Where to Find Government Death Records Without Paying a Fee

Death records are an important source of information for genealogists and historians, but they can be difficult to access without paying a fee. Fortunately, there are a few ways to find government death records without having to pay.

Searching Online Databases

The first place to look for government death records is online databases. Many states have digitized their death records and made them available for free online. For example, the California Department of Public Health has an online database that contains death records from 1940-1997. Other states may have similar databases, so it’s worth doing some research to see if your state has one.

Using Local Libraries

Another way to find government death records without paying a fee is by using local libraries. Many libraries have microfilm copies of death records that can be accessed for free. The library staff can help you locate the correct microfilm and show you how to use it. It’s also possible to borrow microfilm from other libraries if your local library doesn’t have the records you need.

Visiting County Offices

Finally, you can visit county offices in person and ask for access to their death records. Most counties will allow you to view the records for free, but some may charge a small fee for copies of the documents. It’s best to call ahead and ask about their policies before visiting in person.

Finding government death records without paying a fee can be time-consuming, but it is possible with a little bit of research and effort. By searching online databases, using local libraries, and visiting county offices in person, you should be able to find the information you need without having to pay any fees.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.