California Death Records

Los Angeles County Death Records

Los Angeles County accounts for by far the largest share of California death records in our database. As the state's most populous county — growing from about 170,000 residents in 1900 to over 9 million by 1990 — it recorded more deaths during the 1940–1997 period than any other California county. The county's diverse population and role as a destination for retirees and immigrants from across the country means that LA County death records often connect to family histories from far beyond California.

How to Get a Los Angeles County Death Certificate

Death certificates for deaths that occurred in Los Angeles 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.

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

Address: 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
Phone: (800) 201-8999
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fee: $31 per certified copy
As of January 1, 2026 (AB 64 $2 increase)
Website: https://www.lavote.gov/home/records/vital-records/death-records

By mail: Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, P.O. Box 53120, Los Angeles, CA 90053. Include a check or money order payable to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County Death Records Free

Our California Death Index includes death records from Los Angeles 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.