I found out from a collection agency that my cousin died. I was told the date of death and that it happened in California, but it was not in Santa Clara County. Is there an address I can write to get a copy of the death certificate?

Write to the California Office of Vital Records and Sacramento. Although searches for birth and death records can be performed with some information missing, the Department asks the following:

• Full name of person whose record is being requested.
• Sex of the person.
• Parents' names, including mother's maiden name.
• Month, day and year of birth or death.
• Place of birth or death (be as specific as possible, including the name of hospital).
• Purpose for which copy is requested.
• Relationship to person whose record is being requested.
• Social Security number, if known.

The fee a death record search is $8. Paid request (don't send cash) should be mailed to the Office of Vital Records, 304 S St. PO Box 730241, Sacramento, CA 94244-0241. Expect to wait six-12 weeks for an answer to your request. For additional information call 916-445-2684.

or
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/chs
Fax 1-800-858-5553
Extra charge if on credit card