District of Columbia Deaths - FamilySearch Historical Records

United States District of Columbia

What is in the Collection?
The collection consists of an index and images of death records from the District of Columbia. The records cover the years 1874 to 1961. The records were recorded by hand on pre-printed forms.

Deaths were recorded to better serve public health needs. Death certificates were also used in connection with the probate of wills and the administration of estates.

Registration of vital statistics began in 1874 for the District of Columbia and was generally complied with by 1880 for deaths. Some earlier records of deaths exist from 1855-1860, and 1865-1949. They can be obtained from the following address:

Department of Health Department of Human Services Vital Records Division 800 9th Street S.W. Washington, DC 20024 Telephone: 202-645-5962

What Can These Records Tell Me?
Death records usually contain the following information:


 * Name of deceased
 * Date and place of death
 * Age and gender of deceased
 * Race
 * Marital status
 * Occupation
 * Birthplace of deceased and parents
 * Duration of residence
 * Cause of death
 * Name of person(s) who removed the body
 * Name of undertaker
 * Place and date of burial

Image Visibility
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Other images can be viewed online by members of the supporting organization(s), at a Family History Center near you, or the Family History Library.

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How Do I Search the Collection
You can search the index or view the images or both. Before using this collection, it is helpful to know:       Name of the individual     Approximate date and or location of the event

View the Images
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Citing this Collection
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