The history in Wyoming isn't as long as some other states, since they where one of the last states to join the Union in 1890. Even so, there were settlers in the area for much longer than that and you can find much of that history in the state's vital records collection.
Wyoming death records are kept confidential for 50 years, and then they are moved to the Wyoming State Archives where they can be viewed or accessed by anyone. Records have been kept by the state since 1909 but many counties have their own death registrations going back another 20 years or so. Either way, the State Archives has them.
The State Archives does not maintain an online database of death record indexes, so you will have to visit their research room at 2301 Central Avenue in Cheyenne (open regular business hours) in order to do further research. Their website (http://wyoarchives.state.wy.us/index.asp) does have more details on researching and on what their holdings entail.
For more recent Wyoming death records, you will have to contact the state Vital Records office. They will only issue a certified copy of a death certificate to someone who is an immediate relative, which would be a parent, child, sibling, or spouse. Legal officers are also permitted to request a death record if they are involved in proceedings that require the documents.
To make a request, you need to get an application form and send it to Vital Records along with a fee and your own identification.
Forms can be printed out from the Department of Health (http://wdh.state.wy.us/Media.aspx?mediaId=7707) website. You can fill out the fields online and then print out the completed form if you wish. You have to supply the full name of the deceased as well as when and where they died. If they had a spouse, you can include that as well. Besides the deceased's information, you also need to provide your name, mailing address and signature.
A clear photocopy of your photo ID is part of the application for a Wyoming death record and only government-issued IDs are accepted. A driver's license, passport or state ID card are all permitted.
Next is the fee. To have a copy of a record searched, retrieved and copied will cost you $10 USD and there are no refunds should the records not be found. If you are unsure of the exact date of death, you can request a five-year search period around an estimated date for an additional $13. Payments for a record need to be in check or money order form, and you can have them made out to "Vital Records Services".
Once everything is together, you can mail it or drop it off at the Vital Statistics Office. They are located at 2300 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne WY, 82002 USA. They also operate a public counter for in-person service if you are in Cheyenne. Once they have your application, it typically takes 5 business days to get your Wyoming death records back to you.
To be able to request Wyoming death certificates by mail, you will need to complete the following:
Step 1.
Download a Wyoming Death Certificate form and complete it in full.
Step 2.
Make a copy of your valid photo ID. Notarized signatures are also accepted in lieu of a photo ID.
Step 3.
Return your identification and application to the Department of Health. You will also need to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a check or money order for the $10 fee.
For more information on how to access Wyoming death records, you can contact the office below:
Wyoming Department of Health
Vital Records Services
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-7591
How To Access Wyoming Death Records
Persons interested in obtaining Wyoming death records for a loved one will need to contact the Wyoming Department of Health. The Department of Health has Wyoming death records for the last 50 years on file. Older records will have to be obtained from the state archives.
Placing Your Order
In order to request Wyoming death records, you will have to mail in your request to the Wyoming Department of Health. Applications for Wyoming death records are available on the Department's website.
Limited Access To Death Records
Because Wyoming death records are not considered to be public information, only select parties are able to make a request. You must be an immediate family member or representing lawyer or have a legal interest in the record.
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