Authorized vs. informational death certificates — which one do you need?

California issues authorized and informational certified copies of a death certificate. The appropriate copy depends on the purpose and whether the requester fits a statutory category.

The two kinds

An authorized copy is commonly required for life insurance, financial accounts, title changes, and court matters. Health & Safety Code §103526 identifies the people who may receive one, including specified relatives; a parent or legal guardian; a person entitled by court order; an attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate; and other people or agencies authorized by statute or court appointment. Eligibility should be confirmed with the issuing office.

An informational copy is available to anyone. It contains the same information but is printed with a legend across the face stating it is "Informational, not a valid document to establish identity." It's useful for family records — and usually not accepted where an authorized copy is required.

Where copies come from

Certified copies may be available from the county recorder, a local registrar or vital-records office, or the California Department of Public Health, depending on where and when the record was registered. The California base fee is currently $26 per certified death record. Vendor, payment, delivery, and notarization charges may be additional. Verify the issuing office's current instructions and fee before ordering. Fee last verified August 16, 2026.

The sworn statement

Many mail requests for an authorized copy require a statement sworn under penalty of perjury and notarized. For an in-person request, the official generally takes a sworn statement from the applicant without a separate notarized acknowledgment. Electronic identity-verification options may also be available. Follow the issuing office's current procedure.

How many copies to order

Different institutions have different requirements. Before ordering, ask each recipient whether it needs an original certified copy or will return one after review. That can prevent unnecessary expense.

Our assistance identifying the issuing office and preparing a request is free. The issuing agency and other providers may charge their own fees, and the agency makes the final eligibility decision.