How to Find Oklahoma Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths Oklahoma Deaths

Most of the counties in Oklahoma did not start recording deaths until after statehood in 1907. The few earlier records are included in records of the Chickasaw Nation, Creek Nation, and Cherokee Outlet. Statewide registration of deaths began in Oklahoma in 1908 and was generally complied with by 1930.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Death Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Before 1908
 * After 1908 to the present
 * Death year unknown


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Deaths before 1908
Death Records on Microfilm

Before 1908, no deaths were recorded by the state. A few earlier death records exist as part of the Chickasaw Nationa, Creek Nation, and Cherokee Outlet records. Some of these records may be available through the current counties. A few of these records have been microfilmed and are available through FamilySearch Centers and Libraries. Find your local FamilySearch Center.

If you know the approximate date and county where the death took place, use the Family History Library Catalog to see what is available.


 * Search the FHLC by county.
 * Select the topic Vital Records. Look for records authored by the county clerk.
 * Some records may have been compiled and published.
 * For a small fee, order the microfilm to view at a local Family Search Center.

If the death was not found in the microfilm records, you must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1908 to the present
Statewide registration of deaths began in Oklahoma in 1908 and was generally complied with by 1930. Although county clerks record deaths and provide information on request, certificates are available only from the Vital Records Section, State Department of Health. Records before 1940 were placed on file inconsistently.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
There are currently no indexes to deaths in Oklahoma. You must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

     OR

Request a search (for a fee) of the Oklahoma State Department of Health Death Records.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
PART A: You know the exact date of death 

You can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

If you do not know the exact date or place of death: The Oklahoma State Department of Health will search their records for a fee.

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records
In order to request a copy of a death certificate from the state of Oklahoma, you must be one of the following:


 * A surviving spouse, parent, child, grandparent, sibling, or legal guardian;
 * Legal representative of the estate of the deceased as documented by an order from a court of competent jurisdiction;
 * An individual who can establish a familial relationship with the deceased;
 * Funeral director of record or agent thereto, working in the capacity of their official business;
 * Person with a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction;
 * A person who was a co-owner or a joint tenant on real or personal property of the decedent;
 * A person listed in a will of the decedent, provided the will is in probate; or
 * Genealogist (must demonstrate familial relationship)

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