Connecticut Death Index
Connecticut death index records help families verify a death date, locate a town of record, and order the right certificate copy. This page gives a clear path for searching the statewide index, checking official town registrar sources, and requesting death records from Connecticut agencies. You can start with the state index for broad name and date searches, then move to town clerk and city vital records offices for certified copies. Each section below focuses on practical search steps so Connecticut death index research can move quickly and stay accurate.
Connecticut Death Index Search Basics
Connecticut has statewide death records from 1897 forward. Earlier records are mainly town based. That split matters. A Connecticut death index search often starts at the state level, then moves to a city or town office where the event was filed. Start with the name, the likely year, and the most likely town. If your first query returns many matches, add a middle name or date range. Keep a log while you search. It saves time later.
The most useful statewide research tools include the Connecticut Open Data index and the Connecticut State Library guide. These tools point you to a place and date. Then you request the certificate from the right office. In Connecticut, counties are geographic labels for this record type. They do not issue vital records. The registrar in each town and city keeps original files. The state office also issues certified records for qualifying years.
Core search links used throughout this page include Connecticut Open Data death index portal, Connecticut State Library death index guide, Connecticut DPH death certificates.
Using Connecticut Death Index Sources
Use the index in layers. First, query the statewide record index to confirm the person and time period. Next, check town level guidance for the place of death or residence. After that, submit a formal request with matching names and dates. Connecticut death index research works best when each step narrows your target before you order a record. This cuts repeat requests.
Connecticut General Statutes in Chapter 93 control access, filing, and official copies. Section 7-51a confirms purchase rules for eligible requesters. Section 7-62b addresses filing deadlines and registration. Those legal rules are practical for search planning because they explain why town and state records can look slightly different even when both are valid Connecticut death index references.
Most users also rely on VitalChek for online ordering after the search phase is done. That can speed delivery for certified copies. If the person died recently, state office routing is often the fastest route. If the death is older, local registrar routing can be more direct.
Connecticut Death Index Source Screens
Each source image below ties to an official page used in this Connecticut death index workflow.
Connecticut Genealogy Index is a core source for this page and helps confirm where to request a certified record or search entry.
This source supports current steps for locating death index records and requesting a certified death certificate when needed.
CT DPH Applications and Forms is a core source for this page and helps confirm where to request a certified record or search entry.
This source supports current steps for locating death index records and requesting a certified death certificate when needed.
CT DPH Contact Information is a core source for this page and helps confirm where to request a certified record or search entry.
This source supports current steps for locating death index records and requesting a certified death certificate when needed.
CT DPH Death Certificates Main Page is a core source for this page and helps confirm where to request a certified record or search entry.
This source supports current steps for locating death index records and requesting a certified death certificate when needed.
CT DPH Vital Records Overview is a core source for this page and helps confirm where to request a certified record or search entry.
This source supports current steps for locating death index records and requesting a certified death certificate when needed.
CT Open Data Death Index Database is a core source for this page and helps confirm where to request a certified record or search entry.
This source supports current steps for locating death index records and requesting a certified death certificate when needed.
CT State Library Death Index Info is a core source for this page and helps confirm where to request a certified record or search entry.
This source supports current steps for locating death index records and requesting a certified death certificate when needed.
How To Request Connecticut Death Records
After the Connecticut death index gives you a name and date match, prepare a short request packet. Include the person name, date of death, town if known, your mailing address, and a contact number. If a request fails, compare spelling and date formats, then retry through the state office and the local registrar. Minor differences in names and dates are common in old entries.
The Connecticut DPH site and applications page provide current forms. Use those forms even when ordering by mail. Official forms reduce delays. If you are helping family, keep one worksheet per person so each Connecticut death index result is tied to the right order request.
Note: If the index and certificate conflict on a date, rely on the certified record and keep the index citation as a research reference.
Connecticut Death Index Search Checklist
Use this short list before each request. It keeps Connecticut death index work consistent across agencies.
- Confirm full name spelling and common variants.
- Set a date range before searching statewide tools.
- Record the exact town or city from the index hit.
- Use state and local forms that match the request type.
- Save URL citations for each source you used.
- Track each request date and response date.
Connecticut death index projects become easier when each step is logged. Good notes help you avoid duplicate orders and repeated searches.
Connecticut Death Index By County
Choose a county page to view localized Connecticut death index guidance, source links, and image references. Each county page explains local town based routing while still using state resources where needed.
Connecticut Death Index By City
These city pages cover every Connecticut city or town above 25,000 residents. Each page includes direct search guidance, county context, and official links.