Table of Contents
Quick answer: CalSTRS has three fax numbers you might need. 916-414-5040 is its main fax, the one on its contact page, and a printed and signed Service Retirement Application can be faxed to CalSTRS. Pension2 forms (the 403(b), 457 and account forms) go to 888-814-5862, only one form per fax. A death certificate sent after an online Notification of Death goes to 916-414-5783.
Pension and Pension2 forms have separate faxes; mix them up and the form goes to the wrong place. The California State Teachers’ Retirement System runs two things that people fax: the defined benefit pension most teachers think of as “CalSTRS”, and Pension2, its separate 403(b) and 457 savings programme.
Three faxes, and when to use each
Checked on calstrs.com on 16 October 2026.
| What you’re sending | Fax | Source | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Retirement Application, printed and signed | 916-414-5040 | Near-retirement checklist; contact page | 16 Oct 2026 |
| Other CalSTRS (defined benefit) member forms | 916-414-5040 | Contact page | 16 Oct 2026 |
| Pension2 403(b), 457 and account forms | 888-814-5862, one form per fax | Member forms page | 16 Oct 2026 |
| Death certificate, following an online Notification of Death | 916-414-5783 | Notification of Death FAQ | 16 Oct 2026 |
Faxing a Service Retirement Application
You can apply in myCalSTRS, and for a simple application that’s the end of it. CalSTRS’s near-retirement checklist covers the other case: if your application is complex, complete it online, then print it, sign it and mail or fax it. The checklist doesn’t print a number; the fax on CalSTRS’s contact page is 916-414-5040.
Before you send it, put your Client ID or Social Security number on every page, sign where the application asks, and keep the fax confirmation page. If CalSTRS needs to call you about it, note that some phones’ spam filters block CalSTRS’s numbers; CalSTRS suggests adding 800-228-5453, 916-894-6468 and 916-414-1099 to your contacts.
Pension2 forms: one per fax
Pension2 forms go to 888-814-5862, and CalSTRS asks for only one form in each fax. Two forms, two faxes.
Reporting a death
CalSTRS asks for deaths of members, benefit recipients and beneficiaries to be reported through its online Notification of Death. You can attach the death certificate to that online form, but only when you first submit it. If you didn’t, send the certificate separately: by fax to 916-414-5783, by post to CalSTRS, P.O. Box 15275, MS 43, Sacramento, CA 95851-0275, or by hand to a local benefits planning office.
Phone, post or in person
Phone 800-228-5453 or 916-414-1099, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday to Friday, with your Client ID or Social Security number and date of birth ready. Post goes to CalSTRS, P.O. Box 15275, Sacramento, CA 95851-0275, and you can visit a member service centre or a local benefits planning office in person.
Not a teacher? Many other California public employees are with CalPERS, which has one member fax: see how to fax CalPERS.
Pension2 forms go one per fax, and Municorn Fax keeps a confirmation page for every send to 916-414-5040 or 888-814-5862. EveryFax does the same from a computer or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for CalSTRS retirement online?
Yes, in myCalSTRS. For a complex application, CalSTRS’s checklist says to complete it online, then print, sign and mail or fax it.
Why does Pension2 have a different fax?
It’s a separate CalSTRS programme for 403(b) and 457 savings, and its forms go to 888-814-5862, one form per fax.
Where do I fax a death certificate to CalSTRS?
To 916-414-5783, after reporting the death through CalSTRS’s online Notification of Death. The certificate can also go by post to P.O. Box 15275, MS 43.
Is CalSTRS the same as CalPERS?
No. CalSTRS is for California public school teachers; CalPERS covers many other California public employees. Their fax numbers are different.
Sources
- CalSTRS, contact us: fax 916-414-5040, phone numbers and hours, postal address, spam-filter numbers. Checked 16 October 2026.
- CalSTRS, near-retirement checklist: printing, signing and faxing a complex application. Checked 16 October 2026.
- CalSTRS, Notification of Death FAQ: death certificate fax 916-414-5783, MS 43. Checked 16 October 2026.
- CalSTRS, member forms: Pension2 fax 888-814-5862, one form per fax. Checked 16 October 2026.
