Burbank Death Records Search
Death records for Burbank residents are handled by Los Angeles County offices. The city does not maintain a vital records office. When someone dies in Burbank, the death certificate gets filed with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. This county office has records from 1892 to present. You cannot get death certificates from Burbank City Hall. All requests must go through county channels. You can apply in person at the county office in Norwalk, mail an application, or order online through VitalChek. Fees and processing times vary by method.
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder
Los Angeles County processes all death certificates for Burbank. The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk office is at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. You can call them at (562) 462-2137 or toll-free at (800) 201-8999. Office hours vary, so check their website before visiting. The physical office handles in-person requests during business hours.
Los Angeles County charges $23 per certified death certificate. This is lower than the state standard of $26 due to local fee structures. Death records are not available until 90 days after the date of event in Los Angeles County. This is longer than most other counties in California. If you need a certificate sooner, you may want to order from the California Department of Public Health instead.
The county maintains a website at www.lavote.net where you can find forms and information. They also have an online ordering system at apps.lavote.net/bdm. Online orders get processed within 20 working days. Mail requests take longer, typically 4 to 6 weeks. In-person visits may be completed the same day depending on how busy the office is.
How to Request Records
Start by filling out an application form. Download it from the Los Angeles County website or pick one up at the Norwalk office. Provide the deceased person's full name, date of death, and place of death. State that the death occurred in Burbank or Los Angeles County. Include additional details like age at death, parents' names, and birthdate if you have them. These extra facts help the office locate the right record.
If you need an authorized copy, complete a sworn statement. This must be signed in front of a county clerk when applying in person. Mail applicants must have the statement notarized by a notary public. The sworn statement declares that you are authorized to receive the record. Informational copies do not require a sworn statement or notarization.
Payment is required before the county searches for the record. They accept checks, money orders, and cash for in-person requests. Mail orders need a check or money order payable to Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Online orders through VitalChek require a credit card. VitalChek charges an extra $9.00 processing fee plus optional shipping fees.
Eligibility for Authorized Copies
Any person can request an informational copy. These copies work for family history and genealogy research. They contain the same information as authorized copies but have a legend stating they cannot establish identity. No relationship to the deceased is required.
Authorized copies go to eligible requesters only. Family members like parents, children, siblings, spouses, grandparents, and grandchildren qualify. Legal representatives such as attorneys, executors, and court-appointed agents can request them. Government employees and law enforcement acting in official duty are eligible. Funeral home staff can get death records when handling arrangements.
California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 sets these rules. The law protects privacy while allowing access to those who need records for legitimate purposes. If you are not sure whether you qualify, request an informational copy instead. It costs the same and does not require proof of relationship.
Processing Times and Fees
Los Angeles County charges $23 per certified death certificate. Extra copies of the same record ordered at the same time each cost $23. The fee is nonrefundable. If the office cannot find the record, they issue a No Record Statement instead of a refund. Make sure you have accurate information before submitting your request.
In-person requests may be completed the same day if the office is not busy. Bring valid photo ID and payment. Mail requests take 4 to 6 weeks including mail delivery time. Online orders through the county system take 20 working days. VitalChek orders take 1 to 6 weeks depending on shipping method. Express shipping costs extra.
Remember that Los Angeles County has a 90-day waiting period. Records are not available until 90 days after the date of death. This is unique to Los Angeles County. Most other counties make records available within 2 to 4 weeks. If you need a certificate sooner, contact the California Department of Public Health at (916) 445-2684.
Nearby Cities
Other major cities in Los Angeles County include Los Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Torrance, and Inglewood. Most use the same county system. Pasadena is an exception because it has its own vital records office for recent deaths. All other cities direct residents to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder.