berkeley or to confirm office hours. Staff can tell you if they have the record before you make the trip. Email inquiries go to vitalrecords@berkeleyca.gov. The office handles birth certificates and death certificates but does not maintain marriage records. For Berkeley marriages, contact Alameda County Clerk.

The Berkeley City Services page for birth and death certificates explains the application process and what documents you need to bring. This page lists the current fee and provides links to download request forms. Berkeley does not use VitalChek or other online ordering systems. All orders must go directly to the city office.

Parking near the office can be difficult. Use the Center Street Garage at 2025 Center Street, just a block away. The garage charges hourly rates. Street parking in downtown Berkeley has time limits and meters. Allow extra time for parking when visiting the office.

Which Death Records Berkeley Has

Berkeley issues death certificates for deaths that happened within Berkeley city limits in the current year plus the two prior years. If someone died in Berkeley in 2026, 2025, or 2024, the city office has that record. For deaths before 2024, you need to contact Alameda County. The county has all Berkeley deaths from earlier years. This three year window moves each year. In January 2027, Berkeley will have 2027, 2026, and 2025 records, and 2024 deaths will move to the county.

The death must have occurred within the city. If the person lived in Berkeley but died in Oakland or another city, Berkeley cannot issue the certificate. Location of death matters, not residence. If you are not sure where the death took place, contact the funeral home that handled arrangements. They will know which jurisdiction filed the certificate. Berkeley hospitals include Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Deaths at that hospital count as Berkeley deaths.

For deaths before 1905, Alameda County may have records in their archives. The county recorder has some death records dating back to the 1870s. These early records are not always indexed and may take longer to search. You can also check with the California State Archives in Sacramento for old Alameda County death records on microfilm.

Note: Always verify the year of death before contacting Berkeley to make sure it falls in the time frame they serve.

Cost to Get Berkeley Death Certificates

Berkeley charges $28 for each death certificate. This fee covers the search and one certified copy. If the record is not found, you still pay the fee. Berkeley will issue a statement saying no record exists. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost less. Ask about the fee for extra copies when you place your order. The $28 fee is higher than the state and county fee of $26. Berkeley sets its own rate because it is an independent health department.

Payment methods vary by how you order. In person, you can pay with cash, check, or credit card. Make checks payable to City of Berkeley. Credit card payments may have a small convenience fee. For mail orders, send a check or money order with your application. Do not send cash by mail. Personal checks can delay processing by up to two weeks while they clear.

Online ordering is not available through Berkeley. Other cities use VitalChek, but Berkeley does not. You must order in person or by mail. If you need expedited service, visit the office in person. Staff process requests while you wait during their morning hours. Mail orders take about two to three weeks to get back to you, depending on volume and time of year.

Steps to Request a Death Certificate

To get a Berkeley death certificate, you need to know the full name of the deceased and the date of death. The more details you have, the faster the search goes. If you want an authorized certified copy, you must prove you are an authorized person under California law. This includes spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren of the deceased. Attorneys for the estate and funeral directors also qualify. You need a notarized sworn statement that confirms your relationship.

Download the application form from the city website or pick one up at the office. Fill out the form completely. Include your name, address, phone, and relationship to the deceased. Write down how many copies you need. Sign and date the form. If you need an authorized copy, get your signature notarized. This requires going to a notary public with a valid photo ID. Banks, UPS stores, and many real estate offices have notaries. Some charge a small fee for notary service.

For in person requests, bring the completed form, your notarized statement if needed, your photo ID, and payment to the office at 1947 Center Street. Arrive early during their morning hours since they close at noon. Staff will search the record and print your copy while you wait. If the record is in the system, you can leave with your certificate in about 15 to 20 minutes. If not found, staff will tell you to try Alameda County.

For mail orders, send the completed form, notarized statement, and payment to Office of Vital Statistics, 1947 Center Street, Berkeley, CA 94704. Include a self addressed stamped envelope if you want one. Processing takes two to three weeks. You will receive your certificate by mail. If the record is not found, you get a letter explaining that and directing you to the county.

Note: Berkeley does not accept phone or email requests for death certificates due to privacy laws.

Getting Death Records Older Than Two Years

For Berkeley deaths that happened more than two years ago, you need to go to Alameda County. The county recorder maintains all older Berkeley death records. Their office is at 1106 Madison Street in Oakland. You can also order from the county by mail or through VitalChek online. The county fee is $26 per copy. Processing times range from same day if you visit in person to two or three weeks for mail orders.

Alameda County has death records for the entire county from 1905 to the present. This includes all Berkeley deaths from 1905 forward. For deaths before 1905, the county has some records in their archives, but coverage is not complete. Microfilm copies of early vital records are available at the Family History Library and through FamilySearch. These can help fill gaps for 19th century deaths.

The Alameda County death records page has full details on how to request older Berkeley death certificates from the county. You use the same type of form and need the same notarized statement if requesting an authorized copy. The county can search by name and year if you do not know the exact date of death. This helps when researching genealogy or family history where dates are uncertain.

Types of Death Certificates

Berkeley issues two types of death certificates. An authorized copy is fully certified and accepted by banks, insurance companies, courts, and government agencies. You must be an authorized person to get this type. California law lists who qualifies. Most requests from family members are for authorized copies because these work for closing accounts, claiming benefits, and settling estates. The certificate has a raised seal and shows no restrictions on use.

An informational copy shows the same data but has a watermark stating it cannot be used to establish identity. Anyone can request an informational copy without proving a relationship to the deceased. No notarized statement is needed. These copies are good for genealogy research, personal records, or historical purposes. Most agencies will not accept informational copies for legal transactions. The fee is the same for both types. Berkeley issues the type you request unless you do not qualify for an authorized copy.

If you request an authorized copy but your notarized statement does not prove you are an authorized person, Berkeley will send an informational copy instead. They do not refund your fee. Make sure you understand who qualifies before you order. The city follows California Health and Safety Code Section 103526, which defines authorized persons. This law applies statewide, not just in Berkeley.