Downey Obituary and Death Certificate Access
Downey death records are maintained by Los Angeles County, not by the city. Downey does not have its own vital records office. All deaths that occur in Downey are recorded at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office in Norwalk. This central office serves all Los Angeles County communities. You can order death certificates by mail, online, or in person. Each copy costs $26 as of January 1, 2026. In person service provides same day copies for most records. Online orders take about 10 business days. Mail requests can take up to 20 business days. The county has death records from July 1905 forward when California started statewide vital records.
Downey Death Certificate Overview
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Office
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder keeps all death records for Downey. The office is at 12400 East Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Downey is about 8 miles from Norwalk. Drive time is 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Hours are Monday through Friday, 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 speed the search. If you do not know the exact date, staff can search a range 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 instructions. This page explains who can get authorized copies and who receives informational copies. It lists current fees and processing times. Read this 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 submit orders.
Who Can Request Certified Copies
California law limits who can get authorized certified death certificates. Health and Safety Code Section 103526 lists 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. You sign this form under penalty of perjury. A notary public witnesses and stamps it. Banks and shipping stores offer notary services for about $10 to $15.
In person orders also need proof of relationship. You sign a sworn statement at the counter with the clerk as witness. No notary is needed for in person requests. Bring documents showing your relationship if available. A marriage certificate or birth certificate helps verify your connection.
Anyone not authorized gets an informational copy. This has the same data but includes a watermark saying it cannot establish identity. Informational copies 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 Downey Death Certificates
Mail ordering is available. Download the application form from the county or state website. Fill in the deceased name, death date, 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 required information about the deceased. 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 extra days. Pay by cash, check, or card.
Death Certificate Costs and Processing Times
Death certificates cost $26 per copy in California. This fee went into 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 when placing your order. Estate matters often need several copies. Ordering all at once saves money.
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. For urgent needs, visit in person.
Getting Records for Recent Downey Deaths
Recent death records may not be on file yet. When someone dies in Downey, 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 provide 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 Death Records in Downey
Downey death records 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. Records before 1905 are less complete.
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 only. Use the information to order official copies if needed.
The California State Archives has genealogy resources. Visit in Sacramento or search online. Records over 75 years old are publicly accessible.
Additional Resources for Downey 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 identical for all cities.