Los Angeles County Medical Examiner: Case Search, Family Guidance and Records
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner investigates deaths within its jurisdiction and provides case information, family guidance, reports, and personal property services. This guide explains how to find a case, coordinate with a funeral home, request records, and contact the appropriate service.
Independent information guide: This website is not affiliated with the Department of Medical Examiner. The department, funeral homes, records offices, and other responsible agencies handle investigations, authorizations, release arrangements, and official documents.
For families arranging services: Select a funeral home and tell the funeral director that the death is being handled by the Department of Medical Examiner. The funeral director normally coordinates the required authorization and release arrangements. Family viewing is arranged through the funeral home, not at the Medical Examiner facility.
Choose Your Next Step
Case searches, funeral arrangements, death certificates, reports, and personal property requests use different services. Choose the entry point that matches the action you need to take.
| Your task | Where to start | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Arrange release to a funeral home | Select a funeral home and follow the family guidance. | Decedent's name, Medical Examiner case number when known, and information needed to establish disposition authority. |
| Find public case information | Medical Examiner case search. | Name, age, date of death, or Medical Examiner case number. |
| Ask about an investigation or pending findings | The assigned investigator or the department's published contact service. | Case number, decedent's name, your relationship, and the specific question. |
| Arrange a viewing | The selected funeral home. | Release arrangements and questions about the planned service. |
| Obtain a certified death certificate | The appropriate vital records office or funeral home. | Name, date and city of death, copy type, and requester eligibility. |
| Request a Medical Examiner report or Proof of Death Letter | Official document services or the Records Section. | Case number, document requested, and information required by the ordering service. |
| Recover personal possessions held by the department | Call Personal Property at 323-343-0515 before visiting. | Case number, relationship or authority, identification, and the items being requested. |
| Ask about an invoice for transportation or storage | Review the fee waiver policy and contact billing. | Invoice date, case number, charge description, and account reference. |
| Ask about County disposition when private arrangements cannot be made | Contact the department about the applicable process. | Case details and the information or documentation requested for eligibility and authorization. |
| Review unidentified-person records | The separate unidentified persons search. | Available descriptive information, date found, or case number. |
First Steps for Families
The department's family guidance explains the role of the funeral home and the information needed for release arrangements.
- Select a funeral home.
- Tell the funeral director that the death is being handled by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
- Provide the Medical Examiner case number when available.
- Ask the funeral director to notify the department and coordinate the required paperwork.
- Confirm who is legally authorized to direct disposition of the remains.
- Keep copies of authorizations and relevant contact information.
The Medical Examiner does not select a funeral home or make funeral arrangements. The selected funeral director normally supplies the release form, obtains the required signature, and submits it to the department.
Authority to Make Arrangements
Release authorization must come from the person legally entitled to direct disposition of the remains. That person may differ from someone responsible for the decedent's financial accounts, estate, or other affairs.
Tell the funeral director and department about relevant legal documents or uncertainty concerning authority. Do not assume that being an emergency contact or having access to an account establishes disposition authority.
When Another Person Makes Arrangements
The family guidance describes notarized written authorization when someone else will make arrangements for the family. Confirm the required document and signer with the department and funeral home.
The listed information includes the decedent's name, Medical Examiner case number, authorizing person's name and telephone number, relationship to the decedent, and selected funeral director.
If a local mortuary will transfer the remains to a receiving mortuary outside Los Angeles County, identify both facilities as required by the department's instructions.
Medical Examiner Case Search
The official case search provides public information about cases handled by the department. It is not a database of every death in Los Angeles County.
Search and Confirm the Record
- Read any current search notices or instructions.
- Enter the available name, age, date of death, or Medical Examiner case number.
- Review possible matches rather than relying on a name alone.
- Compare the case number, age, and dates with the information you have.
- Open the available case details and note the current status.
Depending on the case and its status, details may include the assigned investigator, place and date of death, examination status, final cause and manner of death, and readiness for release.
A Medical Examiner case number is separate from a police report number, court case number, hospital reference, death certificate number, or funeral home account number.
If a Case Does Not Appear
The department states that cases are not displayed when next of kin have not been notified or a security hold applies. A death outside Medical Examiner jurisdiction may also be absent.
Check spelling and dates, try another supported search field, and follow any current website notice about search problems. Contact the department when the result remains uncertain.
A missing result does not prove that the department has no case. An online entry also does not replace a complete report, certified death certificate, or confirmation of release arrangements.
Investigation and Pending Results
The department's process overview describes notification, jurisdiction review, investigation, examination, and release.
Why the Department May Be Involved
The Medical Examiner investigates deaths meeting its legal jurisdiction, including certain sudden, violent, unusual, or unattended deaths. The Reporting Desk reviews reported circumstances and determines whether an investigation should be opened.
Medical Examiner involvement does not automatically mean that a crime occurred. Some cases involve natural disease, while others require investigation of an injury or other circumstances.
