Death certificates are needed for Social Security, life and health insurance and other time sensitive purposes.  You can purchase a certified copy of a death certificate in person at the County Clerk-Recorder's office at 555 County Center, First Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063-1665.  Payment types accepted in the office are cash, checks, and credit or debit cards (Visa and Mastercard only).

Application

Mailed requests for certified copies of death certificates must be accompanied by a notarized application.  (Application form will require the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader which may be downloaded for free here.) Mail the application with the required payment in a check or money order only (payable against a USA bank) to the above address - Attn Vital Records. Make checks payable to San Mateo County Clerk-Recorder.

Processing time may take several days.  Please expect to receive your copies via regular mail in approximately two weeks.  If you wish to expedite your request you may opt to send it via overnight mail.  If so, please include a pre-paid overnight return envelope along with your notarized application and check or money order.  Certificates from the years 1865 to 1965 may require an additional two days for processing.

Amendments

An amendment to any death certificate must be completed through the State Office of Vital Records.  Please see website for forms and instructional packet www.dhs.ca.gov

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