Wisconsin Death Certificate - How to Get Certified Copies

An independent guide to ordering certified death certificates in Wisconsin. Fees and processing times change, so confirm them with the state office.

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Independent service, not a government agency. GetDeathCertificates.com is an independent information site. We are not the Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records, we are not affiliated with any government agency, and we do not issue death certificates. You can order directly from the state office yourself at its Official vital records directory (CDC).

Getting a Death Certificate in Wisconsin

Obtaining certified death certificate copies in Wisconsin requires submitting a request to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records. Fees and processing times are set by that office and change, so check the current fee and turnaround on its Official vital records directory (CDC) before you order. Online ordering through this site is not available right now; ordering directly from the state office is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine eligibility: In Wisconsin, only authorized persons may request death certificates. See the "Who Can Request" section below.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide specific documentation with your request. See the "Required Documents" section below.
  3. Submit your request: Requests can be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records by mail, or in person at the state office by appointment.
  4. Pay the official fees: The state office sets the fee per certified copy and the payment methods it accepts. Check current fees and accepted payment methods with the Official vital records directory (CDC).
  5. Receive your copies: Certified copies are mailed to your address after processing. Processing times vary by office and season; ask the office for its current turnaround and whether expedited handling is offered.

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of eligibility
  • Payment

Who Can Request a Wisconsin Death Certificate

Wisconsin restricts access to death certificates to authorized individuals. Eligible requestors include:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Child (18+)
  • Sibling (18+)
  • Grandparent
  • Legal representative

Wisconsin Vital Records Office Contact

Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records

Address
1 W Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703
Phone
(608) 266-1373
Website
Official vital records directory (CDC)
Cost
Check current fees with the office
Processing Time
Varies - check with the office

Counties in Wisconsin

Death certificates in Wisconsin can be requested for deaths that occurred in any of the state's 72 counties.

Show all 72 Wisconsin counties
  • Adams
  • Ashland
  • Barron
  • Bayfield
  • Brown
  • Buffalo
  • Burnett
  • Calumet
  • Chippewa
  • Clark
  • Columbia
  • Crawford
  • Dane
  • Dodge
  • Door
  • Douglas
  • Dunn
  • Eau Claire
  • Florence
  • Fond du Lac
  • Forest
  • Grant
  • Green
  • Green Lake
  • Iowa
  • Iron
  • Jackson
  • Jefferson
  • Juneau
  • Kenosha
  • Kewaunee
  • La Crosse
  • Lafayette
  • Langlade
  • Lincoln
  • Manitowoc
  • Marathon
  • Marinette
  • Marquette
  • Menominee
  • Milwaukee
  • Monroe
  • Oconto
  • Oneida
  • Outagamie
  • Ozaukee
  • Pepin
  • Pierce
  • Polk
  • Portage
  • Price
  • Racine
  • Richland
  • Rock
  • Rusk
  • St. Croix
  • Sauk
  • Sawyer
  • Shawano
  • Sheboygan
  • Taylor
  • Trempealeau
  • Vernon
  • Vilas
  • Walworth
  • Washburn
  • Washington
  • Waukesha
  • Waupaca
  • Waushara
  • Winnebago
  • Wood

Order from the Wisconsin vital records office

Online ordering through this site is not available right now. You can order a certified death certificate directly from the Wisconsin vital records office (link below) - this is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Official vital records directory (CDC)

Start an order (online ordering opening soon)

Related: Find Funeral Homes in Wisconsin

If you are working with a funeral home in Wisconsin, our directory lists funeral homes across the state. Browse funeral homes in Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions - Wisconsin

The state office sets the government fee and it can change, so check the current fee on the Official vital records directory (CDC).

Processing time depends on the vital records office and how it receives your request, and it changes over time. Check the current turnaround, and whether expedited handling is offered, on the Official vital records directory (CDC).

Most requests in Wisconsin go through the state vital records office at Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Vital Records. Some counties may have local options - contact us or check the county health department website.

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office for the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If the death occurred in Wisconsin, you request it from Wisconsin vital records regardless of where the deceased resided.

Related: funeral homes in Wisconsin | how it works | frequently asked questions | how to order