Death Certificates
This service provides information on how to search the death record indices and obtain copies of death certificates. The Clerk-Recorder office retains death records that occurred in San Luis Obispo County. Death records are public records, but not searchable on the Internet. Certified copies are available upon request. Anyone wishing to search the indices and view death records must visit our San Luis Obispo office and sign in with department staff.
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. (Requires in office pick up during transaction hours) 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 during transaction hours.
- 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 is eligible?
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
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM* Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM* *Last transactions processed 30 minutes prior to closing
1055 Monterey Street Suite D120
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Tel: (805) 781-5080
Fax: (805) 781-1111
FAQS
Requests for vital record copies submitted by mail, email or fax and using a credit card are completed and mailed within 24-48 hours via the U.S. Postal Service. For rush requests, overnight delivery is provided for an additional fee dependent on the destination. Contact the Clerk-Recorder's Office at (805) 781-5080 for overnight delivery fees.
A certified copy can be used to establish the identity of the person named on the certificate, whereas a certified informational copy CANNOT be used to establish identity. Persons who are not eligible to receive a certified copy can receive a certified informational copy. Both types of documents are certified copies of the original document on file with our office. Depending on the exact year of event, some Certified Informational Copies will have signatures and Social Security numbers removed.
If you are requesting a certified copy of a record via mail, fax, or email, you will need to provide a sworn statement and have it notarized. If you choose to appear in person, you will not need to supply a notarized sworn statement.
If you are only requesting a certified informational copy, then you will not need to provide a sworn statement.
Please visit the California Department of Public Heath for additional frequently asked questions.
