The Coroner’s Division strives to provide thorough and accurate answers to families and loved ones of those who have passed away in Mendocino County.
If you have questions not answered below, please email Coroners Division.
Commonly Asked Questions
Obtaining a Death Certificate
If you have chosen a funeral home, you can request they obtain one on your behalf.
You can also obtain a death certificate from: Vital Statistics Division of the Mendocino County Department of Health and Human Services 1120 South Dora Street Ukiah, CA 95482 (707) 472-2600 or 472-2772
Our Office does not issue death certificates.
For information regarding how to obtain a copy of a report, please see Obtaining Coroner’s Report.
Obtaining Coroner's Reports
In accordance with the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 7920.000 et seq.), The Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency, accountability, and providing public access to disclosable records maintained by our agency.
Final Cause of Death, Coroner Cases, Autopsy and Toxicology Report
Submit your request through our NextRequest automated portal, by e-mail or by phone:
Public Records
· Web: https://mendocinocounty.nextrequest.com/
· Email: pra@mendocinosheriff.org
· Phone – Message Line: 707-234-2015 - If you are requesting a report make sure you provide your name, phone number, email or mailing address, decedent’s name and case number.
Government Agencies Only – County, State, or Federal Govt. requesting records for official business
· E-mail: records@mendocinosheriff.org
· Phone: 707-463-4418
· Fax: 707-467-6009
What to Expect (Timelines)
· 10-Day Response: Upon receipt of your request, our office has 10 calendar days to determine if we possess disclosable records and notify you of our determination.
· Final Cause of Death, Coroner Cases, Autopsy and Toxicology Report: These records can take approximately 14-16 weeks to receive. Once received, the Sheriff's Office will review the reports to determine if exemptions apply and redactions are needed.
Decedent's Personal Property
We may be in possession of personal property belonging to a decedent. The legal next of kin may secure property directly or authorize a third party to obtain the property from the Coroner’s Division.
Third party persons seeking to obtain property must furnish written authorization signed by the legal next of kin. Property is only released during normal business hours.
In some cases, we can mail small property items to the next of kin with shipment and handling costs pre-paid by the requestor.
Hours for the release of property during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please call (707) 463-4421 in advance to insure someone will be available in the office.