Search Santa Clarita Obituary Records
Santa Clarita death records are maintained by Los Angeles County, not by the city itself. The city does not operate a vital records office. All deaths that occur in Santa Clarita are recorded by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder in Norwalk. This office serves every city and community in Los Angeles County. You can request death certificates by mail, online, or by visiting the Norwalk office in person. Each certified copy costs $26 as of January 1, 2026. Processing times range from same day service for in person visits to 20 business days for mail requests. The county has kept these records since July 1905.
Santa Clarita Death Certificate Facts
Los Angeles County Vital Records Office
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder maintains all death records for Santa Clarita residents. Their office is in Norwalk at 12400 East Imperial Highway. This is the main vital records office for the entire county. Santa Clarita is about 35 miles from Norwalk. The drive takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment is needed. When you arrive, take a number and wait for your turn. Staff will help you search for the record. You need the full name of the deceased. The date of death helps but is not required if you do not know it. Staff can search a range of dates at no extra charge.
The county vital records request page explains the ordering process in detail. It lists what information you need and what forms to use. The page also covers who can get authorized copies versus informational copies. Read this page before submitting your request to make sure you have everything you need.
For phone questions, call (800) 201-8999 or (562) 462-2137. These lines are open during business hours. Staff can answer questions about fees, hours, and requirements. They cannot take orders by phone. You must use mail, online, or in person methods to submit a request.
Authorized Copies vs Informational Copies
California issues two types of death certificates. An authorized copy is a certified document that can be used for legal purposes. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies accept these copies. To get an authorized copy, you must be an authorized person under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526. This includes the spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or legal representative of the deceased.
You must prove your relationship to get an authorized copy. Mail orders require a notarized sworn statement. This is a form where you declare under penalty of perjury that you are an authorized person. You sign it in front of a notary public who stamps and signs the form. Most banks, shipping stores, and legal offices offer notary services. Fees are usually $10 to $15 per signature.
In person orders also need proof of relationship. You fill out the sworn statement at the counter. The clerk witnesses your signature so you do not need a notary. Bring documents that show your connection to the deceased if you have them. A marriage license, birth certificate, or court document helps verify your relationship.
An informational copy shows the same information as an authorized copy but has a watermark. The watermark says the copy cannot be used to establish identity. Anyone can get an informational copy without proving a relationship. These work well for genealogy and personal records. They do not work for insurance, property transfers, or other legal matters. The fee is $26 for either type of copy.
Three Ways to Order Death Certificates
Santa Clarita residents can order death certificates by mail. Download the application form from the county website or the California Department of Public Health. Fill in all required fields. Include the name of the deceased, date of death, and your contact information. Add a notarized statement if you need an authorized copy. Include a check or money order for $26 per copy 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 available through the Los Angeles County online portal. This system lets you submit a request electronically. Enter the same information as the paper form. Upload a scanned copy of your notarized statement if you need a certified copy. Pay by credit card. The system adds a convenience fee for electronic processing. Most online orders are completed within 10 business days.
In person service is the fastest option. Visit the Norwalk office at 12400 East Imperial Highway. Bring a photo ID and details about the deceased. You can get your copy the same day in most cases. Very old records or those stored offsite may take a few extra days. Pay by cash, check, or card. Some locations charge a small fee for card payments so cash or check may save you money.
Note: Phone orders are not accepted by Los Angeles County for vital records.
Death Certificate Costs and Processing Times
Death certificates cost $26 per copy in California. This fee applies whether you order from the county or the state. It includes a search fee plus one certified copy. If the record is not found, you do not get a refund. The office issues a Certificate of No Public Record to show they searched. This document proves you made a good faith effort to locate the record.
Additional copies ordered at the same time may cost less than $26 each. Ask about multiple copy discounts when you place your request. Most agencies require several copies for estate matters. It is cheaper to order them all at once rather than making separate requests later.
Processing time depends on your method. In person requests are done the same day for most records. Online orders take about 10 business days on average. Mail orders can take up to 20 business days. Plan ahead if you have a deadline. The office does not offer expedited service. Same day in person service is the fastest option available.
Busy times of year may cause delays. January and April are the busiest months for vital records requests. Tax season and year end estate matters create high demand. If you order during these times, add a few extra days to the estimated processing time.
Getting Records for Recent Santa Clarita Deaths
Recent death records may not be available right away. When someone dies in Santa Clarita, the funeral home files the death certificate with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Public Health processes the certificate and forwards it to the Registrar-Recorder. This takes four to six weeks on average.
If you need a death certificate within the first month after a death, contact the funeral home. They usually get several certified copies when they file the certificate. They can provide these to family members right away. This is much faster than waiting for the county to process the record.
For deaths involving a coroner investigation, processing takes longer. The death certificate cannot be finalized until the investigation is complete. This can take two to three months or more in complex cases. Call the Registrar-Recorder office to check the status if you have been waiting more than eight weeks.
Older Santa Clarita Death Records
Santa Clarita was incorporated as a city in 1987. Before that, the area included several unincorporated communities. Death records for all of these areas are kept by Los Angeles County. The Registrar-Recorder has records from July 1, 1905 forward. For deaths before 1905, check with the county archives or the California State Archives.
Free online databases can help you find older records. FamilySearch has California death indexes from 1905 to 1997. Search by name to find dates and other details. These are indexes only, not actual certificates. Use the information to order an official copy if you need one.
The California State Archives has genealogy resources including some death records. Visit their Sacramento location or search their online catalog. Records over 75 years old are open to public access. Newer records may have restrictions based on privacy laws.
Local historical societies may have obituary collections. Newspaper death notices provide information not found on death certificates. Check with Santa Clarita area libraries and historical groups for access to these resources. Some are digitized while others are only available in print or on microfilm.
Additional Resources for Santa Clarita Obituaries
The California Department of Public Health has statewide information on death certificates. You can order from the state office instead of the county. The fee and requirements are the same. State processing may take longer but some people prefer this option.
For online ordering with tracking, use VitalChek. This service adds fees but offers expedited shipping and order tracking. You can check your order status online and choose delivery speed based on your needs.
Death Records in Nearby Cities
All Los Angeles County cities use the same Registrar-Recorder office for death records. The process is the same for every city in the county.