How to Find Montana Death Records

Prior to 1895 there were no legal requirements for keeping death records in Montana. At that time the registration of deaths was the responsibility of clergymen, coroners, physicians, sextons, and undertakers. In 1895 the Legislative Assembly passed a law requiring all physicians to keep a register of all deaths. All existing pre-1907 death records are filed with the county clerk in the county where the person died. Registration of deaths on the state level began in 1907. By 1910 the registration of deaths reached about 90 percent. It was not until about 1915 that the registration of Montana deaths became reasonably complete.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Death Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Before 1907
 * 1907 to the present
 * Death year unknown


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Deaths before 1907
Before 1907, Montana counties recorded a few deaths. In most cases, you must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following online collections:

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths after 1907
Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907 in Montana, but was not widely complied with until 1910.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
With full names, dates and places of an event, you can order a copy of the birth certificate for a fee from the Montana Department of Health or VitalChek.

'''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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