Wyoming Vital Records: History and Overview
Wyoming began statewide vital records registration in 1909, making it one of the later states to centralize record-keeping.
Wyoming Vital Records Are Closed to the Public
Wyoming is a closed records state. This does not mean records are inaccessible — it means that only eligible individuals can obtain certified copies. Eligible parties typically include immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with a court order.
Death records over 50 years old (currently 1976 and earlier) may become available through the State Archives.
Death records closed for 50 years. Birth records are restricted regardless of age. Marriage and divorce records may be available through district courts.
Legal reference: Wyoming Statute 35-1-426(b)
Request from the State Office Only
In Wyoming, only the state vital records office can issue certified copies. County clerks cannot issue vital records in this state.
| Address | 2300 Capitol Avenue, Hathaway Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (307) 777-7591 |
| wdh.vss@wyo.gov | |
| Website | https://health.wyo.gov/admin/vitalstatistics/ |
| Hours | Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm; Friday by appointment only |
| Closed on state holidays. Friday hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. |
Wyoming Vital Records Fees
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $25 | $20 |
| Death Certificate | $25 | $20 |
| Marriage Certificate | $25 | $25 |
| Divorce Certificate | $25 | $25 |
2.4% convenience fee (minimum $1) for online orders.
Fees last verified: 2026-02-24. Always confirm current fees with the office directly.
What to Bring: ID Requirements
To request certified vital records in Wyoming, you will need:
- government-issued photo ID
Without photo ID: two secondary documents
Proof of relationship to the person named on the record is required.
Eligibility per Wyoming Statute 35-1-426(b).
Wyoming Processing Times
| Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| By Mail | 1–2 weeks |
| In Person | same day |
| Online (VitalChek) | 5–7 business days |
What Makes Wyoming Different
State-Only Issuance (No County Clerks)
Unlike most states, Wyoming only allows certified copies to be issued by the state Vital Statistics Services office in Cheyenne. County clerks cannot issue vital records, so requesters cannot visit a local county office — all requests must go through the state office.
Friday by Appointment Only
The Vital Statistics Services office is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm, but is open on Fridays by appointment only. Walk-in service is not available on Fridays, and the office is closed on state holidays.
Did You Know?
Historical Records on Ancestry.com: Wyoming death records from 1909 to 1971 are available through Ancestry.com, providing a convenient online resource for genealogical research without needing to contact the state office.
Fetal Death Certificates: Fetal death certificates are issued by the state and become open records after 50 years.
Historical and Genealogy Records
Records before 1909 (the start of statewide registration) may be found through alternative sources.
Wyoming State Archives; county courthouses; Ancestry.com (death records 1909-1971)
Albany County death records available from 1899; Laramie County records 1896-1900 predate statewide registration
Most Populated Counties in Wyoming
While certified copies must be obtained from the state office, these are the largest counties:
- Laramie — Population: 100,512
- Natrona — Population: 79,858
- Campbell — Population: 46,341
- Sweetwater — Population: 42,343
- Fremont — Population: 39,261
Vital Records in Neighboring States
Moving to or from Wyoming? Vital records procedures vary significantly by state.
Sources
- WY Vital Statistics (accessed 2026-02-24)
- WY certificates page (accessed 2026-02-24)
- Buckrail article (accessed 2026-02-24)
Information last verified: 2026-02-24. This information is provided for reference purposes only and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any government office. For the most current fees, requirements, and processing times, contact Wyoming Department of Health directly.