Mariposa County Obituary Search

Mariposa County maintains death certificates at the Clerk-Recorder office in Mariposa. The county has death records from its formation in 1850 as one of California's original counties. You can obtain certified copies for legal use or informational copies for genealogy purposes. Fees follow state law at $26 per certificate. Request methods include in person visits, mail applications, and online vendor services through the county or state system.

Mariposa County Clerk-Recorder

The Mariposa County Clerk-Recorder handles death certificates for the county. Visit the Mariposa County vital records request page for forms and ordering information. The office is in Mariposa, the county seat and only incorporated town in the county.

Mariposa County is California's oldest county, formed in 1850. The county was originally much larger but was divided to create several other counties. Early death records from the Gold Rush era are maintained by the clerk-recorder. These historical documents provide insight into California's early days as a state.

The office issues authorized certified copies and informational copies. Authorized copies work for legal matters. Informational copies have a watermark and serve genealogy needs. To get an authorized copy, you must be an eligible person under California Health and Safety Code Section 103526. Provide a notarized sworn statement proving your relationship to the deceased.

How to Request Death Certificates

Request death certificates in person, by mail, or online. For in person requests, visit the Clerk-Recorder office in Mariposa during business hours. Bring photo ID and details 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 from the county website. Fill it out with the deceased person's name, date of death, and other information. Include payment as a check or money order payable to Mariposa County Clerk-Recorder. If you want an authorized copy, attach a notarized sworn statement. Mail everything to the address on the form with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Online ordering may be available through county or state systems. The California Department of Public Health via VitalChek accepts orders for any county for deaths after July 1905. Check the Mariposa County website for direct online options.

Communities in Mariposa County

Mariposa is the only incorporated city in the county. Other communities include Oakhurst, Fish Camp, Yosemite West, and Coulterville. All are unincorporated. The county includes parts of Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. All death records for the county are kept in Mariposa regardless of where the death occurred.

Mariposa County has a small population spread over a large geographic area. No city operates an independent vital records office. Everyone uses the county clerk-recorder for death certificates. The office handles all vital records for the entire county.

Fees and Processing

Death certificates cost $26 per copy as set by California law. The county retains this fee even if no record is found. They issue a Certificate of No Public Record in that case. State law allows this under Health and Safety Code Section 103650.

Processing times vary. In person requests for recent deaths can be same day. Mail requests take several weeks. Online orders have similar times plus shipping. Make sure your information is accurate to avoid delays.

Historical Records for Genealogy

Mariposa County has death records from 1850. These early records are valuable for family history research. Informational copies work for genealogy without proving family ties. Online databases like FamilySearch California Death Index help locate records before ordering copies.

Nearby California Counties

For deaths in neighboring counties, contact their respective offices.