Probate

How to Get a Death Certificate for Probate in Riverside County

By September 17, 2026No Comments
death certificate
If you are getting ready to open a probate case in Riverside County, you will need the decedent’s death certificate early in the process. The court requires it, and you will also need it to manage estate assets.
Under Riverside Superior Court Local Rule 7200, a copy of the decedent’s death certificate must be filed with a Petition for Probate. Redact the decedent’s Social Security number before filing the copy with the court.
At The Grossman Law Firm, we help families and beneficiaries with probate and trust cases throughout California. Knowing which documents you need can help you see whether the estate is on track or if something is holding up the process.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Riverside County requires a copy of the death certificate when you file a Petition for Probate.
  • Redact the decedent’s Social Security number from the copy filed with the court.
  • Death certificates for Riverside County deaths can be ordered through the Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder.
  • California distinguishes between authorized and informational certified copies.
  • As of 2026, a certified death certificate from Riverside County costs $26 per copy.

Why Do You Need a Death Certificate for a Riverside Probate?

A death certificate is the official proof that someone has passed away. You will need copies to work with banks, insurance companies, government offices, and anyone else who holds the decedent’s assets or information.
Riverside County also has a specific court requirement.
Local Rule 7200 requires a copy of the death certificate to be filed with a Petition for Probate. The same rule applies to certain petitions involving succession to real property and spousal property. Before filing the certificate, you must redact the decedent’s Social Security number.
This rule is specific to Riverside Superior Court. If you are handling a probate here, it is important to check both California law and Riverside County’s local rules.

Where Can You Get a Riverside County Death Certificate?

If your loved one passed away in Riverside County, you have a few options for getting a certified copy of the death certificate.

Order Through the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder

The Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder issues certified death certificates for deaths that occurred in Riverside County.
You can currently request a certificate:
  • Online
  • By mail
  • In person at a Clerk-Recorder location
For in-person requests, Riverside County recommends completing the online application before visiting an office. You must bring a government-issued ID to obtain an authorized copy in person.
Riverside County states that online and mailed requests generally take approximately two to three weeks, although processing time can vary. In-person requests can generally be completed the same day.

Order Through California Vital Records

You can also request a death certificate from the California Department of Public Health-Vital Records.
For a mail request, CDPH currently requires:
  • A completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Record (VS 112)
  • A notarized sworn statement if requesting an authorized copy
  • The applicable fee
CDPH does not currently maintain a public counter for these requests. The state processes applications submitted directly by mail.
For a Riverside County probate, ordering directly through the county may be more convenient, especially if you need an in-person copy quickly.

Do You Need an Authorized or Informational Death Certificate?

California offers two types of certified death certificate copies: authorized and informational.
An authorized certified copy can be used to establish the identity of the person named on the record—California limits who can receive one. Eligible individuals include certain close relatives, surviving next of kin, an attorney representing the estate, and a person appointed by a court to act for the estate.
An informational copy contains substantially the same information but is marked:
“Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.”
Riverside County specifically states that an informational copy is not acceptable for legal purposes.
Anyone handling probate or other estate matters should request the type of copy needed for the task.

Do You Need the Request Notarized?

If you request an authorized copy by mail, you generally must complete a sworn statement and have it notarized.
A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting an informational copy.
For Riverside County mail requests, the county’s application likewise directs applicants seeking an authorized copy to complete the appropriate sworn statement and notarization requirements.

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Riverside County?

As of January 1, 2026, Riverside County charges $26 for each certified death certificate. The California Department of Public Health charges the same $26 state fee per copy.
It can make sense to order more than one copy.
Different banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, or other organizations may require certified copies while the estate is being administered. The number you need depends on the assets and issues involved in that particular estate.

What Information Do You Need to Order a Death Certificate?

The application asks for information that helps identify the correct death record.
This can include:
  • The decedent’s full name
  • Date of death
  • County of death
  • Date of birth
  • Names of parents
  • Name of a spouse or domestic partner
  • Your relationship to the decedent
Providing complete and accurate information can help avoid delays. If the agency cannot locate the requested record, it may still retain the search fee and issue a Certificate of No Public Record.

FAQ

Do I need a death certificate to file probate in Riverside County?

Yes. Riverside Superior Court Local Rule 7200 requires a copy of the decedent’s death certificate with a Petition for Probate. You must redact the Social Security number from the copy filed with the court.

How much is a death certificate in Riverside County?

The fee is currently $26 per certified copy as of 2026.

Can I order a Riverside County death certificate online?

Yes. The Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder accepts online requests as well as requests by mail and in person.

How long does it take to get a death certificate in Riverside County?

Riverside County states that online and mail requests generally arrive within two to three weeks, although processing times can vary.

How The Grossman Law Firm Can Help

Obtaining a death certificate is usually only one of many steps involved in administering a California estate. Problems can arise when an executor fails to move the probate forward, does not provide required information, mishandles estate property, or takes actions that harm beneficiaries.
Attorney Scott Grossman handles probate and trust litigation involving beneficiaries and heirs whose inheritance rights may be at risk.
At The Grossman Law Firm, we help beneficiaries and heirs throughout California enforce their rights in probate and trust litigation.
Call (888) 443-6590 or fill out our Get Help Now form to take the next step.
Our Intake Specialists can evaluate your case and assess your situation at no cost. Qualifying cases will be scheduled for a Free Phone Consultation with Attorney Scott Grossman.
Originally Published: Feb 7, 2018