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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 102Pt. 1Ch. 14§ 103540 Birth Record Death Notification

§ 103540 Birth Record Death Notification

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 103540 Birth Record Death Notification

The law requires that before a certified birth record is issued, officials must check if the person has died, and if so, the copy must show a bold “DECEASED” label near the name.

Key Takeaways

  • •Officials must verify if a death has been recorded before issuing a birth record copy.
  • •If death is recorded, the copy must display “DECEASED” in bold, at least half‑inch high, near the name.
  • •The State Registrar will create rules to carry out this process.

Example

A mother wants a copy of her child's birth certificate to enroll the child in school, but the child's father has recently passed away.

The registrar looks at the death index, sees that the father's death is recorded, and prints a large bold “DECEASED” stamp next to his name on the birth certificate copy that is sent to the mother.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 103540 Birth Record Death Notification

Prior to issuing a certified copy of a birth record, the State Registrar, local registrar, or county recorder shall determine whether their respective birth records or index to the records have been revised pursuant to Section 102245 to indicate the death of the registrant whose birth record is requested. If the records or index have been so revised, the certified copy provided the applicant shall display the legend “DECEASED,” which shall be indelibly printed or stamped, in boldface style not less than one-half inch in height, within near proximity to the space reserved for the registrant’s name. The State Registrar shall adopt regulations to implement this section. (Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1996.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

certified copybirth recordDECEASEDState RegistrarSection 102245

Related Statutes

  • § 103525 Certified Vital Records Access
  • § 103526.6 Security Features Study Report
  • § 103535 Amended Birth Certificate Requests
  • § 103545 Vital Records Certification Authority
  • § 103555 Birth Registration Certification

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 103540.
View Official Source