Vital Records Online (VRO) is a secure and convenient service for ordering Wisconsin birth, death, and marriage certificates online. VRO provides a protection guarantee for your private information while ensuring your vital records are successfully delivered to your address.
Summary:
Wisconsin, with a current population of approximately 5.8 million people, has recorded vital records for well over a century.
Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, have played an important role in Wisconsin’s history by documenting significant life events and establishing legal identities. Over the years, Wisconsin has recognized the importance of maintaining accurate and reliable vital records for its residents. Today, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS – Vital Records Office) is responsible for collecting, storing, and disseminating these records statewide.
In Wisconsin, vital records are initially kept confidential and protected by local vital record offices. They are only accessible by authorized individuals and become public after a defined period following a person’s death.
Learn how to order Wisconsin Vital Records, why they are essential to have, and where to obtain them.
Start Your Application Online for WI Vital Records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates play a crucial role in various life events, such as marriage, enrolling in school, joining the military, or traveling. Vital records prove identity, citizenship, and family relationships, help settle legal disputes and claim inheritances. Vital records can provide valuable information about ancestors for family history research, such as their full names, birth and death dates, and locations.
If you have lost or misplaced a vital record certificate, file a police report and promptly request a certified replacement. See the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs for more information about other beneficial uses of vital records.
Wisconsin vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are issued centrally by the Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office and locally by the Register of Deeds offices. Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records within its jurisdiction. Search the complete list of Wisconsin’s county vital record issuing agencies below to find locations, contact information, and online application links.
The Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office accepts requests online, by mail, or in person by appointment. The procedures vary by county at local offices, as only some offer in-person services.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Wisconsin, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting the Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Wisconsin residents can request their vital records from the Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office or a local Register of Deeds office in person (depending on the county), by mail, or online (the most reliable and accessible option).
Whether you order your records online, by mail, or in person, it is crucial to carefully review the instructions and requirements before requesting a certified copy from the DHS-Vital Records Office. Once you clearly understand the procedures and terms related to each certificate, the application process will be straightforward.
The cost, eligibility, requirements, and processing time for obtaining a certificate depend on the type of certificate and the method of ordering. Regardless of the application method, your application, payment, and documents must be sent to the appropriate vital record office to receive a certified copy.
❗️ The Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office no longer offers in-person services. Only some county agencies may offer walk-ins.
Ordering Wisconsin vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
You can order a birth, death, or marriage certificate online if you meet the eligibility criteria. Before beginning the application process, ensure you have all the necessary documents with you, as you will need to upload copies of them during the application process.
VRO delivers a user-friendly system to quickly generate the required documents with the appropriate application and submit your packet to the DHS-Vital Records Office for you. The online application process helps ensure your application avoids rejections due to missing documents and common errors and can be completed in just five minutes from any device with an internet connection.
✔︎ Our $10 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ As long as you are an eligible applicant, a notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Wisconsin birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
The DHS’s Vital Records Office does not offer in-person requests. You can contact your local Register of Deeds office where the original certificate was created to confirm if they offer walk-ins. However, be prepared for potentially long queues.
If you reside in another state, you can order by mail or online for a more efficient process. Online ordering is generally the most convenient method for those living out of state or abroad or who prefer to avoid the hassles of traveling to the local office that issues copies of the original record.
The steps for applying for vital records are generally the same, whether requested in person or by mail. If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
VRO simplifies the process of determining eligibility and requirements for vital records while eliminating potential errors and the tasks of handling paperwork and mail. Learn more about VRO’s services for obtaining birth, death, or marriage certificates for you or a family member.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Before gathering the documents for your vital record request, you can familiarize yourself with the conditions and requirements.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office requires all applicants to verify their identity by providing a photocopy of an accepted ID, such as a driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID, or a passport. Military IDs, tribal IDs, and other US government-issued IDs are also accepted.
Expired IDs are not accepted. If you are unable to provide a valid, US government-issued photo ID, you can submit two secondary forms of identification. Refer to the table below for acceptable forms of primary and secondary ID as defined by the DHS Vital Records Office.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Wisconsin?
Required information and documents for certified Wisconsin birth, death, and marriage certificates vary based on certificate type and personal circumstances. Be sure to confirm the requirements for the certificate you need to replace.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in Wisconsin?
When applying for a vital record in Wisconsin, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.
Who can request vital records in Wisconsin?
The person named on the record can request a copy of their birth, death, or marriage certificate and provide proof of their identity with the application. When ordering a certified copy on behalf of someone else, confirm that you are authorized to submit a request. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of certificate and who is making the request.
The Wisconsin DHS permits third parties with a familial or legal relationship to the individual on record to request a certificate with proof of relationship or authorization. Below is a table indicating the eligibility of third-party applicants for birth, death, and marriage certificate replacements.
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Wisconsin DHS does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of their own birth or marriage certificates, regardless of whether the request is made online, by mail, or in person.
A notarized sworn statement may be required:
❗️ in specific counties or municipalities, such as Milwaukee.
