Oakland Death Records

Oakland death certificates are maintained by Alameda County, not the city. The county auditor clerk handles all death records for people who died within Oakland city limits. The main office is at 1106 Madison Street in downtown Oakland, making it convenient for local residents. A satellite office in Dublin also serves the county. You can request death certificates in person, by mail, or online. Alameda County has death records from 1871 forward, though records before 1893 are not available. Recent deaths take about two to three weeks to process before certificates are ready. The fee is $28 per copy. Authorized individuals can get certified copies for legal use, while anyone can request informational copies for genealogy or personal records.

Alameda County Auditor Clerk Office

Alameda County Auditor Clerk is the official source for Oakland death certificates. The main office is at 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607, located in downtown Oakland near Lake Merritt. A satellite office operates at 7600 Dublin Boulevard, Suite 160, Dublin, CA. Both locations handle death certificate requests. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Offices close on weekends and county holidays.

Call 1-510-272-6362 locally or toll free 1-888-280-7708 before visiting to confirm a death record is available. Staff can check if the county has received the certificate. For deaths that occurred recently, allow two to three weeks for processing. Orders placed by mail take approximately two to three weeks from the date the county receives them. Certificates from 1871 to 1959 require up to three business days to retrieve. Certificates from 1960 to present can usually be completed the same day.

Email vitalrec@acgov.org with questions about fees, hours, and required documents. You can also fax requests to (510) 208-9957. The county cannot search for records by email or phone without a formal application. Visit the county website for downloadable forms and detailed ordering instructions.

Parking is available near both office locations. The Oakland office has metered street parking and nearby lots. The Dublin satellite office has free parking. Bring photo ID and payment when you visit. Most in person requests for recent deaths are processed while you wait.

Information Required for Ordering

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

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. 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 when you visit the notary. Notary fees typically range from $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 get an informational copy without proving a relationship. No notarized statement is required. Genealogists, researchers, and distant relatives 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 based on your information, they keep the fee and issue a no record statement. Verify your details are accurate before ordering.

How to Order Death Certificates

In person service is the fastest option 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 from archives.

Mail orders take two to three weeks from the date 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 send your certificate or a no record letter.

Online orders are available through the county website. There is a $2 convenience fee per online order in addition to 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 statement. The county will not release your certificate until they receive the notarized form.

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

What the Certificate Shows

An Oakland 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 within Oakland. The cause of death and the name of the certifying physician or coroner appear on the record. You will 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 the funeral home name, method of disposition such as burial or cremation, and cemetery location if applicable. Social security number may be listed but is often redacted on informational copies. The certificate does not contain financial information, detailed medical history beyond cause of death, or property records. For estate settlement, you need probate court documents in addition to the death certificate.

Alameda County issues two types of copies. An unrestricted certified copy can be used to establish your identity and works for legal purposes like closing bank accounts, claiming life insurance, and settling estates. An informational copy has a legend across the face stating it is not a valid document to establish identity. The fee is $28 for either type.

California Death Record Laws

California law requires all deaths to be registered with the county where they occurred. Funeral directors typically file the certificate within a few days of death. The attending physician or coroner must certify the cause. After registration, the county sends a copy to the state health department, creating both county and state records.

Access rules are defined in Health and Safety Code Section 103526. This law lists authorized persons who can receive certified copies. It was enacted to combat identity theft and protect privacy. Only close family members and legal representatives qualify for unrestricted copies. Everyone else receives an informational copy with usage restrictions.

Death records over 75 years old are public records. For Oakland deaths before 1951, no relationship proof is needed. Anyone can request a certified copy of these historical files. The fee remains $28. Old records may be archived and can take up to three business days to retrieve.

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

Other Resources for Oakland Residents

The Alameda County Coroner investigates sudden, unexpected, or suspicious deaths in Oakland. Call the coroner's office for case information. The coroner determines cause of death and releases the body to a funeral home. After the investigation, the funeral home files the death certificate with the county clerk.

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

Legal assistance is available through the Alameda County Bar Association. They can refer you to attorneys handling probate, wills, and estates. Many lawyers offer free consultations. Legal aid organizations in the county provide free help to low income residents with death related legal matters.

Oakland residents needing funeral assistance can contact Alameda County Social Services for information about indigent burial programs. These programs help cover basic burial or cremation costs for qualifying low income families.

Other Alameda County Cities

All cities in Alameda County use the county clerk for death certificates. Fremont, Hayward, San Leandro, Livermore, Alameda, Pleasanton, and Union City residents all use the Oakland or Dublin office. No cities in the county operate their own vital records offices.