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.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's death record:


 * Deaths before 1907
 * Deaths from 1853 thru 1916
 * Deaths from 1917 thru 1970
 * Deaths after 1970 to the present
 * I don't know when the death is


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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 registration was voluntary.

If you cannot find a death record in the indexes above, try searching substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1907 thru 1997
The state of Wisconsin began recording deaths in January 1917.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
If the image was not included in the index entry above, you can order a copy of the death record 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 3 year search (click on the death certificates tab).

Restrictions for persons who died within the last 50 years: To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 50 years, you must be:


 * The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
 * The spouse of the person on the certificate
 * The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
 * The sibling of the person on the certificate
 * Funeral director
 * Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
 * NOTE: A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 50 years have passed from the date of the death.

'''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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