Death Certificates

HOW TO OBTAIN A DEATH CERTIFICATE (AUTHORIZED CERTIFIED COPY OR INFORMATIONAL ONLY COPY):

ORDER VITAL RECORDS ONLINE (Launching September 11, 2023): There is now an easier way to order and receive your Vital Records! Our new platform Vital Director allows customers to place orders and pay for Vital Records online, without having to step foot in our office and wait in line. We process orders within 24 hours and we have multiple shipping options. You will also receive email updates throughout the process so you can track your records. Click HERE to be redirected to the Vital Director platform, where you will follow the instructions on-screen to complete the request.

For additional options of obtaining a death record, please read the table below:

IN-PERSON 

  • Online Application, your order will remain in our service queue until you come into our office.
  • In our office you will sign the application electronically, pay the fee, and the certificate is handed to you at the service counter.

BY MAIL

  • Print (English)(Spanish)  application.
  • Sign before a Notary Public (Authorized Certified Copy requests).
  • Enclose a check, money order, or Credit Card Charge Form, with your notarized application to Yolo County Clerk-Recorder.
  • Processing time is 1 to 2 business days upon receipt.

BY FAX

  • Print(English)(Spanish) application.
  • Sign before a Notary Public (Authorized Certified Copy requests).
  • Fax your notarized application to 530-666-8109.
  • Call 530-666-8130 to confirm we have received your application and to provide us your credit card information.
  • Processing time is 1 to 2 business days upon receipt.
WHO MAY OBTAIN AN AUTHORIZED CERTIFED COPY OF A DEATH CERTIFICATE:

Only authorized individuals may receive a certified copy of a birth record. The law describes authorized individuals as:

  • The registrant or a parent or legal guardian of the registrant.
  • A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record in order to comply with the requirements of Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code.
  • A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.
  • A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.
  • An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant’s estate, or any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant’s estate.
  • Any agent or employee of a funeral establishment acting within the scope of employment who orders certified copies of a death certificate on behalf of any individual specific in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Family Code Section 7100.
NON-AUTHORIZED PERSONS MAY REQUEST AN "INFORMATIONAL ONLY" COPY. INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:

Those persons who are NOT authorized by law may request a certificate marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY".

If applying for an "Informational" copy, complete the application page only. You are not required to sign under the sworn statement nor have the application notarized.

    Follow the instructions above to submit your request in-person, by mail, or by fax.

    FEES:
    Item Fee
    Copy of Death Certificate-Public and Government Agency $24.00
    Copy of Fetal Death Certificate-Public and Government Agency $22.00
    Burial Permit $12.00
    Wildfire Vital Records Relief forms No Fee
    In lieu of Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) $1.00
    Express Mail (Optional) $28.75
    Priority Mail (Optional) $9.65

    Click Here For Payment Methods

    In lieu of the SASE the customer may elect to pay $1.00 for return postage which will be added to the document fee total.