Modoc County Death Records

Modoc County maintains death certificates through the County Clerk-Recorder office in Alturas. The county formed in 1874 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 county or state approved vendors.

Modoc County Clerk-Recorder Office

The Modoc County Clerk-Recorder handles death certificates for the county. The county offers an online portal for vital records at Modoc County online records portal. The office is in Alturas at 204 South Court Street.

Modoc County is California's northeastern corner county bordering Nevada and Oregon. The county has death records from 1874 when it formed. Early records provide information about ranchers and settlers in this remote region. 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 Modoc County Death Certificates

Request death certificates in person, by mail, or online. For in person requests, visit the Clerk-Recorder office in Alturas 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 Modoc 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 is available through the county's online portal. You can also use the statewide California system via VitalChek for deaths after July 1905.

Cities in Modoc County

Modoc County includes the city of Alturas along with smaller communities. Alturas is the county seat and only incorporated city. Most of the county is rural ranching country. All death records for the county are kept at the clerk-recorder office in Alturas. No city operates an independent vital records office.

The county includes parts of Modoc National Forest. Deaths in these remote areas are registered with Modoc 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

Modoc County has death records from 1874. 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.