❗️ when ineligible third parties, such as family members or legal representatives, have a “direct, tangible interest,” depending on which office you request your records from.
For additional information regarding circumstances requiring a notary, visit the Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office website at https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/index.htm.
✔︎ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Wisconsin vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
✔︎ An online notary is included when ordering through VRO. If you decide to use a local public notary, you must bring your ID.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational copies of Wisconsin vital records.
The cost of obtaining vital record certificates depends on the DHS-Vital Records Office’s fees, how you submit your application, and whether a notary is required.
The DHS-Vital Records Office charges a $20.00 fee for certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates. Additional copies of the same certificate ordered simultaneously are $3.00 per copy. VRO’s online Application Filing Service for Wisconsin starts at $10.
❗️ If no record is found or no copy is made, the Wisconsin DHS fees are non-refundable.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $10.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Wisconsin?
Waiting times for birth, death, and marriage certificates can fluctuate based on the volume of backlogged orders the DHS-Vital Records Office receives. The current processing and delivery times are listed in the table below.
The method of application submission can also impact the total time to receive your certificate. Ordering through VRO streamlines document generation and application packet submission, with the option to expedite orders to help reduce the total wait times.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by the DHS-Vital Records Office may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
After submitting your application through VRO, you can monitor your application and order processing status. First-class prepaid mail postage is included with every order to track the delivery of your application packet to the Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office or local Register of Deeds office.
If you decide to mail your application packet to the Vital Records Office, it is recommended to purchase first-class mail with tracking to ensure successful delivery.
The Wisconsin DHS-Vital Records Office ships all certificates securely via USPS first-class mail but is not liable for misdirected or lost packages. Carefully review your application packet prior to sending it; a simple mistake could expose your personal information if your documents are sent to the wrong address. If any of your certificates are lost, file a report immediately.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Wisconsin counties office locations directory.
An apostille is commonly required when a vital record is submitted to a foreign government. The Wisconsin Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially recorded with the DHS-Vital Records Office.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
You can obtain an apostille for Wisconsin vital records through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online.
Vital Records Online provides trusted apostille services recognized by various governments and organizations with legal validity in over 100 countries. The service covers apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates with professional assistance for all 50 US states.
Starting at $149 (plus government fees), the process can easily be completed online in just three steps.
In most cases, you don’t need to provide physical copies of your documents so that you can complete the entire process online. When your apostille documentation is ready, the apostille will be delivered securely through FedEx or DHL to your doorstep for safe global delivery regardless of your location, whether within the US or abroad.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Secretary of State Certification Desk,
State Capitol Mailroom,
17 W. Main St. Madison WI 53703
For standard mail, use the following address:
Secretary of State Certification Desk,
PO Box 7848,
Madison WI 53707-7848
For additional questions, you can find more information online at https://sos.wi.gov/apostilles.htm.
The DHS – Vital Records Office provides a helpful list of common scenarios to guide individuals in obtaining an amendment to a birth, death, or marriage certificate. The required forms for amending certificates may vary based on the type of certificate and the amendment needed. In Wisconsin, most amendments do not require a notary. However, some corrections and amendments will require a court order, which often involves hiring an attorney.
All amendments become addendums to the original vital record, which cannot be altered by any entity.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ For amendments to birth or death certificates, a notarized sworn statement is generally not required. In most cases, additional documentation or a court order will be required.
Where can I search for free public records?
Although finding free public records can be difficult, many vital records in Wisconsin are freely accessible to the public. The Wisconsin State Vital Records Office doesn’t publish any records or indexes online; however, they offer in-person genealogical searches. The availability of records depends on the certificate type and the year the event occurred.
Wisconsin birth, death, and marriage records filed before October 1907 can be found online at The Wisconsin Historical Society. You can utilize Wisconsin’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the information you need, but be prepared to spend substantial time reviewing records.
Are Wisconsin Vital Records Open to the Public?
Many records in Wisconsin are publicly accessible, though this depends on the types of records you’re looking for and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
You can also use third-party websites to research specific types of vital records. These websites make it easy to search for records and are not limited by geographic location. However, while these sites can provide good reference points, their data may differ from official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
Vital records in Wisconsin can vary by county and municipality. To confirm that your vital record certificate is a certified copy, you can visit the website of the county issuing agency where your certificate was issued and find out what an official certified document should look like. Alternatively, you can directly contact the agency.
You can also confirm that your certificate is not an informational copy by ensuring it does not have a stamp or large print reading “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies are legal documents that can establish identity, while informational copies cannot serve as official identification. Only individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in a record can obtain a certified copy.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of vital record certificates can be referred to as short-form, unofficial (noncertified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates. Informational copies are intended only for personal use, such as display, reference, or genealogical research. These copies cannot serve official purposes like establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits.
In Wisconsin, anyone who can provide the required information can order a noncertified informational copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate. Neither proof of relationship nor a notarized statement is required to request a noncertified copy.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Wisconsin government website at https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords/index.htm
