Los Angeles Death Records
Los Angeles does not issue death certificates directly. The city is part of Los Angeles County, and all death records for Los Angeles residents are maintained by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. This office handles death certificates for all deaths that occur within Los Angeles city limits. You can request copies by mail, online, or in person at the county office in Norwalk. The fee is $26 per copy as of January 1, 2026. Processing times vary from same day for in person visits to 20 business days for mail requests. Only authorized persons can get certified copies under California law.
Los Angeles Death Certificate Facts
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Office
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder maintains death records for all deaths in Los Angeles. Their main office is at 12400 East Imperial Highway in Norwalk, California. This office serves all residents of Los Angeles city and the rest of Los Angeles County. They keep records from July 1905 to the present. Earlier records may be available through the county archives or the California State Archives.
You can visit the office in person Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. No appointment is needed. Bring a photo ID and information about the deceased. Staff will help you fill out a request form. If you need an authorized certified copy, you must show proof of your relationship. Family members like a spouse, child, parent, or sibling qualify. You will sign a sworn statement in front of the clerk. Same day service is available for most requests when you visit in person.
The Los Angeles County vital records request page explains who can get authorized copies. California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 lists all qualified persons. This includes immediate family, grandparents, grandchildren, and legal representatives. An attorney for an estate can also request certified copies. Anyone else receives an informational copy with a watermark that says it cannot be used to establish identity.
For phone inquiries, call the main line at (800) 201-8999 or the local number at (562) 462-2137. Staff can answer questions about fees, processing times, and requirements. They cannot take orders over the phone. You must use mail, online, or in person methods to submit a request. The email address recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov is for general questions only, not for placing orders.
How to Order Death Records in Los Angeles
Los Angeles residents have three ways to order death certificates. The first is by mail. Download the application form from the county website or the California Department of Public Health. Fill it out with the name of the deceased, date of death, and your contact information. If you need an authorized copy, include a notarized sworn statement proving your relationship. Mail the form, payment, and statement to P.O. Box 489, Norwalk, CA 90651-0489. Use a check or money order made out to Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Processing takes up to 20 business days from when they receive your request.
The second method is online through the county's portal. Visit the Los Angeles County online application system to submit a request electronically. You will enter the same information as the paper form. Upload a scanned copy of your notarized statement if needed. Pay with a credit card. The system adds a convenience fee for electronic orders. This method is faster than mail but slower than visiting in person. Most online orders process within 10 business days.
The third option is to visit the Norwalk office in person. This is the fastest method. Bring your ID and details about the person who died. You can search the database with staff assistance. If the record is found, you pay the fee and receive your copy the same day in most cases. Very old records or those stored offsite may take a few extra days. In person service works best if you are not sure of the exact date or spelling. Staff can help you search multiple variations.
Death Certificate Costs and Wait Times
Death certificates in Los Angeles cost $26 per copy as of January 1, 2026. This fee increased from $24 due to a law change in 2025. The $26 includes a search fee plus one certified copy. If you order more than one copy of the same record at the same time, additional copies may cost less. Ask about multiple copy discounts when you place your order.
If the record is not found, you still pay the fee. The office issues a Certificate of No Public Record instead. This proves they searched and did not find a match. You can use this document to show you made a good faith effort to locate the record. No refunds are given for unsuccessful searches. Make sure you have accurate information before you order to avoid this outcome.
Processing time varies by method. In person requests are done the same day in most cases. Online requests through the county portal take about 10 business days. Mail requests can take up to 20 business days. These are averages and actual times may be longer during busy periods. The first few weeks of January and the month of April tend to be the busiest times of year for vital records requests.
Expedited service is not offered by the county office. If you need a death certificate urgently, visit in person. Same day service at the counter is the fastest option available. Do not rely on mail or online orders if you have a deadline within a few weeks. Plan ahead when possible.
Getting Records for Recent Deaths in Los Angeles
Recent death records may not be available right away. When someone dies in Los Angeles, the funeral home or person handling the body files the death certificate with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The health department processes the certificate and sends it to the Registrar-Recorder office. This takes four to six weeks on average.
If you need a death certificate within the first month after a death, contact the Public Health office directly. They may have a copy before it reaches the Registrar-Recorder. The funeral director who handled the arrangements can also help. Many funeral homes get several certified copies at the time of filing. They can provide these to family members faster than going through the county.
For deaths that occurred within the last few days, records may still be at the hospital or with the coroner. Give the system time to process the paperwork. Most records become available through the Registrar-Recorder within six to eight weeks. Very complex cases involving autopsies or investigations may take longer.
Note: Always confirm the record has been filed before paying the fee to avoid unsuccessful searches.
Older Death Records for Los Angeles
Los Angeles County has death records going back to July 1, 1905. These are the official state vital records that the Registrar-Recorder office maintains. For deaths before 1905, you must check with other sources. The county may have some earlier records in their archives, but availability varies. The California State Archives also holds death records from some counties for the 1800s.
Many older Los Angeles death records have been indexed by genealogy websites. FamilySearch has free indexes for California deaths from 1905 to 1997. You can search these to find basic information like name, date, and age. The indexes do not show the actual death certificate, just the key details. Use these indexes to verify information before ordering a copy from the county.
Local libraries and historical societies in Los Angeles also keep obituary collections. Newspapers published death notices long before the state kept official records. The Los Angeles Public Library has obituary files and newspaper archives. These can help you find information about deaths in the 1800s or early 1900s. Check with the library's genealogy department for access to these resources.
For deaths that occurred outside Los Angeles city limits but within Los Angeles County, the same Registrar-Recorder office handles them. The entire county uses one central office for all vital records. This makes it easier than in some states where each city keeps its own records.
Useful Resources for Los Angeles Death Records
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder website has forms and instructions. Their vital records page explains the full process. You can download the application form and read about who qualifies for authorized copies. The site also lists current fees and processing times.
For state level information, visit the California Department of Public Health vital records page. This site covers the laws and requirements for all California death certificates. You can also order from the state office instead of the county if you prefer. The fee and requirements are the same at both levels.
The California State Archives offers family history resources including some death records. These are mainly for research purposes, not legal use. If you are building a family tree or researching Los Angeles history, the archives can be a good source for older records.
VitalChek provides an online ordering option through their California portal. This service adds convenience fees but may process faster than mail orders to the county. You can track your order online and choose expedited shipping if needed.
Death Records in Nearby Cities
All cities in Los Angeles County use the same Registrar-Recorder office. If you need death records for other cities near Los Angeles, the process is the same. Visit the Los Angeles County page for full details on how to order from the county office.