Find Burbank Death Records
Burbank death certificates and obituaries are maintained through Los Angeles County, not the city itself. Burbank does not operate a vital records office. All deaths that occur in Burbank are recorded at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office in Norwalk. This office serves all communities in Los Angeles County. You can request death certificates by mail, through an online portal, or by visiting the office in person. Each copy costs $26 as of January 1, 2026. In person visits provide same day service. Mail requests can take up to 20 business days. Online orders usually process within 10 days. Records date back to July 1905.
Burbank Death Certificate Quick Facts
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder maintains death records for Burbank residents. The office is at 12400 East Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Burbank is about 25 miles from Norwalk. Drive time is 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic patterns. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Walk-ins are welcome. You do not need an appointment. Bring a photo ID and the name of the deceased. The date of death helps but is not required. Staff can search a range of dates at no extra charge. Each copy costs $26. You can get your copy the same day for most records.
The county vital records page explains the full ordering process. It covers who can get authorized copies and who receives informational copies. The page lists current fees and processing times. Review this page before submitting a request to ensure you have all required information.
Call (800) 201-8999 or (562) 462-2137 with questions. Staff answer questions about fees and requirements during business hours. Phone orders are not accepted. Use mail, online, or in person methods to submit requests.
Authorized vs Informational Death Certificates
California issues two types of death certificates. An authorized copy is certified for legal use. Banks, insurance companies, and courts accept these copies. Only certain people can get authorized copies. Health and Safety Code Section 103526 lists who qualifies. This includes spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or legal representative.
You must prove your relationship to get an authorized copy. Mail orders need a notarized sworn statement. This form declares you are an authorized person under penalty of perjury. Sign it in front of a notary public. The notary stamps and signs the form. Banks and shipping stores offer notary services for about $10 to $15.
In person orders also need proof. You fill out a sworn statement at the counter. The clerk witnesses your signature. No notary is needed. Bring documents showing your relationship if possible. A marriage license or birth certificate helps verify your connection to the deceased.
An informational copy has the same data but includes a watermark. The watermark states it cannot be used to establish identity. Anyone can get an informational copy without proving relationship. These work for genealogy and personal records. They do not work for legal matters like insurance claims or property transfers. Both types cost $26.
Three Ways to Order Burbank Death Certificates
Mail ordering is available for Burbank death certificates. Download the application form from the county or state website. Fill in all fields including name of deceased, date of death, and your contact information. Add a notarized sworn statement if you need an authorized copy. Include payment of $26 per copy by check or money order. Make it payable to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Mail to P.O. Box 489, Norwalk, CA 90651-0489. Processing takes up to 20 business days from receipt.
Online ordering is available through the Los Angeles County online system. Enter the same information as the paper form. Upload a scanned notarized statement if requesting an authorized copy. Pay by credit card. The system adds a convenience fee for electronic processing. Most online orders complete within 10 business days.
In person service is fastest. Visit the Norwalk office at 12400 East Imperial Highway, Room 1002. Bring photo ID and details about the deceased. Same day service is available for most records. Very old records may need a few extra days. Pay by cash, check, or card. Some locations charge a small fee for card payments.
Note: The county does not accept phone orders for death certificates.
Costs and Processing Times for Death Records
Death certificates cost $26 per copy in California as of January 1, 2026. This fee increased from $24 due to legislation passed in 2025. The $26 includes a search fee plus one certified copy. If the record is not found, there is no refund. The office issues a Certificate of No Public Record to document the search.
Multiple copies ordered together may cost less per copy. Ask about discounts when placing your order. Estate matters often require several copies. Ordering all at once saves money compared to separate requests later.
Processing time depends on your method. In person requests are done the same day in most cases. Online orders take about 10 business days. Mail orders can take up to 20 business days. No expedited service is offered. Same day in person service is the fastest option available.
Busy periods may cause delays. January and April are high volume months due to tax season and year end estate work. Add extra time if ordering during these periods.
Getting Records for Recent Burbank Deaths
Recent death records may not be available immediately. When someone dies in Burbank, the funeral home files the death certificate with Los Angeles County Public Health. Public Health processes the certificate and forwards it to the Registrar-Recorder. This takes four to six weeks on average.
For deaths within the last month, contact the funeral home directly. Funeral homes receive certified copies when they file the certificate. They can provide these to family members immediately. This is much faster than waiting for county processing.
Deaths involving a coroner take longer. The certificate cannot be finalized until the investigation concludes. This may take two to three months or more. Call the Registrar-Recorder to check status if waiting more than eight weeks.
Older Burbank Death Records
Burbank death records date back to July 1, 1905 at the county office. This is when California started statewide vital records registration. For deaths before 1905, check county archives or the California State Archives. Earlier records are less complete and harder to find.
Free online databases help locate older records. FamilySearch has California death indexes from 1905 to 1997. Search by name to find basic details. These are indexes, not actual certificates. Use the information to order official copies if needed.
The California State Archives has genealogy collections including some death records. Visit in Sacramento or search online. Records over 75 years old are publicly accessible.
Local libraries may have obituary collections. Newspapers published death notices before official records began. Check Burbank area libraries for these historical resources.
Additional Resources for Burbank Obituaries
The California Department of Public Health provides statewide death certificate information. You can order from the state office instead of the county. Fees and requirements are identical.
For online ordering with tracking features, use VitalChek. This service charges additional fees but offers expedited shipping and order tracking.
Death Records in Nearby Cities
All cities in Los Angeles County use the same Registrar-Recorder office. The process is identical for every city.