Costa Rica Civil Registration

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Central America Costa Rica

Introduction

Civil registration of births, marriages, and deaths began in 1888.

Births (nacimientos)

• Costa Rica Civil Registration 1860-1975 (FamilySearch Historical Records)

Marriages (matrimonios, casamientos)

• Costa Rica Marriages 1785-1910 (FamilySearch Historical Records)
• Costa Rica Civil Registration 1860-1975 (FamilySearch Historical Records)

Deaths (defunciones)

• Costa Rica Civil Registration 1860-1975 (FamilySearch Historical Records)
• Costa Rica Deaths 1787-1900 (FamilySearch Historical Records)

Search Strategies

To effectively use civil records, follow these steps:

1. Search for the relative or ancestor you have selected. When you find the person’s birth record, search for the births of his or her brothers and sisters.
2. Search for the marriage of his or her parents. The marriage record will often give you information that leads to the parents’ birth record.
3. Estimate the parents’ age and search for their birth records.
4. Repeat the process for both the father and mother.
5. If earlier generations are not in the record, search neighboring municipios.
6. Search the death records for all family members.
   

Searching Births, Marriages and Deaths in the Costa Rica Civil Registry

1. Access Civil Registry section of the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones de Costa Rica
2. To find citizens, select "consulta por nombre y apellidos" www.tse.go.cr/consulta_persona/consulta_nombres.aspx
3. Enter the first name and maiden name of the person being searched
4. In the results window, select the person from the list and click "Realizar Consulta" near the bottom of the list
5. The profile for the individual is displayed showing birth date, names of parents and death date, if applicable. Click on any links to get additional details.
6. To find marriages or death records, repeat steps 2 to 4, selecting "consulta de matrimonios" or "consulta de defunciones"
7. The profiles for the married couple or the deceased person is displayed, showing marriage or death dates and names of parents.
   

Websites

1. Costa Rica Index of Marriages and Deaths from the late 1800s to 1900s. www.tse.go.cr/consulta_persona/menu.htm
   
   

References

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