How do I get a copy of a death certificate?
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Vital Records (state - Madison) / County Register of Deeds (county level - for death records September 1, 2013 to present under statewide issuance law)
Details
What you need to know
Fee
$20 first certified copy; $3 each additional at same time; VitalChek adds processing fee
Processing Time
County ROD in-person: same day; VitalChek: ~5 business days; mail: ~10 business days
Online Option
VitalChek (authorized)
Where to Go
County Register of Deeds (deaths from September 1, 2013 to present; any WI county); WI State Vital Records (Madison - all dates); VitalChek online/phone
Wisconsin Notes
Important state-specific details
- Death records September 1, 2013 to present: any WI county ROD can issue.
- Death records before September 1, 2013: must contact the county where death occurred or WI State Vital Records.
- $20 fee; $3 additional copies at same time.
- Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one.
Official Source
State office contact
State Office
WI DHS Vital Records - dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords | (608) 266-1373 | 1 West Wilson St., Madison, WI 53703; VitalChek: vitalchek.com or (877) 885-2981; County Register of Deeds (statewide issuance for 2013+ deaths - varies by county)