Vital records fees go up

Birth, death and marriage certificates included

The State Budget Bill recently signed into law by Governor Doyle includes an increase in the cost of the first certified copy of a vital record (birth, death, and marriage certificates).  It also increases the fee for expedited service in issuing certified copies of vital records.

Effective as of last Saturday, October 27, the fee for the first copy (certified or uncertified) has changed as follows:

Birth: former fee, $12; new fee, $20.  Death: former, $7; new, $20. Marriage: former, $7; new, $20.  Expedite: former, $10; new, $20.

The fee remains at $3 per copy for additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time.

The revenue generated from the fee increases will be used to automate the out-dated paper registration, archiving, and copy issuances systems at the state and all Register of Deeds office.  The revenue will also help fund the data entry of birth and death records from 1935, as required by recent federal laws (Real I. D. and Intelligence Reform Acts).  The system improvements will enhance customer service and increased document security, including protection from fraudulent use of vital records.

Certified copies of vital records (birth, death and marriage records) are critical identity documents used on a daily basis by all Wisconsin citizens to secure employment, passports, and drivers’ licenses; to enroll in school, to receive health insurance coverage and to qualify for government programs.  It should be noted, Wisconsin law strictly prohibits copying vital records.  Photocopying this important identity document or accepting an unauthorized photocopy is illegal.