Glendale Obituary Records
Glendale residents file death certificate requests through Los Angeles County, not the city. The city of Glendale does not maintain its own vital records office. All death records for people who died in Glendale are kept at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder office in Norwalk. This is the same office that serves Los Angeles city and all other parts of the county. You can order copies by mail, online, or in person. Each copy costs $26. Mail orders take up to 20 business days while in person visits provide same day service for most records. The office has death records from 1905 forward.
Glendale Death Certificate Overview
Where Glendale Death Records Are Kept
Los Angeles County handles all vital records for Glendale. The main office is at 12400 East Imperial Highway in Norwalk. This location is about 20 miles from Glendale depending on which part of the city you are in. The drive takes 30 to 45 minutes in light traffic. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
When you visit, bring a photo ID. You will need to provide the full name of the person who died. The date of death helps speed the search. If you are not sure of the exact date, staff can search a range of dates. There is no extra fee for searching multiple dates. However, each copy you receive costs $26.
The Los Angeles County vital records page has forms and instructions. This page explains the difference between authorized and informational copies. Authorized copies are certified documents you can use for legal purposes. Only certain people can get these. Informational copies have a watermark and cannot be used to establish identity. Anyone can request an informational copy without proof of relationship.
For questions, call (800) 201-8999 or (562) 462-2137. Staff cannot take orders by phone but they can answer questions about fees, hours, and requirements. You can also email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov with general inquiries. Do not send requests by email as they will not be processed.
Who Can Get Certified Copies for Glendale Deaths
California law limits who can receive authorized certified copies of death certificates. The law is Health and Safety Code Section 103526. It lists the following people as authorized to request certified copies: spouse or registered domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, legal guardian, attorney representing the estate, or person with a property right interest.
If you are one of these people, you must prove your relationship. Mail requests need a notarized sworn statement. This is a form where you sign under penalty of perjury that you are an authorized person. A notary public must witness your signature and stamp the form. Most banks, shipping stores, and legal offices offer notary services for a small fee.
In person requests also need proof of relationship. You sign the sworn statement at the counter in front of the clerk. The clerk acts as a witness so you do not need to get the form notarized in advance. Bring documents that show your relationship if possible. A marriage certificate, birth certificate, or court order helps verify your connection to the deceased.
Anyone who does not qualify gets an informational copy instead. These copies have all the same data but include a watermark. They work fine for family trees and personal records. They do not work for insurance claims, property transfers, or other legal matters. The fee is the same whether you get an authorized or informational copy.
Note: The funeral director who handled the arrangements can also request copies without proving a relationship.
How to Order from Los Angeles County
Glendale residents have three ways to get death certificates. The first is by mail. Download the application form from the county website. Fill in the name of the deceased, date of death, and place of death. If you know it, include the age and parents' names. This helps ensure the right record is found. Include a check or money order for $26 per copy. Add your notarized statement if you need an authorized copy. Mail everything to P.O. Box 489, Norwalk, CA 90651-0489. Processing takes up to 20 business days.
The second option is online ordering. The county offers an online application portal for vital records. Create an account or log in as a guest. Enter the required information about the deceased. Upload a scan of your notarized statement if you need a certified copy. Pay by credit card. The system charges a convenience fee on top of the $26 state fee. Most online orders process in 10 business days or less.
The third way is to go in person to the Norwalk office. This gives you same day service in most cases. The address is 12400 East Imperial Highway, Room 1002, Norwalk, CA 90650. Park in the public lot and follow signs to the Registrar-Recorder. Take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. Bring cash, a check, or a card for payment. Some locations have a card processing fee so cash or check may save you a few dollars.
Getting Records for Recent Glendale Deaths
If someone died in Glendale recently, the death certificate may not be on file yet. It takes four to six weeks for a new record to reach the Registrar-Recorder office. The funeral home or person handling the body files the certificate with the Los Angeles County Public Health department first. Public Health processes the certificate and sends it to the Registrar-Recorder.
For very recent deaths, contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements. They often get several certified copies when they file the certificate. They can give these to family members right away. This is much faster than waiting for the county to process the record. Most funeral homes include a few copies as part of their service package.
If the death involved unusual circumstances, the record may be delayed. Coroner cases take longer because an investigation must be completed before the death certificate is finalized. In these situations, it can take two to three months before the record is available. Call the Public Health office or the Registrar-Recorder to check the status if you have been waiting more than eight weeks.
Older Death Records in Glendale
Glendale death records date back to July 1, 1905 at the Registrar-Recorder office. This is when California began statewide vital records registration. For deaths before 1905, you may find records at the county archives or the California State Archives. Early records are less complete and harder to locate. Not all deaths were recorded in the 1800s.
Free online indexes can help you find older Glendale death records. FamilySearch has California death indexes from 1905 to 1997. Search by name to find the date and other details. These are index entries only, not the actual certificates. Use the information you find to order a copy from the county if you need an official document.
Local libraries may have obituary collections for Glendale. The Glendale Public Library has newspaper archives and local history materials. Death notices in old newspapers can provide information not found on death certificates. Check with the library's reference desk for access to these resources. Some are digitized and searchable online while others are only available in print or on microfilm.
The California State Archives also has genealogy resources including some death records. Their collection includes microfilmed records from many counties. Records over 75 years old are open to the public without restriction. You can visit the archives in Sacramento or search their online catalog to see what they have for Los Angeles County.
Additional Resources for Glendale Obituaries
The California Department of Public Health provides statewide information on death certificates. You can order from the state instead of the county if you prefer. The fee and requirements are the same. State orders may take longer but the process is identical.
For online ordering with faster processing, use VitalChek. This service adds convenience fees but many people prefer it for the tracking features and expedited shipping options. You can check your order status online and choose delivery speed based on your needs.
Death Records in Other Los Angeles County Cities
All cities in Los Angeles County use the same vital records office. If you need records for nearby cities, the process is identical to Glendale. Visit the county page for complete information.