Carson Obituary Records Search
Carson death certificates are managed by Los Angeles County. The city of Carson does not maintain vital records. All deaths occurring in Carson are recorded at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office in Norwalk. This is the central office that serves all communities in the county. You can get death certificates three ways: by mail, online, or in person. Each copy costs $26 as of January 1, 2026. In person service is same day. Online orders take about 10 business days. Mail requests can take up to 20 business days. Records go back to July 1905 when California started keeping statewide vital records.
Carson Death Certificate Information
Los Angeles County Vital Records Office
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder maintains death records for Carson. The office is at 12400 East Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Carson is very close to Norwalk, only about 5 miles away. Drive time is 10 to 15 minutes. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Walk-ins are welcome with no appointment needed. Bring a photo ID and the name of the person who died. The date of death helps speed the search. If you do not know the exact date, staff can search a range of dates at no extra cost. Each copy costs $26. Most records are available same day for in person visits.
The county vital records page has forms and detailed instructions. This page explains who can get authorized copies versus informational copies. It also lists current fees and processing times. Review this page before submitting a request.
Call (800) 201-8999 or (562) 462-2137 for questions. Staff answer questions during business hours. Phone orders are not accepted. Use mail, online, or in person methods to place orders.
Authorized and Informational Death Certificates
California issues two types of death certificates. An authorized copy is certified for legal use. It works for insurance claims, bank accounts, and property transfers. To get an authorized copy, you must be an authorized person under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526. This includes spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or legal representative of the deceased.
You must prove your relationship. Mail orders need a notarized sworn statement. This form declares under penalty of perjury that you are authorized. Sign it in front of a notary public who stamps the form. Banks and shipping stores offer notary services for about $10 to $15.
In person orders also need proof. You complete a sworn statement at the counter with the clerk as witness. No notary is needed. Bring documents showing your relationship if you have them. A marriage certificate or birth certificate helps verify your connection.
An informational copy has the same data but includes a watermark. The watermark says it cannot establish identity. Anyone can get an informational copy without proving relationship. These work for genealogy and personal use. They do not work for legal matters. Both types cost $26.
Note: Funeral directors can order copies without proving relationship to the deceased.
How to Order Carson Death Certificates
Mail ordering is available. Download the application form from the county or state website. Fill in the deceased name, date of death, and your contact information. Include a notarized sworn statement if you need an authorized copy. Send payment of $26 per copy by check or money order made out to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Mail to P.O. Box 489, Norwalk, CA 90651-0489. Processing takes up to 20 business days.
Online ordering is offered through the Los Angeles County online portal. Enter the same information as the paper form. Upload a scanned notarized statement for authorized copies. Pay by credit card. The system charges a convenience fee on top of the $26. 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 take a few days. Pay by cash, check, or card. Some locations charge a fee for card payments.
Death Certificate Costs and Processing
Death certificates cost $26 per copy. This fee took effect January 1, 2026. It is the same at county and state offices. The fee includes a search and one certified copy. No refund is given if the record is not found. You receive a Certificate of No Public Record instead.
Multiple copies ordered together may cost less per copy. Ask about discounts when ordering. Estate work often needs several copies. Ordering all at once saves money.
Processing time depends on method. In person is same day. Online takes about 10 days. Mail takes up to 20 days. No expedited service is offered. For urgent needs, visit in person.
January and April are high volume months. Tax season and estate deadlines create demand. Allow extra time during these periods.
Getting Records for Recent Carson Deaths
Recent death records may not be on file yet. When someone dies in Carson, the funeral home files the certificate with Los Angeles County Public Health. Public Health processes it and forwards it to the Registrar-Recorder. This takes four to six weeks.
For very recent deaths, contact the funeral home. They get certified copies when they file the certificate. They can give these to family members right away. This is faster than waiting for county processing.
Deaths involving a coroner take longer. The certificate cannot be finalized until investigations conclude. This may take two to three months. Call the office to check status if waiting more than eight weeks.
Older Carson Death Records
Carson was incorporated in 1968. Before that, the area was unincorporated. Death records for the area date to July 1, 1905 at the county office. This is when California began statewide vital records. For earlier deaths, check county or state archives.
Free online databases help find older records. FamilySearch has California death indexes from 1905 to 1997. Search by name for basic details. These are indexes, not certificates. Use the information to order official copies.
The California State Archives has genealogy resources. 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. Check Carson area libraries for these resources.
Additional Resources for Carson Obituaries
The California Department of Public Health provides statewide information. You can order from the state instead of the county. Fees and requirements are the same.
For online ordering with tracking, use VitalChek. This service charges additional fees but offers expedited shipping and tracking.
Death Records in Other Cities
All Los Angeles County cities use the same vital records office. The process is the same for all cities.