Does anyone know any websites where i could look up death records for free?

Question

Does anyone know any websites where i could look up death records for free?

Answer 1

Best source would be the local newspaper where the individual died. They publish both the obituary and a death notice. Most are online and free.

Answer 2

NO such a site.

It is a death wish

Answer 3

No you can't.  Death Certificates contain cause of death, which is often a MEDICAL issue, which is protected by privacy laws.  You have to order them from the state, pay a fee, and prove that you are someone authorized to have it........meaning you have to be a direct ancestor or direct descendant of the deceased.

Answer 4

I know there is someplace, because I've printed several "uncertified" copies myself.  You do have to pay if you want "certified" copies but those are mostly needed for "proof" i.e. collecting life insurance benefits, passports, driver's license, etc.  

I am unable to find the site right now, but I think I was just going to individual states, and then to the county and searching through each database listed.  I know I've done birth and death certificates in IL and MO.  

Also, remember the Privacy Acts place a limit on what is given public access.  I know most of what I've found online is at least 50 years old.

Answer 5

You didn't say what state(s) you're looking for, but I've found that several of them do have death record INDEXES that you can search for basic information.  For example, in Minnesota there's a great website called Minnesota Historical Society, mnhs.org, which will let you search birth or death records for free.  You can get names and dates and sometimes the person's mother's maiden name - - any further information, and you have to put the desired record in your shopping cart and pay up.  

You can do a Google search for something like "free vital record search" + the state you want to look for first, to find out what you can obtain for free.

Another great resource is cyndislist.com, you can narrow down your search to a state and what type of records you're looking for, and cyndislist will give you a list of websites to try.

And finally, if you know the county within the state, try finding the county's vital records site.  Many of them will send you to Ancestry.com or will give you instructions on how to order (pay for) death certificates, but others will allow a search.

I hope that helps!