Find Riverside County Death Index Files
Riverside County death records come from two places depending on how old they are. The University Health System Public Health Office of Vital Records registers all births and deaths in Riverside County. They handle recent records from the last 21 days. After that wait period, the County Clerk-Recorder takes over and provides certified copies to the public. Most people order from the clerk-recorder because that's where the bulk of the files are kept. You can order online, by mail, or in person. The fee is $26 per copy as of January 2026. Processing times depend on how you order and how old the record is.
Riverside County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Riverside
- Population: 2,423,266
- Wait Period: 21 days after death
- Fee: $26 per copy (2026)
Where to Get Death Certificates
The County Clerk-Recorder handles most death certificate requests. They have an office in Riverside and other locations around the county. You can call (800) 696-9144 or (951) 486-7000 for information. The staff can tell you what you need to bring or send. They answer questions about fees and processing times. If you're not sure which office to visit, they can help you find the closest one.
The Riverside County vital records page has forms and instructions. You can read about the wait period for death certificates. The page explains the fees that went into effect in January 2026. It also links to the online ordering system.
Online Ordering System
Riverside County has two online portals for vital records. The Clerk-Recorder runs one system through their website. The Public Health office runs another one for very recent records. Most people use the clerk-recorder system because it has the full collection of older records. Both systems charge the same fee but they have different processing times.
The Public Health vital records portal is for ordering recent death certificates. You fill out a form online and pay with a credit card. The system is open 24 hours a day. It asks for the name, date, and place of death. You upload a copy of your ID. Most orders are processed within a few days.
Wait Period Before Ordering
Riverside County says you should wait 21 days after the date of death before ordering a certificate. That gives the doctor, funeral home, and county time to complete the paperwork. If you try to order too soon, they may tell you the record isn't filed yet. The wait period is longer than some other counties but it helps make sure the record is in the system when you order.
If you need a death certificate urgently, call the Office of Vital Records at (951) 358-5068. They can check if the record has been filed. If it's ready, they can tell you how to get it quickly. Sometimes the record is filed sooner than 21 days. It depends on how fast the funeral home and doctor submit the paperwork.
Fees for Death Certificates
Each death certificate costs $26 in Riverside County. That's the state fee that went into effect in January 2026. It's $2 more than the old price. The fee is the same whether you order in person, by mail, or online through the county system. If you use VitalChek or another third-party service, they add extra charges for processing and shipping. Compare the costs before you decide how to order.
The search fee is non-refundable. If they look for the record and can't find it, you don't get your money back. They give you a certificate that says no record was found. That proves they searched. If you need multiple copies of the same record, you pay $26 for each one. Some counties offer a discount on extra copies but Riverside County charges the full fee for each.
In-Person Requests
Walk-in service is available at clerk-recorder offices in Riverside and other cities. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver's license or state ID card. Fill out an application form. You can download it ahead of time from the website or get one at the office. The staff can help if you have questions about what to write. Pay the fee with cash, check, or money order. Some offices take credit cards but call ahead to check.
If the record is in the system and easy to find, you might get it the same day. Older records or busy times may mean you wait or come back later. The clerk will tell you how long it will take. You can leave your phone number and they'll call when it's ready. Or they can mail it to you if you prefer.
Mail Requests
To order by mail, download the application form from the county website or call and ask for one. Fill it out completely and sign it. Include a copy of your photo ID. Send a check or money order for $26 made out to Riverside County Clerk-Recorder. Don't send cash. It can get lost and you have no proof of payment. Put everything in an envelope and mail it to the address on the form.
Processing time for mail orders is usually three to four weeks. That includes the time for your letter to get there, be processed, and mailed back. If you need it faster, use the online system or go in person. Make sure your return address is clear so they know where to send the certificate. Include your phone number in case they have questions.
Who Can Get Authorized Copies
California law says only certain people can get an authorized certified copy of a death record. Close family members qualify. That includes parents, children, siblings, spouses, domestic partners, grandparents, and grandchildren. Legal guardians and conservators can get them. Lawyers representing the estate or family can request copies. Law enforcement and government agencies have access for official business. Funeral homes can get them for the families they serve.
If you don't fit one of those categories, you get an informational copy. It has all the same facts but it's stamped to show it can't be used for identity purposes. Banks and insurance companies won't accept it for legal claims. It's fine for genealogy and family history. You don't need a notarized form to get an informational copy.
What Information to Provide
The application asks for the full name of the person who died. Use their legal name. The date of death helps them search. If you don't know the exact date, give the month and year or just the year. The place of death should be in Riverside County. If it was somewhere else, you need to order from that county. Your own name and address go on the form too. So does your relationship to the deceased.
For authorized copies, you need a notarized sworn statement. The form has a section for this. You sign it in front of a notary public. The notary stamps it and signs it. That proves you swore under penalty of perjury that you're allowed to have the record. Many banks and UPS stores offer notary service for a small fee.
Processing Times
In-person requests can be done the same day for recent records if the office isn't too busy. Older records may take a few days to pull from storage. Mail orders take three to four weeks on average. Online orders through the county portal are usually faster, often within one to two weeks. If you need it urgently, ask about expedited service. That may cost more.
Uses for Death Certificates
Most people need death certificates for legal or financial reasons. Life insurance companies require them to pay benefits. Social Security needs them to stop payments and handle survivor benefits. Banks need them to close accounts or release funds. Probate courts need them to settle estates. Real estate deals need them if the owner died. Some states require them to transfer car titles.
Genealogy is another common use. Family historians use death certificates to confirm dates and places. The certificates show where the person was born, who their parents were, and what they did for work. That helps build family trees. The informational copy works fine for this. You only need the authorized version for legal matters.
Privacy Rules
Death records are public in California but access is restricted to protect privacy. Not everyone can get the authorized copy that works for legal purposes. The clerk checks your ID and relationship before releasing it. If you claim to be family, they may ask for proof. A birth certificate or marriage certificate can show the relationship. These rules prevent fraud and identity theft.
Contact Information
County Clerk-Recorder: (800) 696-9144 or (951) 486-7000. Office of Vital Records (Public Health): (951) 358-5068. Email: vitalrecords@ruhealth.org. Address for Public Health: 4065 County Circle Drive, Suite 102, Riverside, CA 92503. Check the county website for other office locations and hours.