Compton Death Certificate Records
Compton death records are filed with Los Angeles County. The city does not maintain its own vital records office. All deaths in Compton are recorded at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office located in Norwalk. This central office serves all communities in the county. You can request death certificates by mail, online, or in person. Each copy costs $26 as of January 1, 2026. In person service provides same day copies in most cases. Online orders process in about 10 business days. Mail requests take up to 20 business days. Records date back to July 1905.
Compton Death Certificate Details
Where Compton Death Records Are Kept
Los Angeles County maintains all death records for Compton. The office is at 12400 East Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Compton is about 6 miles from Norwalk. Drive time is 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Walk-ins are welcome without appointment. Bring 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 cost. Each copy costs $26.
The Los Angeles County vital records page provides forms and instructions. This page explains who qualifies for authorized copies. It lists current fees and processing times.
Call (800) 201-8999 or (562) 462-2137 for questions. Phone orders are not accepted. Use mail, online, or in person methods to place orders.
Who Can Get Certified Death Certificates
California law restricts who receives authorized certified copies. Health and Safety Code Section 103526 defines authorized persons as: spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, legal guardian, conservator, estate attorney, or person with property rights.
Authorized persons must prove their relationship. Mail orders need a notarized sworn statement signed under penalty of perjury. A notary public witnesses and stamps the form. Banks and shipping stores offer notary services for about $10 to $15.
In person orders also need proof. You sign a sworn statement at the counter with the clerk as witness. No notary is needed. Bring documents showing your relationship if available.
Anyone not authorized receives an informational copy with a watermark. These work for genealogy and personal records. They do not work for legal matters. Both types cost $26.
How to Order Compton Death Certificates
Mail ordering is available. Get the application form from the county or state website. Fill in all required fields. Include a notarized statement for authorized copies. Send payment of $26 per copy by check or money order 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 required information about the deceased. Upload a scanned notarized statement for authorized copies. Pay by credit card. The system charges a convenience fee. Most online orders process within 10 business days.
In person service is fastest. Visit 12400 East Imperial Highway, Room 1002 in Norwalk. Bring photo ID and details about the deceased. Same day service is available for most records. Pay by cash, check, or card.
Death Certificate Costs and Wait Times
Death certificates cost $26 per copy in California. This fee took effect January 1, 2026. It includes a search and one certified copy. No refund is given if the record is not found.
Multiple copies ordered together may have discounts. Ask when placing your order. Estate matters often need several copies.
Processing time varies by method. In person is same day. Online takes about 10 days. Mail takes up to 20 days. No expedited service is offered.
Getting Records for Recent Compton Deaths
Recent death records may not be on file yet. The funeral home files the certificate with Los Angeles County Public Health. Public Health processes it and sends it to the Registrar-Recorder. This takes four to six weeks.
For very recent deaths, contact the funeral home. They can provide certified copies right away. This is faster than waiting for county processing.
Coroner cases take longer. The certificate cannot be finalized until investigations conclude. This may take two to three months.
Older Death Records in Compton
Compton death records date to July 1, 1905 at the county office. For earlier deaths, check county or state archives. Records before 1905 are less complete.
Free online databases help find older records. FamilySearch has California death indexes from 1905 to 1997. These are indexes only. Use the information to order official copies if needed.
The California State Archives has genealogy resources. Records over 75 years old are publicly accessible.
More Resources for Compton Obituaries
The California Department of Public Health provides statewide information. You can order from the state instead of the county.
For online ordering with tracking, use VitalChek. This service charges additional fees but offers expedited shipping.
Death Records in Other Cities
All Los Angeles County cities use the same vital records office.