November 7, 2025
Birth and death certificates are important genealogical records. Most genealogists strive to find them for everyone in their family tree and use them to solve genealogical puzzles.
However, there are some difficulties with birth and death certificates. In many parts of the United States neither record type was kept until the 20th century. Some more populated places did keep birth and death records earlier. For example, New Jersey kept birth and death records starting in 1848. The best way to find out what vital records a state kept is the Family Search Research Wiki (https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Main_Page ). The Wiki will include information such as when a state began vital records registration. It also includes links to any online records available.
However, many birth and death records are not available online. The Wiki will tell you that Minnesota began keeping birth and death records at the county level in 1870. Unfortunately, only some of the county records have been digitized.
When I was researching my own family in Meeker County, Minnesota, I learned that none of their vital records were digitized. The only way to gain access to the records was to visit the county courthouse and page through the original ledger books. Making copies of the records was also restricted, so my sister and I transcribed the records for our family. It was not ideal since it meant that the chance of introducing errors was increased, but it was better than nothing.
Privacy concerns have led to another problem with accessing birth and death records. Most states do not consider birth and death certificates to be public. They require a person requesting the records to prove a close relationship. This usually means spouse, child or grandchild. Colorado is one such state.
In many states older records are often accessible to the public. However, some states, such as Utah, have imposed a 50-year waiting period on death certificates and a 100-year waiting period on birth certificates. The restricted period varies from state to state.
Some states have digitized older certificates. These may be available online. Since they contain more genealogical information, death certificates are typically more frequently digitized than birth certificates. Some states such as Arizona, Utah and Missouri have online death certificates. These records are free – usually through the state library or archives.
Birth and Death certificates are important genealogical resources, but there are issues associated with accessing them. It’s important to check with resources such as the Family Search Wiki to find out what is available from the state you are researching. This is especially important if you are travelling to access the records.
Carol Stetser
Researcher
Larimer County Genealogical Society