How to Find Wisconsin Death Records
Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907 in Wisconsin and was generally complied with by 1908.
-1997] Index only. ($)
Next Step: When did the death occur? |
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Deaths before 1907
Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907. Before 1907, deaths were not recorded by the state; however, some counties recorded deaths. But county registration was voluntary, making death records before 1907 irregular.
STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.
| Wisconsin Deaths Databases - Includes Index Only | ||
| Try 1st: | ||
| Pre-1907 - At Wisconsin Historical Society | Free; index begins in 1852 but dates may vary by county | |
| Try 2nd: | ||
| 1808-1909 - Wisconsin, Death Index | index ($) | |
| Try 3rd: | ||
| 1820-1907 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. Microfilm copies of original records are available at the FamilySearch Library and at some FamilySearch Centers. Also on Ancestry.com, free at FamilySearch centers. | |
| Try 4th: | ||
| 1867-1907 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; Microreproduction of original records of the Bureau of Health Statistics compiled by the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison, Wisconsin. Microfilm copies of original records are available at the FamilySearch Library and at some FamilySearch Centers. | |
| 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 find the corresponding microfilm at the FamilySearch 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.
- FamilySearch Library - After you know the exact county where the death occurred, you can view a microfilm corresponding to that county at 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. Microfilm copies of original records are available at the FamilySearch Library and at some FamilySearch Centers. | |||
| Try 2nd: | ||||
| 1959-1997 - At FamilySearch.org | Free; index of deaths from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office. Also at Ancestry.com, free at FamilySearch centers. | |||
| Try 3rd: | ||||
| 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 order a copy of the death certificate from one of the following locations:
- FamilySearch.org - If the indexed information contained a GS microfilm number you view the microfilm at the FamilySearch Library or some FamilySearch Centers.
- You may also order a copy of the death certificate for a fee from the following locations:
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.
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