Quick facts
- Source: CDPH — the state vital records office
- Only the certified long-form copy is apostille-eligible
- Apostilled by the California Secretary of State
- Common uses: estate, inheritance, pension, probate abroad
- Authorized requestor rules apply at CDPH — we confirm eligibility first
What to know
CDPH limits who may obtain an authorized certified copy of a death record (typically the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or legal representative). We confirm your eligibility, prepare the CDPH request with a notarized sworn statement when required, and once the long-form copy arrives, submit it to the California Secretary of State for apostille.
Frequently asked questions
Who can request a California death certificate?
Authorized requestors under California law — typically immediate family or a legal representative. CDPH requires a notarized sworn statement for authorized copies.
Will an informational copy work for probate abroad?
No. Foreign authorities require the apostilled authorized certified copy, not an informational version.