Search Livermore Obituary Records

Livermore death certificates come from Alameda County, not the city government. The county auditor clerk manages all death records for anyone who died within Livermore city limits. Two office locations serve residents: the main office at 1106 Madison Street in Oakland and a satellite at 7600 Dublin Boulevard in Dublin. The Dublin location is more convenient for Livermore residents, being much closer. You can request death certificates in person, by mail, or online through the county website. Alameda County maintains death records starting from 1893, with earlier records unavailable. Recent deaths require about two to three weeks to process before certificates become available. Each certificate costs $28. Authorized individuals can obtain certified copies for legal purposes, while informational copies are available to anyone for genealogy or personal use.

Alameda County Auditor Clerk

Alameda County Auditor Clerk is responsible for all Livermore death records. The Dublin satellite office at 7600 Dublin Boulevard, Suite 160, Dublin, CA provides easy access for Livermore residents. The main office is at 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607. Both locations offer the same services and maintain identical hours. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closing on weekends and county holidays.

Before visiting, call 1-510-272-6362 locally or toll free 1-888-280-7708 to confirm a death record is ready. Staff can verify whether the county has received the certificate from the state vital statistics office. For deaths that just occurred, you need to wait two to three weeks. Mail orders placed with the county take approximately two to three weeks from receipt to mailing. Certificates from 1960 to present are usually completed same day for in person requests. Older certificates from 1871 to 1959 may require up to three business days for retrieval from archive storage.

Email vitalrec@acgov.org with questions about fees, office hours, or required documents. You can also fax requests to (510) 208-9957. The county cannot search for records by email or phone without a formal written application. Download application forms from the county website and review the detailed ordering instructions before visiting or mailing your request.

Free parking is available at the Dublin office. The Oakland office has metered street parking and nearby parking lots. Bring valid photo identification and payment when you visit. Most requests for recent deaths are processed while you wait if you come in person.

Information Needed for Ordering

To request a Livermore death certificate, you need the deceased person's full legal name and the date of death. If you do not know the exact date, provide the year of death. The county can search by name and time frame, though this takes longer. You also provide your name, mailing address, phone number, and your relationship to the deceased.

For an authorized certified copy, you must be a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, attorney for the estate, or funeral director. California law restricts access to prevent identity theft and fraud. You complete a sworn statement declaring your relationship. This statement must be notarized by a licensed notary public. Take the form to a bank, UPS store, or law office with notary services. Bring valid photo ID. Notary fees are typically $10 to $15 per signature.

If you do not qualify as an authorized person, request an informational copy. This shows the same data but has a watermark stating it is not valid for establishing identity. Anyone can obtain an informational copy without proving a relationship. No notarized statement is needed. Genealogists and researchers commonly request informational copies.

Alameda County charges $28 per certificate. This fee covers the search even if no record is found. If the county does not locate a record, they keep the fee and issue a no record statement. Verify your information is accurate before ordering.

Ordering Methods

In person service is fastest for recent deaths. Bring your completed application, notarized sworn statement if you want an authorized copy, photo ID, and payment of $28. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card. Make checks payable to Alameda County Clerk. For certificates from 1960 to present, most requests are completed the same day. For older records from 1871 to 1959, allow up to three business days for retrieval.

Mail orders take two to three weeks from when the county receives your request. Send your application, notarized statement if applicable, and a check or money order for $28 to Alameda County Clerk Recorder, 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607. Include a self addressed stamped envelope. Do not mail cash. The county will mail your certificate or a no record statement.

Online orders use the county website with a $2 convenience fee plus the $28 certificate fee. You need a credit or debit card. Processing time is similar to mail orders. If ordering an authorized copy, you must mail or upload your notarized sworn statement. The county will not release your certificate until they receive it.

Note: Death certificates prior to 1893 are not available from Alameda County.

What the Certificate Contains

A death certificate lists the deceased person's full name, gender, date of birth, age at death, and birthplace. It shows the date, time, and exact location of death in Livermore. The cause of death and the certifying physician or coroner name appear. You see occupation, marital status, and spouse's name if married. The certificate includes the names of the deceased person's parents.

Additional details may include funeral home name, method of disposition such as burial or cremation, and cemetery location. Social security number may be listed but is often redacted on informational copies. The certificate does not contain financial information or detailed medical history. For estate matters, you need probate court documents in addition to the death certificate.

Alameda County issues two types. An unrestricted certified copy works for legal purposes like closing accounts and claiming benefits. An informational copy has a legend stating it is not valid for establishing identity. The fee is $28 for either type.

State Death Record Laws

California requires all deaths be registered with the county where they occurred. Funeral directors file the certificate within days. The physician or coroner certifies the cause. The county sends a copy to the state health department, creating both county and state records.

Access is controlled by Health and Safety Code Section 103526. This law lists authorized persons who can receive certified copies. It was enacted to prevent identity theft. Only close family and legal representatives get unrestricted copies. Others receive informational copies.

Records over 75 years old are public. For Livermore deaths before 1951, anyone can request a certified copy. The fee remains $28. Older records may be archived and take extra time to retrieve.

To correct an error, contact the California Department of Public Health, not the county. The state processes all amendments. You pay a fee and provide documentation. Common corrections include name spellings, wrong dates, and cause of death errors.

Other Resources

The Alameda County Coroner investigates sudden or suspicious deaths in Livermore. Contact their office for case information. The coroner determines cause of death and releases the body. The funeral home then files the death certificate.

For genealogy, the California State Archives has old Alameda County records on microfilm at 1500 11th Street in Sacramento. Call (916) 653-6814 for research help. Many records are online through FamilySearch. The state death index for 1905 to 1997 is free to search.

Legal assistance is available through the Alameda County Bar Association. They refer you to probate attorneys. Many offer free consultations. Legal aid groups help low income residents with death related legal matters.

Livermore residents needing funeral help can contact Alameda County Social Services about indigent burial programs that assist qualifying families with burial or cremation costs.

Other Alameda County Cities

All county cities use the same office. Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, San Leandro, Alameda, Pleasanton, and Union City residents all use Oakland or Dublin offices.