District of Columbia Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index and images to death records from the District of Columbia. The records cover the years 1874 to 1961. The records were recorded by hand on pre-printed forms.

Deaths were recorded to better serve public health needs. Death certificates were also used in connection with the probate of wills and the administration of estates.

Registration of vital statistics began in 1874 for the District of Columbia and was generally complied with by 1880 for deaths. Some earlier records of deaths exist from 1855-1860, and 1865-1949. They can be obtained from the following address:

Department of Health Department of Human Services Vital Records Division 800 9th Street S.W. Washington, DC 20024 Telephone: 202-645-5962

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. Some of the images in this collection are only available for viewing if you are a registered FamilySearch user. You can register for a free FamilySearch account here.

These images can be viewed online by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at a family history center near you, or the Family History Library.

For additional information about image restrictions, please see the Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections page.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
Death records usually contain:
 * Name of deceased
 * Date and place of death
 * Age and gender of deceased
 * Race
 * Marital status
 * Occupation
 * Birthplace of deceased and parents
 * Duration of residence
 * Cause of death
 * Name of person(s) who removed the body
 * Name of undertaker
 * Place and date of burial

How Do I Search This Collection
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the individual
 * The approximate date of death

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the :
 * 1) Select the Record Type, Year Range, and Volume number or letter' to view the images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the information found on the death record to search for other vital records such as birth, baptism, and marriage
 * Use the information found in the record to find additional family members in censuses
 * Search for an obituary
 * Search for a cemetery record

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching records of a nearby town or county
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Record Finder
Consult the District of Columbia Record Finder to find other records

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying you sources helps others find the records you used.


 * Collection Citation:"District of Columbia Deaths, 1874-1961." Database with images. FamilySearch. http://FamilySearch.org : 4 October 2016. Citing Health Department. District Records Center, Washington D.C.

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