Examination and Testing
A deputy medical examiner determines the examination and testing needed for the case. Not every case requires a full autopsy.
Additional work may include toxicology, microscopic examination, review of medical records, or other investigation. Testing and report completion can take months, depending on the case.
The release of the remains and completion of final findings are separate stages. Testing may continue after the remains have been released to the funeral home.
Cause and Manner of Death
Cause of death identifies the disease or injury leading to death. Manner of death classifies the circumstances, such as natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.
A Medical Examiner classification of homicide is not a criminal court judgment about guilt or a particular offense.
Deferred Findings
When further work is needed, the cause or manner of death may remain pending or deferred. The department explains that an interim or deferred death certificate can allow funeral arrangements to proceed, with an amendment following when final findings are available.
Ask the funeral director about the certificate needed for arrangements and contact the department about investigation questions. Do not assume that pending toxicology requires waiting for the final report before arranging services.
Religious Concerns About an Autopsy
Notify the department promptly if there is a religious objection to an autopsy. The department's official FAQ explains that a Certificate of Religious Belief must be filed before an autopsy and that legal limitations apply.
Discuss the required procedure directly with the department. An objection does not guarantee that an examination or autopsy will be waived.
Identification, Viewing and Release
Identification
Families generally do not need to visit the facility for visual identification. If identification assistance, medical or dental records, or X-rays are needed, a department representative will request them.
Follow the instructions provided for the case rather than making an unarranged visit.
Viewing
The Medical Examiner facility does not provide family viewing. Arrange any viewing with the selected funeral home.
An autopsy does not automatically prevent an open-casket service, but the circumstances and condition of the remains may affect the arrangements. Discuss those questions with the funeral director.
Release to the Funeral Home
The remains become available for release after the required examination and release conditions are satisfied. The family page gives a general timeframe of two to three days, but this is not a guarantee for every case.
The funeral director coordinates release and submits authorization from the person legally entitled to direct disposition. Identification issues or other case circumstances may affect timing.
An online status showing readiness for release does not by itself complete the paperwork or authorize an individual to collect the remains. Confirm arrangements through the funeral home and department.
Death Certificates and Case Reports
A certified death certificate, a Medical Examiner report, and a Proof of Death Letter serve different purposes. Choose the document required by the receiving agency.
| Document | Purpose | Where to request it |
|---|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | The official vital record used for transactions requiring certified proof of death. | The appropriate vital records office, or through the funeral home's ordering assistance. |
| Medical Examiner case report | Available examination and investigation findings, with additional reports depending on the case. | Medical Examiner document services or the Records Section. |
| Proof of Death Letter | A certified letter documenting the decedent's name and the date and place of death. It does not replace a death certificate. | Medical Examiner document services. |
| Law enforcement report | Records created by the investigating police or other law enforcement agency. | The agency maintaining the report. |
| Medical records | Clinical records maintained by a hospital, physician, or other healthcare provider. | The provider maintaining the records, using its applicable authorization process. |
Certified Death Certificates
The Medical Examiner does not distribute certified death certificates. Check the DPH Vital Records Office or the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk record services for current coverage and request instructions.
DPH Vital Records lists coverage for deaths in Los Angeles County during the current or previous year, excluding Pasadena and Long Beach. For other years, check Registrar-Recorder instructions; for Pasadena or Long Beach events, check the relevant city's vital records coverage.
Confirm the event year, city, registration status, required copy type, and requester eligibility. The funeral home can also assist with ordering and questions about a deferred or amended certificate.
Medical Examiner Reports
Reports ordinarily include examination and investigation information and may include toxicology or other laboratory and consultant findings. Contents depend on the case and whether the relevant work is complete.
Use the official document service and check current availability and charges before ordering. For help locating a case or an archived report, call the Records Section at 323-343-0695.
Police reports and healthcare records are not included. Photographs are also excluded from the standard report; the department's FAQ describes separate restrictions and a court-order requirement for release to legal next of kin.
Proof of Death Letters
Before ordering a Proof of Death Letter, ask the receiving agency whether it will accept the letter. A request for a certified death certificate should not be answered with a different document unless the agency agrees.
Personal Property
Eligible possessions held by the Medical Examiner may be claimed by the legal next of kin or through the department's applicable authorization process.
Call the Personal Property Section at 323-343-0515 before visiting. Confirm custody of the items, your authority to claim them, required documents, and the current appointment or pickup arrangements.
Prepare for the Request
- The decedent's name and Medical Examiner case number.
- Your name, relationship, and contact information.
- Identification and authorization documents requested by staff.
- A description of the items you are trying to recover.
- The confirmed pickup appointment or instructions.
Items Held Elsewhere
Some possessions may be held by law enforcement rather than the Medical Examiner. Contact the agency with custody of those items.
The department states that government-issued documents, such as driver's licenses and passports, are returned to their issuing agencies rather than released to next of kin.
