What Is The California Death Index?
The California Death Index (CADI) provides access to California death records from 1940 through 1997. Created by the California Department of Public Health, this comprehensive database contains basic information about deaths registered in California during this period.
What Information Will I Find?
Each CADI record includes:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date and place of birth
- Date of death
- County of death
- Father's last name
- Mother's maiden name
- Gender/Sex
- Social Security number (where available)
The index contains record information only, not actual death certificates. It's an invaluable resource for genealogical research, family history, and death record verification.
Accuracy and Completeness
While extensive, the California Death Index isn't infallible. As a compiled index based on county-level reporting, some deaths may be missing or contain incomplete information. If you're unable to find a death record you believe should be listed, consider:
- Checking variant name spellings
- Contacting the County Clerk's office in the county where the death occurred
- Searching local newspaper obituaries
Expert Tip: County Records
In our experience, the County Clerk's office in the county where a death occurred is often the most authoritative source for death records. These offices maintained their own detailed records and may have information that didn't make it into the state-level index.
Using The Index
This free resource allows you to search California death records without requiring a subscription or membership. While other services like Ancestry.com also provide access to this data, CaliforniaDeathIndex.org offers direct, immediate access to these historical records.
Death Certificates and Official Documents
While this index is useful for research, it cannot be used as official documentation. For certified death certificates, you'll need to contact the California Department of Public Health's Vital Records office. Access to official death certificates is restricted to qualified individuals under California law.
Where to Go Next
If you need:
- Official documentation: Contact California Vital Records
- Additional research: Visit the County Clerk's office where the death occurred
- Historical context: Check local newspapers for obituaries
- Social Security information: Consider requesting the Social Security Death Index (SSDI)
