An AUTHORIZED CERTIFIED COPY of a death record may be required to obtain death benefits, claim insurance proceeds, notify social security and obtain other services related to an individual's identity. Section 103526 of the California Health and Safety Code restricts who is allowed to obtain an authorized certified copy of a death record. When requesting an authorized certified copy, a sworn statement will be required.

Each certified copy request is $24. If no record of the Death is found, the $24.00 fee will be retained for searching the record (as required by Health & Safety Code Section 103650) and a Certificate of No Public Record will be issued to the applicant.

Those who are not authorized need to apply for an INFORMATIONAL CERTIFIED COPY with the words "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" imprinted across the face of the copy.