Coroner’s Division
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 us at bartleyc@mendocinosheriff.org
Commonly Asked Questions
Why is the Mendocino County Coroner's Office involved in some deaths, but not others?
We are required by California state law to investigate and determine the manner, circumstances and cause of deaths in situations where the attending physician is unable to determine whether the death was accidental, suicide, homicide or it is undetermined. We also have the same obligation if the decedent hasn’t been seen by their physician within the 20 days prior to their death.
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 the Vital Statistics Division of the Mendocino County Department of Health and Human Services located at
1120 South Dora Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 472-2600 or 472-2772
and from the Mendocino County Recorder’s Office. located at
501 Low Gap Road, Room 1020
Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 234-6822
Our Office does not issue death certificates.
Obtaining reports
To obtain an autopsy, investigation or toxicology report you need to submit a request to our Office by emailing records@mendocinosheriff.org or by calling (707) 463-4421.
The first copy of a report is free to legal next of kin.
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.
