Finding and acquiring Connecticut death records is relatively easy because they have no privacy restrictions on the files. Anyone can make a request, regardless of the relationship between them and the deceased. The only restriction is that any death certificates from 1997 until today will not include their social security number unless you are the next of kin.
The first European settlements in Connecticut date to the 1630s, which makes this a very old area where you can get vital records going back much farther than most other states. When it comes to state-registered information though, you can only go back to 1897. For the years between the 1600s and 1897, you can access a few other sources for Connecticut death records. In particular, the Barbour collection is very helpful and you can find the indexes and microfilms at the Connecticut State Library. Some paid genealogical sites also offer a searchable database of the Barbour collection for easier searching.
You can also try accessing the individual town records through the state to find details that took place before the state began keeping records in 1897. You can get a list of town clerk offices at the Connecticut Department of Public Health website (http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3132&q=388128). You can also make requests at the town offices for more recent records as well, which can sometimes yield quicker results than going through the main state Vital Records office.
Though the main office may be more convenient, depending on your situation. They have the complete records from 1897 to the present. Their address is the Department of Public Health - Vital Records Section, 410 Capitol Avenue MS#11VRS, PO Box 340308, Hartford CT, 06134-0308 USA. You can mail your application for a copy of a Connecticut death record to them, and you will have your results within 6 weeks.
The application form can be downloaded and printed from the DPHs website (http://www.ct.gov/dph/LIB/dph/hisr/VR/vs_39dst.pdf). You'll need to provide the name of the deceased along with their birth and death dates. Their parent's names and the place of death will help narrow down the search. You will also have to identify yourself as well.
When you send the form, you have to include the current fee for the search. Right now, it's $20 per Connecticut death record but check the form in case that changes in the future. You can't pay by personal check, but a money order made out to the "Treasurer, State of CT" is acceptable.
Because Connecticut does have such a long history and many decades more potential records than other states, you may want to consider joining one of the state genealogical groups to help you navigate through the older record archives. The Connecticut Ancestry Society and the Connecticut Society of Genealogists are two that can help you with your research through the state.
Your Connecticut death record will supply you with varying information, depending on the year and the town you find the record. Most will have the deceased's name, age, date of death, cause of death and place of residence when they died. Some may have occupation and marital status as well.
To request Connecticut death certificates, you will need to do the following:
Step 1.
Download and complete the Connecticut Death Certificate form.
Step 2.
You will need to know the person's full name, date and place of birth and date of place death, and their parents' and spouse's names.
Step 3.
Once you have completed the application, mail the form with a $10 fee, which must be provided by money order.
For more information about accessing Connecticut death records, you can contact the Department below:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section, Customer Services
410 Capitol Ave, MS# 11VRS
P.O. Box 340308
Obtaining Connecticut Death Records
Connecticut death records are considered public information and available to any adult member of the public after filing and application and paying the appropriate fees. Death certificates occurring after 1997 do not include social security numbers unless it is an immediate family member making the request. All Connecticut death records can be requested from the Connecticut Department of Health.
How to Request Death Certificates
Connecticut death records can be requested by mail. The turnaround time is approximately 6 weeks. For faster service, you can also request records directly from the town where the death occurred.
Restrictions on Death Records Access
Any adult person can request Connecticut death records. However, the social security number of the deceased will only be included if you are an immediate family member, executor of the state, party listed on the death certificate, or have other legal authority to that information.
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