How much does a death certificate cost in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the first certified death certificate copy costs $20. Additional copies cost $3 each for additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time (Wis. Stat. § 69.22(1)(a)) each.

How many death certificates do I need?

Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies, then adjust based on the asset list. Banks, insurance companies, Social Security, the Register in Probate, title offices, and property-transfer contacts may each ask for certified copies.

Who can order a death certificate in Wisconsin?

Certified death certificates can be ordered by immediate family members (spouse, children, parents), the executor or personal representative, the funeral director, or an attorney representing the estate.

Wisconsin Death Certificate for Probate

Wisconsin death certificate tasks usually start with the funeral home, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office, or an approved ordering channel. Use certified copies for probate filings, banks, insurance claims, title transfers, and estate records.

Start with 10-15 certified copies, then adjust

Many Wisconsin estate tasks ask for certified proof of death. Keep a copy log so you know which filing office, bank, insurer, title office, or agency received each original.

$20

First copy

$3 each for additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time (Wis. Stat. § 69.22(1)(a))

Additional copies

Varies by ordering method; local Register of Deeds offices are often the fastest option

Processing time

Yes

Online ordering

Wisconsin Death Certificate for Probate Uses

Use Wisconsin certified death certificates as proof of death for estate tasks. Ask each filing office, bank, insurer, title office, or agency whether it needs an original certified copy before handing one over.

Support Register in Probate opening paperwork or requested proof of death

Apply for or use letters testamentary or letters of administration

Close or retitle bank and credit union accounts

File life insurance, retirement, or benefit claims

Handle vehicle title or registration tasks

Support real estate, deed, tax, or title-company review when requested

Notify creditors, utilities, agencies, and account holders

Keep the estate file tied to the date and county of death

Where to Order Death Certificates

Choose the method that works best for your timeline.

Recommended

Funeral Home

The funeral home typically orders initial copies for the family. This is usually the fastest option.

1-3 days

County Health Department

Visit your local county health department or records office in person.

Same day if in person

State Records Office

Order online or by mail from Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office. Check current processing time before using this path for urgent filing-office, bank, or title tasks.

Varies by ordering method; local Register of Deeds offices are often the fastest option

Third-Party Services

Companies like VitalChek can process orders faster for an additional fee.

5-7 business days

Use Wisconsin Records and County Instructions Together

Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office controls state death-record ordering information, while county Register in Probate, clerks, recorders, banks, insurers, and title offices decide what proof they need for a specific estate task.

Ask the funeral home how many certified copies it can order
Check the current state death-record ordering page before mailing or paying fees
Ask the county Register in Probate or local filing office what proof of death belongs in the filing packet
Ask each bank, insurer, title office, or agency whether it keeps the original certified copy
Keep receipts and a certificate-use log in the estate file

Wisconsin Death Records Office

Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office

Website

Order Online →

Phone

(608) 266-1373

Tip: If you need certificates quickly, ask your funeral home to order them. They have direct access to vital records systems.

Who Can Order Death Certificates?

In Wisconsin, certified copies can only be requested by certain people.

Spouse or domestic partner

Child, parent, or grandparent

Sibling

Legal guardian

Personal representative or executor

Attorney representing the estate

Funeral director

Certified Copy vs. Working Copy

Use scanned or photocopied records for your internal checklist when allowed, but expect Wisconsin filing offices, banks, insurers, and title contacts to ask for certified copies for formal transactions. Verify the current requirement before sending an original.

How Many Death Certificates Do You Need?

Each bank, insurer, or agency typically requires an original certified copy. Here is a guide.

Organization / Purpose	Copies Needed
Banks and financial companies	1-2 each
Life insurance claims	1 each
Social Security Administration	1
Probate or estate filing	1-2
Property and vehicle transfers	1-2 each
Retirement account claims	1 each
Credit card companies	1 each
Personal records	1-2

Total Recommended: 10-15 certified copies

It is easier and cheaper to order extras now than to order more later.

Official Wisconsin Sources

Wisconsin death certificate ordering - Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office. Current state records source in Settled state data.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in Wisconsin can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.

What to Do Next

Once you have death certificates, you can start notifying organizations and transferring assets.

First Steps After a Death Asset Transfer Guide