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? [edit | edit source] |
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Deaths before 1907[edit | edit source]
Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907. Before 1907, deaths were not recorded by the state; however, some counties recorded deaths. But registration was voluntary.
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 | |
If you cannot find a death record in the indexes above, try searching substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.
| Records that give death information: | ||
Deaths after 1907[edit | edit source]
The state of Wisconsin began recording deaths in 1907.
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 search the index listed above? | Order a search for your ancestor from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. | |||
| Can't find your ancestor in the index? | Tips for searching indexes | |||
| No death record for your ancestor? | Other records with death information | |||
Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]
To get an image of the certificate, you can 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:
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.
If you do not want to order the death record, there are other records with death information you can search.