How Do You Obtain Death Records & Autopsy Reports?
State and local jurisdictions set the laws regulating the release of documents related to an individual’s death. Death certificates are considered public records and are usually easy to obtain. The availability of autopsy reports, however, varies with the jurisdiction and the circumstances. In California, for example, anyone may order an autopsy report from a county coroner. If the autopsy is performed privately, however, or performed in a jurisdiction that does not regard a coroner’s autopsy as a public document, you may have difficulty obtaining the report. Determine where the individual died. The county and state where the death occurred are responsible for keeping a record of the death. Contact either the county health department or the state’s office of vital statistics (see Resources) to determine the fees and procedures for obtaining a death certificate. Most will accept a request by mail and some offer an online ordering service. Follow the local requirements for your request.
