California Death Records

Butte County Death Records

Butte County, in the northern Sacramento Valley, has a history shaped by Gold Rush mining, agriculture, and the founding of Chico State University. The county's death records reflect its rural character and the communities along the Sacramento River. Oroville and Chico are the main population centers represented in the records.

How to Get a Butte County Death Certificate

Death certificates for deaths that occurred in Butte County can be obtained from the county clerk's office or from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The county office is typically faster for in-person requests.

Butte County Clerk-Recorder

Address: 155 Nelson Avenue, Oroville, CA 95965
Phone: (530) 552-3400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
Fee: $31 per certified copy
As of January 1, 2026 (AB 64 $2 increase)
Website: https://buttevotes.net/180/

By mail: Butte County Clerk-Recorder, 155 Nelson Avenue, Oroville, CA 95965. Include a check or money order payable to the Butte County Clerk-Recorder for $31 per copy.

Online: Order through the county's online portal. Additional service fees may apply for online orders.

What You'll Need to Request a Death Certificate

— Full legal name of the deceased
— Date of death (or approximate range)
— Place of death (city or county)
— Your relationship to the deceased
— Valid government-issued photo ID
— Social Security number of deceased (if known — helps locate the record)

Tip: If you're missing some of this information, try searching our free death index first. Our database includes dates of birth and death, county of death, parents' names, and Social Security numbers for deaths from 1940–1997.

Authorized vs. Informational Copies

California issues two types of death certificates. Authorized copies are available only to family members and legal representatives — they can be used for legal purposes like settling estates. Informational copies are available to anyone regardless of relationship — useful for genealogy and family history research. Both cost the same fee. See our complete guide to getting a death certificate for details.

Alternative: Order from CDPH

The California Department of Public Health can issue death certificates for any death that occurred in California, not just Butte County. This is useful if you're unsure which county the death occurred in. Processing takes 5–7 weeks by mail or 1–3 days through VitalChek online. The fee is $26 per copy. See our death certificate guide for complete CDPH ordering instructions.

Search Butte County Death Records Free

Our California Death Index includes death records from Butte County covering 1940 through 1997. Each record includes the deceased's name, dates of birth and death, parents' names, and Social Security number (where available). Search our free death index →

Looking for records after 1997? Learn why the index stops and where to find more recent records.