Death Certificates

What is the process?

Request a Death Record

Requesting a death record filed in the County of San Luis Obispo can be completed one of following ways:

  • Online via the Self-Service Portal. After submitting your information online, you must come into our office to complete the process within 30 days. Valid identification is required.
  • In-person: When you arrive, use one of our kiosk computers in the lobby to fill out your application, then proceed to the counter to pay for and receive the certificate. You must show valid identification.
  • Through VitalChek, a third-party service. This is a good option if you are in need of your certificate quickly and cannot appear in person. Additional fees may apply.
  • By mail, fax, or email: Complete and return the application form, along with the appropriate fee. If you are requesting an authorized certified copy, your application form must be notarized. NOTE: Requests submitted with an insufficient fee will be returned without processing. 

          Make checks payable to and mail completed form to:

          County of San Luis Obispo Clerk-Recorder
          1055 Monterey Street, Suite D120
          San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

          Email completed form and credit card authorization form to [email protected].

          Fax completed form and credit card authorization form to (805) 781-1111.

Who can use this service?

Anyone who is authorized to receive a certified copy of a death record on file with the Clerk-Recorder may use this service. Those who are not authorized by law to receive an authorized certified copy will receive a certified copy marked "Informational, not a valid document to establish identity". Authorized individuals are:

  • Parent or legal  guardian of the registrant (person named on the certificate).

  • A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse or domestic partner of the registrant.

  • Party entitled to receive the record by court order.

  • A funeral director that orders certified copies of a death certificate on behalf of any individual specified in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive of subdivision (a) of Section 7100 of the Health and Safety Code.

  • A member of a law enforcement agency or representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.  (Companies representing a government agency must provide authorization from the government agency).

  • 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.  (If requesting a Certified Copy under a power of attorney, include a copy of the power of attorney with the application).

Is there a charge for this service?

Yes. Please refer to the Clerk-Recorder's Fee Schedule.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available anytime throughout the year by mail, email, fax, or in-person at the Clerk-Recorder Office in San Luis Obispo during our transaction hours except during County observed holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

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Frequently Asked Questions