Wisconsin Birth Records

Although Wisconsin counties began maintaining birth records in the early 1900s, the modern statewide system of keeping vital records, including birth records, in a standardized format did not begin until October 1907, establishing a uniform method for recording births in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin birth records are the official papers documenting an individual's birth. The state's birth records may be categorized into the Long-form Birth Certificate and the Short-form Birth Record.

The Long-form Birth Certificate provides comprehensive details about an individual's birth. It contains information such as the full name of the registrant, date and time of birth, place of birth, parents' names, parental birthplace, and registration number. The long-form version of the birth certificate is used when detailed information is needed, such as during legal proceedings or when applying for tax or insurance benefits.

The Short-form Birth Certificate is an abridged or condensed version of the long-form certificate that includes only the most essential information about the birth. Generally, it lists the registrant's name, date and place of birth, and gender. It excludes detailed parental information, such as the parents' place of birth. While the short-form birth record is less detailed, it is still acceptable for some legal processes, such as obtaining identification or enrolling in school.

Wisconsin also issues two types of copies of birth records: Certified or Uncertified birth records. The certified copies of birth records are typically printed on specialized, tamper-resistant security paper designed to prevent counterfeiting. It also includes a raised seal and the signature of the State Registrar. Certified birth records serve as acceptable proof of identity and are required for various legal purposes.

The Uncertified copy of the birth record contains the same information as the certified birth record but is printed on regular paper rather than security paper. It also does not include the raised seal. Uncertified copies of birth records include information stating that the document cannot be used for legal or identification purposes.

How To Order a Wisconsin Birth Certificate?

You may order birth records from October 1907 to the present at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Vital Records Office. Many counties process birth records through their Local Vital Records Offices. Birth records may also be ordered online through a third-party provider approved by the DHS Vital Records Office or by mail.

To order the record, fill out the Wisconsin Birth Certificate Application form. You will need to provide proof of identity and eligibility to order the record. You will also need to pay the fees of $20 for the first certified copy and $3 for additional copies of the record. Mail the completed application to:

Older birth records (before October 1907) are maintained by the Wisconsin State Archives and at the County Clerk's Office where the birth occurred. The State Archives preserves documents for historical and genealogical research.

Are Birth Records Public in Wisconsin?

Although birth records are considered public records in Wisconsin, members of the public cannot request copies of someone else's birth certificate without meeting eligibility criteria.

Generally, only the record holder and persons who can demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the person named on the record may access birth records in Wisconsin. The state puts these restrictions in place to safeguard personal information and prevent identity theft and misuse of information.

While certified copies of birth records are unavailable to the public, uncertified copies of the birth record are accessible to anyone who submits a written request.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law restricts who is allowed to order a certified copy of a birth certificate to protect personal information. Per state law, only eligible persons may order certified copies of birth records. These persons include:

• The person named on the birth certificate
• The parents named on the birth record
• The legal guardian or custodial parents of the record holder
• Immediate family members, including siblings, current spouse, children, grandparents, or current domestic partner
• Authorized representatives

How Long Does it Take to Get A Wisconsin Birth Certificate?

It takes about 10 business days for the Wisconsin Vital Records Office to process mail requests for certified birth records. Birth records processed online through the third-party provider are processed within 5 business days. You can get the birth record the same day if you order it from the local Vital Records Office or within 2 business days if ordered by mail.

Although the state does not offer expedited services for mail requests for certified birth records, you can get expedited processing if you order the record online. Expedited requests for birth records take between 2 to 3 business days.

Where Can I Find Wisconsin Birth Records for Free?

Accessing birth records in Wisconsin is limited to individuals with a legal or direct interest who must pay a fee to obtain the document. To this end, if you are ineligible to obtain a certified copy, you may still be able to access uncertified copies for personal reference or genealogical research.

The National Vital Records Archives holds historical records for many states, including Wisconsin, and provides digitized records for genealogical research for free. Wisconsin birth records from the 19th century are accessible on the website.

Genealogy websites like FamilySearch.org provide access to free resources that house extensive digitized historical records, including Wisconsin birth records. You can search the database for birth records without any cost. Similarly, Ancestry.com has a vast database that includes scanned images or transcriptions of historical birth certificates.

Some trusted third-party websites, like PublicRecords.us, compile public record data from various sources. Usually, the platform offers basic informational copies of historical and current birth records free of charge or for a minimal fee.

When Would I Need My Wisconsin Birth Records?

Birth certificates are the most verifiable form of identification, establishing your legal identity. However, birth records go beyond personal record-keeping. It is crucial in everyday situations, including:

• Obtaining a driver's license or state-issued ID
• Applying for a passport or other international travel documents
• Obtaining government benefits and public assistance
• Verify your identity when enrolling in school or university applications
• Establishing familial relationships for court proceedings and probate matters
• Confirming your identity and eligibility to work
• Changing your legal name due to marriage or divorce

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Wisconsin?

A replacement birth certificate might be necessary if your original copy has become destroyed, damaged, lost, or stolen. You may apply to replace your birth record through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office or your local County Clerk's Office. You may pick up the application form online from their official websites or in person at the County Clerk's Office.

Provide your details accurately and include a government-issued photo ID. The fee for obtaining a replacement birth certificate is $20. You may submit your application in person or by mail.

When Can the Public Access Wisconsin Birth Certificates?

Birth records are confidential and are not available to the public. According to Wisconsin law, only eligible individuals may order a certified copy of a birth certificate. Therefore, the state does not provide a specific time frame for when the public may obtain certified copies of birth records. However, the state does not restrict public access to non-certified copies of birth records.

How To Correct an Error on a Wisconsin Birth Certificate?

If you notice an error on your Wisconsin birth certificate, such as a typographical error, incorrect spelling of a name, or an error in the recorded date or place of birth, you can correct these errors.

If you find errors on birth certificates issued under 365 days, you can use the Notification of Birth Registration form received when the child was born to make the necessary corrections. Follow the instructions on the form indicating the corrections. Mail the completed form to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office.

For births occurring more than 365 days ago, submit the certified copy of the birth certificate you currently hold to the Vital Records Office. Include a written explanation that details the incorrect information and what the correct information should be. The office will review your application and may send you amendment instructions on how to proceed with making the corrections.

For both scenarios, you may include supporting documents, such as a government-issued ID, that confirm the correct information. There is a $10 fee to amend the record and $20 to obtain a certified copy of the corrected record.

Does Wisconsin Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Wisconsin does not include a statutory provision for a third non-binary or gender-neutral marker in its standard birth certificate format. Under Wisconsin law, birth certificates must accurately reflect the birth details provided by a parent or guardian when the birth is registered, which is usually "Male" or "Female". Furthermore, the state offers no legal pathway to change gender markers from Male or Female to the non-binary gender marker "X".