Agency
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
We are responsible for the medicolegal investigation and the certification of the cause of death and the manner of death for only those deaths under our jurisdiction (sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths); such as deaths outside a hospital or the care of a physician, accidental drug overdose, or suspected suicides or homicides. Find out more below.
Questions?
Email us at OCME@sfgov.orgNews
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Services
Forensic services
Understand forensic examinations
What happens when a body is sent for a forensic exam.
Get a death certificate for someone who died in the last 3 years
We issue death certificates for someone who passed away in the last 3 years. You can get them in person or by mail.
Find a missing person
How to access Victims Services
Resources
OCME Annual Reports
Includes charts on deaths involving vehicles, deaths involving firearms, suicides and childhood deaths.
Accidental Overdose Reports
Recent information and preliminary data on accidental overdose deaths in San Francisco.
DUID, DFSA, and other Human Performance Reports
Recent information, preliminary data, and reports on DUID, DFSA, and other Human Performance cases in San Francisco.
Fee Schedule/Records
Laws governing OCME
Why is this office involved? And, where is the decedent?
What kind of forensic examinations (autopsy) occur at the OCME?
Are there any fees/costs?
Can you recommend a mortuary or funeral service?
Donor
Getting the decedent's personal property
More about Death Certificates
How do I get a copy of the OCME certified forensic reports (autopsy)?
Forensic Laboratory Division
Breaking the OCME seal on the door at the premises
Decedent Release Affidavit Form
Use this form to state that you have the authority, as the Claimant, to release the decedent to a third-party.
About
The mission of the OCME guides us to meet the highest standards of ethics, excellence, and empathy in the prompt investigation and determination of the cause and manner of those deaths under our jurisdiction, to deliver impartial forensic services for the community and the justice system, and to inform public health initiatives.
Partner agencies
Contact information
Address
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner1 Newhall Street
San Francisco, CA 94124
San Francisco, CA 94124
Get directions
Monday to
Tuesday to
Wednesday to
Thursday to
Friday to
Phone
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner415-641-3600
Fax415-641-3650
General information
OCME@sfgov.org