Lassen County Obituary and Death Records

Lassen County death records are maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder office in Susanville. The county formed in 1864 and has records from that time forward. You can obtain authorized certified copies for legal purposes or informational copies for genealogy research. Fees are $26 per certificate following California state law. Request methods include in person visits, mail applications, and online ordering through approved vendors.

Lassen County Clerk-Recorder Office

The Lassen County Clerk-Recorder handles death certificates for the county. Visit the Lassen County Recorder Division page for information. The office is in Susanville at 221 South Roop Street.

Lassen County is in northeastern California near the Nevada border. The county has death records from 1864 when it formed. Early records provide information about settlers in this remote part of California. The clerk-recorder maintains both recent and historical death certificates.

The office issues authorized certified copies and informational copies under California law. Authorized copies work for legal matters. Informational copies serve genealogy needs. To get an authorized copy, you must prove you are an eligible person under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Provide a notarized sworn statement with your request.

Requesting Lassen County Death Certificates

Request death certificates in person, by mail, or online. For in person requests, visit the Clerk-Recorder office in Susanville during business hours. Bring photo ID and information about the deceased. Fill out an application and pay the fee. Staff will search records and issue the certificate if found.

Mail requests require an application form. Download it from the county website. Fill it out completely. Include payment as a check or money order payable to Lassen County Clerk-Recorder. For authorized copies, attach a notarized sworn statement. Mail everything to the address on the form with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes several weeks.

Online ordering may be available. Check the county website for current options. You can also use the statewide California system via VitalChek for deaths after July 1905.

Cities in Lassen County

Lassen County includes the city of Susanville along with smaller communities. Susanville is the county seat and largest town. Most of the county is rural with unincorporated areas. All death records for the county are kept at the clerk-recorder office in Susanville. No city operates an independent vital records office.

The county includes parts of Lassen National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Deaths in these remote areas are registered with Lassen County. The county handles all death certificates regardless of location within the county.

Fees and Processing Times

Death certificates cost $26 per copy as set by California law. The county retains this fee even if no record is found. State law allows this under Health and Safety Code Section 103650. Processing times vary by request method.

Historical Death Records for Genealogy

Lassen County has death records from 1864. These early records are valuable for family history research. Informational copies work for genealogy. Online databases like FamilySearch California Death Index help locate records before ordering copies.

Nearby California Counties

For deaths in neighboring counties, contact their respective vital records offices.