Wisconsin Public Records

Wisconsin offers a long and illustrious history as the 30^th state to join the U.S. in 1848.  Wisconsin is a medium-sized state with an estimated population of just over 5.7 million in 2011. Finding facts about the people who have lived and died in the state often involves a Wisconsin public records search.  The initiation of a Wisconsin vital records search begins with a basic overview of where these public records are located. Most marriage, divorce, birth and death records for Wisconsin residents are filed in a single location at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to make research on this information as fast and easy as possible. In addition, the Wisconsin Historical Society offers statistics that date back to earlier years, providing a more thorough look at the state’s history throughout its many generations.

To initiate a Wisconsin public records search, use the following tips:

Public Records Accessibility in Wisconsin

Like many states across the country, Wisconsin law restricts access to certified copies of birth, death and marriage records. Certified copies, which can be used as identification or for legal purposes, can only be obtained by the individual on the document or immediate family members of that individual. Legal representatives, or those that can show legal cause for requiring the document, may also be granted access. This is true for birth, marriage, divorce and death records in Wisconsin.

Uncertified copies may be requested by any member of the general public. Uncertified copies offer similar information in terms of the name on the document, the event, and the date and county where the event took place. However, this document may not be used as identification, nor may it be used for legal reasons. The differentiation is designed to protect those who were born, married or died in the state from identity theft.

Best Locations for a Wisconsin Public Records Search

Most Wisconsin vital records can be found at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. This government agency is the central repository for nearly all the birth, death, marriage and divorce records for the state. The agency offers access to documents through a variety of methods, including in person, by mail or by faxed requests. Since a signature is required for document searches and retrievals, there is no way to access these documents by phone, email or through their website. Documents are typically on file since 1907, which is when the first official records were kept for the state. Indexes typically run from 1907 to 1973 and from 1973 to the present.

Another source for searching public records in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Historical Society. This source is the perfect choice for those tracing their family trees or conducting research for academic purposes. In fact, the office even provides information specifically for teachers, students and genealogists in the state to ensure their research efforts are successful. Records included in this archive are birth and death certificates, marriage records, war records, obituaries and newspaper publications. The files can be accessed online, or through a visit to the society.

Searching Public Records Online in Wisconsin

To make public records in Wisconsin more accessible and convenient, some online resources are available. The application forms to request vital records from the Department of Health Services can be downloaded from the agency’s website. However, once the application is completed, it must be submitted in person, by mail or by fax, so a signature and identification can be included. There are no online Wisconsin public records search options available through this agency at this time. Searches may be conducted online by the Wisconsin Historical Society, although access to files through this method is still somewhat limited.