In Wisconsin, certified copies of the death certificate are legal documents issued through the Register of Deeds office in the county in which one passes away.
Because they are legal documents, it is extremely important that you provide us with the correct information when we prepare the original certificate. Please note that photocopies without the raised seal from the issuing register of deeds office are not accepted as legal documents.
After the original death certificate has been signed by the attending physician or medical examiner and completed by the cremation society, it is filed with the Register of Deeds office in the county that the death took place. The statewide fee for certified copies of death certificates is $20 for the first and $3 for each additional copy.
The most expedient way to obtain certified copies of the death certificate is to go in person to the Register of Deed’s office. Alternately, copies of the death certificate can be ordered through the Roseberry’s Funeral Home and will be sent by mail from the Register of Deeds office to the family. Whether obtained in person or through the mail, death certificates must be paid for prior to being issued. In Wisconsin, death certificates are not public records. By law, only immediate family members and other interested legal parties such as attorneys and funeral homes can obtain death certificates. Once filed, the funeral home does not maintain a copy of the death certificate.
In order to assist you in ascertaining the number of certified copies needed, we have provided a worksheet listing some areas requiring this document:
# NEEDED Purpose Needed
__________ Life Insurance Policy (ies)
__________ Pension, IRA and Other Benefits
__________ Accounts at Banks and Credit Unions
__________ Stocks and Bonds
__________ Union Benefits
__________ Title and Deeds to Property
__________ Vehicle Registration and Title Changes
__________ Attorneys and CPA
__________ Home Mortgage(s)
__________ Other Insurance (Credit Cards, Automobile)
__________ For Your Own Records
__________ Other
_________ Total Number Needed
*You do not need to provide the Social Security or Veterans Administration a certified copy of the death certificate to receive benefits. We notify these two organizations on your behalf as a part of our service.