Find Wisconsin Vital Records Online
Are Wisconsin Vital Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Wisconsin law permits public access to most vital records, which include documents related to significant life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. These records are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and are accessible to the public, although certified copies are restricted to eligible individuals.
What Information is Included in Wisconsin Vital Records?
Wisconsin vital records encompass various types of information related to life events:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage records
- Divorce statements
- Stillbirth records
How to Access Wisconsin Vital Records Online?
To access Wisconsin vital records online, requesters must provide specific details about the record they seek. This typically includes:
- The name of the individual(s) involved
- Date of the life event
- Location (city, county, or state) where the event occurred
- Additional identifying information such as parents' names for birth records or the presiding judge for marriage or divorce records
These records can be searched through third-party aggregate sites, although availability may differ from official channels. Requesters must ensure they provide accurate and complete information to facilitate the search.
What Do I Need to Access Wisconsin Vital Records?
To obtain Wisconsin vital records, individuals must visit the designated office or submit a request by mail. Essential information required includes:
- Completed application form
- Proof of identification for certified copies
- Payment for the applicable fees
The application and supporting documents should be sent to:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701
Fees typically start at $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences
Certified copies of vital records are printed on security paper, bear a raised seal, and are signed by the chief custodian. These are legally recognized documents used for official purposes. Informational copies, however, are printed on plain paper and marked as "Uncertified," making them suitable only for informational or research purposes and not for establishing identity.
Are Wisconsin Birth Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Birth records in Wisconsin are public documents accessible to the public. However, sensitive information may only be available to authorized individuals such as the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and authorized government personnel.
How to Access Wisconsin Birth Records?
To access Wisconsin birth records, requesters must provide:
- The name at birth
- Date of birth
- County or city of birth
Completed application forms, along with the appropriate fee and proof of identification for certified copies, should be submitted to the applicable office. The fee is $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
Are Birth Certificates Public in Wisconsin?
Birth certificates in Wisconsin are not public records. Access is restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and authorized government personnel.
Are Wisconsin Death Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Death records in Wisconsin are public documents. However, sensitive information such as the cause of death and autopsy findings is restricted to authorized individuals for 50 years.
How to Access Death Records in Wisconsin?
To access death records, requesters must provide:
- The deceased's name
- Date of death
- Place of death
Requests can be made in person or by mail, with a completed application form, fee, and proof of identification for certified copies. The mailing address is:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
P.O. Box 309
Madison, WI 53701
Are Wisconsin Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Marriage records in Wisconsin are public documents. However, certified copies are restricted to the couple, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a court order.
How to Access Marriage Records in Wisconsin?
To access marriage records, requesters must provide:
- Full names of both parties at the time of marriage
- Date of marriage
- Location of marriage
Completed application forms and the appropriate fee should be submitted to the relevant office. The Wisconsin Division of Public Health maintains records from October 1907 to the present, while county offices handle local records.
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Wisconsin
To obtain a marriage certificate, requesters must provide:
- Completed application form
- Proof of identification
- Payment for the applicable fee
Requests can be submitted in person or by mail to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office or the county clerk's office where the marriage took place.
Are Wisconsin Divorce Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Divorce records in Wisconsin are public documents. However, sensitive information such as financial details and identities of minors or victims of domestic violence may be excluded.
How to Get Divorce Records in Wisconsin?
To obtain divorce records, requesters must provide:
- Names of both parties
- Date and place of divorce
- Case file number (if available)
Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online through third-party services. Completed application forms, fees, and proof of identification for certified copies should be submitted to the appropriate office.
How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in Wisconsin
To obtain a certified divorce certificate, requesters must provide:
- Completed application form
- Proof of identification
- Payment for the applicable fee
Requests can be submitted in person or by mail to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office or the county clerk's office where the divorce was granted.