Death Certificates: The Ultimate Party Crashers
So, your great-aunt Gertrude has finally kicked the bucket, and now you're tasked with getting a copy of her death certificate. Fun times, right? Let's dive into the wonderful world of bureaucracy and paperwork.
Online or In-Person: A Tale of Two Paths
You've got two main options here: the digital frontier or the good old-fashioned in-person approach.
Online: If you're a fan of binge-watching documentaries while waiting for things to happen, then the online route might be your jam. You can request a death certificate through VitalChek, a third-party service. Just remember, there's a handling fee on top of the copy fee. It's like paying extra for slow delivery on Amazon.
In-Person: If you enjoy queuing up with strangers and breathing in the scent of old paper, then visiting the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office is for you. You'll need to make an appointment, so plan your funeral attire accordingly.
What You'll Need: More Than Just a Good Cry
To get your hands on that coveted piece of paper, you'll need to prove you're not just some random person trying to steal identities. Here's what you might need:
- Proof of relationship: This could be a birth certificate, marriage license, or even a really convincing family tree.
- Photo ID: Your passport, driver's license, or that old library card from college will do the trick.
- Money: Because, let's face it, nothing in life is free, especially when it involves government offices.
How Long Does it Take? Patience is a Virtue
If you're ordering online or by mail, expect to wait about 20 business days. It's like waiting for your great-aunt Gertrude to respond to your texts. If you're going the in-person route, you'll get your certificate on the spot (for deaths after 1995).
FAQs: The Burning Questions
How to get a death certificate online?
- Visit VitalChek's website and follow the prompts. Be prepared to pay a handling fee.
How to get a death certificate in person?
- Make an appointment with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office. Bring necessary documents and payment.
How much does a death certificate cost?
- The fee varies depending on the type of certificate and how you obtain it. Check the official website for the most accurate information.
How long does it take to get a death certificate?
- Online and mail-in requests usually take 20 business days. In-person requests for deaths after 1995 are processed on the spot.
How to prove relationship for death certificate?
- You can use a birth certificate, marriage license, or other official documents to establish your relationship to the deceased.