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Vital records office in Wisconsin — birth, marriage, death certificates

CDC-listed vital records office for Wisconsin. How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates for immigration filings (I-13

Vital records office in Wisconsin

How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from Wisconsin for immigration filings, USCIS evidence, school enrollment, or any other purpose.

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Birth Event: Birth Cost of copy: $20.00 Address: WI Vital Records Office P.O. Box 309 Madison, WI 53701-0309 Customer Service: 608-266-1373 Remarks: In Wisconsin, records were not required to be registered with the state until October 1907. However, a limited number of records on file for events that occurred prior to that date are on file at the state level. If multiple copies of the same record are ordered at the same time, additional copies are $3.00 each. Information on how to obtain certified copies, including application forms, is available at the Wisconsin Vital Records Services website . In Wisconsin, certified copies of vital records are only available to people with a direct and tangible interest in the record. Please refer to the website for more information, including photo ID requirements and ways to order records. Death Event: Death Cost of copy: $20.00 Address: WI Vital Records Office P.O. Box 309 Madison, WI 53701-0309 Customer Service: 608-266-1373 Remarks: In Wisconsin, records were not required to be registered with the state until October 1907. However, a limited number of records on file for events that occurred prior to that date are on file at the state level. If multiple copies of the same record are ordered at the same time, additional copies are $3.00 each. Information on how to obtain certified copies, including application forms, is available at the  Wisconsin Vital Records Services website . In Wisconsin, certified copies of vital records are only available to people with a direct and tangible interest in the record. Please refer to the website for more information, including photo ID requirements and ways to order records. Marriage Event: Marriage Cost of copy: $20.00 Address: WI Vital Records Office P.O. Box 309 Madison, WI 53701-0309 Customer Service: 608-266-1373 Remarks: In Wisconsin, records were not required to be registered with the state until October 1907. However, a limited number of records on file for events that occurred prior to that date are on file at the state level. If multiple copies of the same record are ordered at the same time, additional copies are $3.00 each. Information on how to obtain certified copies, including application forms, is available at the  Wisconsin Vital Records Services website . In Wisconsin, certified copies of vital records are only available to people with a direct and tangible interest in the record. Please refer to the website for more information, including photo ID requirements and ways to order records. Divorce Event: Divorce Cost of copy: $20.00 Address: WI Vital Records Office P.O. Box 309 Madison, WI 53701-0309 Customer Service: 608-266-1373 Remarks: In Wisconsin, records were not required to be registered with the state until October 1907. However, a limited number of records on file for events that occurred prior to that date are on file at the stat

Wisconsin vital records office details

Why immigrants need certified vital records

USCIS, courts, schools, and many other US agencies require certified vital records (not photocopies) for:

  • I-130 family petition — birth certificate proves family relationship
  • I-485 adjustment of status — birth certificate of applicant and beneficiaries
  • N-400 naturalization — marriage certificate if applying under spouse-of-USC 3-year rule
  • Apostille — for use of US documents in foreign countries (your home country may require US apostille)
  • School enrollment — proof of date of birth
  • Real ID applications — proof of identity

Apostille and authentication

If you need to use a Wisconsin vital record OUTSIDE the United States (e.g., for use at your home country’s consulate), you typically need an apostille from the Wisconsin Secretary of State’s office. See /procedures/apostille-document/ for the process.


Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the Wisconsin office.

Order vital records in Wisconsin

Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by each state. Use your state's official guide:

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get a US birth certificate from Wisconsin?
From the Wisconsin vital records office listed below. Requests can typically be submitted online, by mail, or in person. You’ll need to prove identity and pay a fee (~$15-30 for first copy, plus shipping). For immigration purposes (I-130 evidence, naturalization), you need a CERTIFIED COPY (original with raised seal), not a photocopy.
How do I get a marriage certificate from Wisconsin?
Marriage certificates are typically issued by the county clerk where the marriage license was issued, not the state vital records office. The state office may have copies of older records. For recent marriages, contact the county clerk’s office in the county of the wedding.
What if my certificate is in Spanish or another language?
If filing with USCIS, certificates in any language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translator must certify they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. See /procedures/translate-document-uscis/ for the standard certification language.
Can I order vital records for someone else?
Most states restrict access to vital records to: the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, siblings, or legal representatives. ID verification is required. For genealogical research, records become open to the public after a waiting period (usually 50-100 years).