Clothing is generally released with the remains to the mortuary unless retained as evidence. Items presenting a health or safety hazard may be handled differently.
Forms and Authorizations
The official forms page provides documents for release, declarations, next-of-kin authorization, and other specialized requests.
Use the Form for the Requested Action
- Confirm which form the department or funeral home requires.
- Enter the decedent's name and Medical Examiner case number accurately.
- Provide the relationship and authority information requested.
- Complete signatures, dates, witnessing, or notarization when required.
- Identify the relevant funeral homes when a transfer is involved.
- Use the designated submission method and retain a copy.
A release form, personal property declaration, and request concerning evidence or laboratory work are not interchangeable. Ask the responsible section if the purpose of a form is unclear.
Transportation and Storage Fee Policy
In its January 7, 2025 announcement, the department stated that transportation and storage fees charged to next of kin were permanently waived following Board of Supervisors approval.
This announcement updates older department pages that describe transportation billing. The waiver should not be interpreted as eliminating funeral home charges, document charges, or every other cost associated with arrangements.
If You Receive a Related Invoice
Contact the department's billing section before paying a transportation or storage invoice. Provide the invoice date, charge description, case number, and account reference so staff can explain the applicable policy.
The Public Services page lists 323-343-0572 and 323-343-0613 for billing assistance. Confirm whether any payment is due and use only the department's designated payment instructions.
County Disposition
When private arrangements cannot be made, County disposition may be an available alternative. The department's family guidance describes eligibility and documentation requirements, including proof of indigence when applicable.
Contact the department to discuss the process rather than assuming that it is automatic or that every case follows the same arrangements.
Questions to Confirm
- Who must authorize the disposition.
- Which application and supporting documents are required.
- The expected arrangements and timing.
- How the family will be notified.
- Whether and how cremated remains may be claimed.
- The applicable claim deadline and required permit or identification.
- How the process may affect death certificate availability.
Do not treat a general description of eventual cemetery interment as the deadline for claiming cremated remains. Confirm the specific deadline and instructions for the case directly with the responsible office.
The department warns that County disposition may involve delays in receiving a death certificate and related benefits. Discuss document needs with the department and any agency requiring proof of death.
Unidentified Persons
The unidentified persons search is separate from the named case search. It provides available descriptive information and search fields such as sex, ethnicity, date found, and case number.
A missing person may not appear in a name search if identification has not been established. Descriptions, estimated ages, and dates may also be incomplete.
If you believe a record may relate to a missing person, contact the department and the agency handling the missing-person report. A resemblance or matching search field is not a formal identification.
Family Support and Language Resources
The department provides family fact sheets and videos in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Armenian, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog, with an ASL video option.
Use these resources to help understand the process, and confirm current case instructions directly with staff when needed.
The grief and bereavement resources page provides connections to support information. Review individual resources for current availability and the assistance they offer.
Medical Examiner Contacts
The department is located at 1104 North Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Check the official contact page and confirm the arrangements for your service before visiting.
| Service | Contact or official entry point | Purpose and availability |
|---|---|---|
| General assistance and Public Services | 323-343-0512 Contact the department |
General guidance and routing. Published department hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Individual services may have different arrangements. |
| After-business-hours contact | 323-343-0714 | The department's listed contact outside regular business hours. Routine records and property services may require follow-up during their operating hours. |
| Case information | Case Search | Available public case details and status. Restrictions or technical issues may affect results. |
| Records Section | 323-343-0695 Document services |
Report availability, archived records, and document-ordering assistance. |
| Personal Property Section | 323-343-0515 | Confirm custody, claimant requirements, and current pickup appointments before visiting. |
| Billing questions | 323-343-0572 323-343-0613 |
Clarify an invoice and the applicable transportation or storage fee policy. |
| Funeral home release arrangements | Your selected funeral director and the family guidance page. | Authorization, coordination of release, and funeral or viewing arrangements. |
| Certified death certificates | DPH Vital Records Registrar-Recorder records |
Use the office covering the event year and city. Check separate Pasadena and Long Beach instructions when applicable. |
| Unidentified-person information | Unidentified Persons Search | Available descriptive case records. Contact the investigating agencies about a possible identification. |
Before You Submit or Visit
- Keep the case number: Use the Medical Examiner reference for department inquiries.
- Choose the correct service: Release, reports, certificates, property, and billing use different routes.
- Confirm authority: Ask which signer or claimant documents are required.
- Check current instructions: Review forms, appointment arrangements, charges, and policy notices.
- Separate release from final findings: Pending testing does not necessarily prevent funeral arrangements.
- Call before collecting property: Confirm custody, documents, and pickup arrangements.
- Keep copies: Retain authorizations, order confirmations, and correspondence.
- Protect sensitive information: Use the designated submission process for identity documents and case-related material.
If you find an outdated detail or broken link in this guide, please contact our website editor. Case questions, funeral arrangements, records, property claims, and official authorizations should go to the department or other responsible provider.