How to Find Wisconsin Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths Wisconsin Deaths

Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907 in Wisconsin and was generally complied with by 1908.

Next Step: When did the death occur?	Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's death record: Deaths before 1907 Deaths after 1907 I don't know when the death is

Learn more about U.S. Death Records

Deaths before 1907

Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907. Before 1907, deaths were not recorded by the state; however, some counties recorded deaths. But county registration was voluntary, making death records before 1907 irregular.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information

For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Wisconsin Deaths Databases - Includes Index Only
Try 1st:
	Pre-1907 - At Wisconsin Historical Society	Free; index begins in 1852 but dates may vary by county
Try 2nd:
	1850-1907 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
	Can't search the index listed above?	Try searching other records for death information.
Can't find your ancestor in the index?		Tips for searching indexes
No death record for your ancestor?		Other records with death information

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate

After you find your ancestor in an index, you can either order the certificate from the Wisconsin Historical Society or you can order the corresponding microfilm from the Family History Library.

• Wisconsin Historical Society Index - A red link, which reads "Buy" appears to the right of the death information for the individual. Clicking on that link will start the process of ordering the certificate.
• Family History Library - After you know the exact county where the death occurred, you can order a microfilm corresponding to that county from the library's Registration of deaths, ca. 1862-1907 for Wisconsin.

Deaths after 1907

The state of Wisconsin began recording deaths in 1907, with full compliance by 1908.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information  

For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Wisconsin Deaths Databases - Includes Indexes Only
Try 1st:
	1835-1968 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; index to death and burial records from the state of Wisconsin
Try 2nd:
	1959-1997 - At FamilySearch.org	Free; index of deaths from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
Can't find your ancestor in the index?		Tips for searching indexes
No death record for your ancestor?		Other records with death information

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate

To get an image of the certificate, you can either order the corresponding Family History Library film IF the indexed information included a film number OR you can order a copy of the death certificate for a fee from the following locations:

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• VitalChek

Death records are also maintained at the county level. County copies may be obtained at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the event occurred.

If you do not know the exact date or place of death:
For a fee, the Wisconsin Department of Health office will do a search for your ancestor.

If you do not want to order the death record, there are other records with death information you can search.

Return to top: Choose another death year

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