I don't want everyone to go away with the idea that you have to get a notarized statement in order to request a death cert for genealogical use. There are two kinds of death certs -- an AUTHORIZED certified copy that is used for insurance purposes, etc. The second kind is an INFORMATIONAL certified copy for non-legal (e.g. genealogical) purposes. I requested a death certificate, which was not for a family member but was for someone I was researching for genealogical purposes, in November last year. I ordered the certificate online, and then followed up with a confirmation fax. That's it. No notarization. Quite honestly, I was surprised that it wasn't a bigger hassle. John, have you had other experiences since then? Things change so quickly that my experience may not be relevant now. Paula -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 8:14 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: OBITS & DEATH CERTS? In a message dated 1/25/2004 12:46:18 PM Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes: << Dear List, Can some kind soul please tell me how to secure obits in Southern CA? I have one in 1932 (b. Forest Lawn in Glendale) and one in 1980 (burial place unk). Also, what is the process for getting a CA Death Certificate? What is the address to send my request to and what is the cost? Many thanks. Judy in TX >> JUDY this is a note I sent to some of my relatives recently, Maybe it will help you. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< SNIP >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subj: California New Law July 1, 2003 took effect. The new legislation passed and signed under the former Gov. Davis and his cronies, requires persons who live out of state plus those in state who need CERTIFIED copies of their BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE records must complete a NOTARIZED STATEMENT sworn under penalty of perjury that the requestor is an AUTHORIZED person to receive, with requests. Many people need these for passports quickly as an example. Authorized Persons include: > The registrant or a parent or legal guardian of the registrant; > A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order, or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record in order to comply with the requirements of section 3140 or 7603 of the family code; > A member of law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business; > A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse or "Domestic Partner" of the registrant; > An Attorney representing the registrant or the registrant's estate, or any person or agency empowered by statue or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant's estate; AND, > Any 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 Certified Copy of a Birth record is required to obtain a Driver's license, passport, social security card and other services related to an individual's identity. > A certified Copy of a Death record may be required to obtain benefits, claim insurance proceeds, notify social security and obtain other services related to an individual's identity. > Birth, Death, Marriage, Requirements of the new legislation are available on the Department's automated phone system by calling (562) 462-2137 or at the website WWW.LAVOTE.NET > The California costs for Birth Record is $18, > The California costs Death Record is $13 Persons requiring MULTILINGUAL assistance are to call (800) 481-8683 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SNIP<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Source: Newspaper Article release at Norwalk, CA Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, with enactment of SB 247 (CH. 914, Stats. 2002, pursuant to CA Health and Safety Code 103526, effective 1 July 2003. <<<<<<<<<<<SNIP<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Such Clerks are expected to return by mail as many as 500 per day, that fail to provide the Notarized statement of the requestor's identity and eligibility. >>>>>>>>>>>>SNIP<<<<<<<<<<<< My personal opinion is that such legislation SUCKS as a reminder of the HITLER & STALIN era's in this world. In the past, what starts in California in the West usually spreads Eastward. Cannot blame the Terminator by recent statements but he does support the Homeland Security of G. W. Bush administration. JOHN in CA ______________________________