Information about Montana Birth and Death Records

Montana Birth Records

History: Prior to 1895 there were no legal requirements for keeping birth records in Montana. In 1895 the legislative assembly passed a law requiring physicians and midwives to keep a register of all births. All pre-1907 birth records are filed with county clerk in the county where the child was born. Montana began recording births and deaths on the state level in 1907. It was not until about 1915 that mandatory registration of births became more complete. By 1922 about 90 percent of the births were being registered.

Problems: Although registration of births has been required since 1915, records for earlier years are far from complete. Birth records are closed to the public for 30 years-except for person or immediate family. After 30 years informational copies are available to public certified copies only available to the family.

Birth Records Location

Genealogical Society of Utah microfilmed the Birth records from Montana‘s District Court Clerk’s offices in selected counties only. For counties not listed, contact the District County Clerk of the county you are interested in. (Archives: MF490) Broadwater County, 1878-1930, Deer Lodge County, Birth Index 1889-1942 (no birth record), Jefferson County, 1868-1930, Lewis and Clark County, 1868-1930, Missoula County, 1872-1929, Powell County, 1907-1930, Silver Bow County, 1881-1930.

Montana Death Records

History: The 1895 law governing births also pertained to deaths. At that time the registration of deaths was the responsibility of clergymen, coroners, physicians, sextons, and undertakers. Registration of deaths on the state level began in 1907. By 1910 the registration of deaths reached about 90 percent. It was not until about 1915 that the registration of Montana deaths became reasonably complete.

Death records contain information about a person’s death, including the date of death, place of death, sometimes the names of the mother and father, and even the physician who attended the death. Death certificates issued by state and local governments will often include the place of residence, and the mother’s maiden name. Death Certificates are available to anyone if the person has been dead for 30 years or more; if the person has been dead for less than 30 years only close relatives may apply for a death certificate.

Death Records Location

Genealogical Society of Utah microfilmed the death records from Montana‘s District Court Clerk’s offices (Microfilm 490) in selected counties only. For information regarding vital records please contact Vital Records and Health Statistics Bureau at the address below: