Sevier County Death Index
The Sevier County death index covers official death records maintained in Richfield, Utah, going back to 1905 for state-registered records and as early as 1898 for some county-level filings. Searching the Sevier County death index gives you access to certified death certificates, historical genealogy collections, and related vital records. You can search online, by mail, or in person at the Six County Health Department. The state and county both keep records that span more than a century of Sevier County history. This page explains what records exist, how to find them, and where to request certified copies.
Sevier County Quick Facts
What Sevier County Death Index Records Contain
Sevier County death records hold a range of useful details. Each death certificate lists the full name of the deceased, date of death, place of death, cause of death, and the name of the attending physician or coroner. Most records also show the deceased person's age, birthplace, and parents' names. Records from the mid-twentieth century often include information on race, marital status, and spouse's name. These facts make death certificates one of the most useful sources in genealogy research.
The statewide FamilySearch collection covers Sevier County deaths from 1904 through 1964, with a separate collection for 1965 and 1966. Images of original death certificates are available online through FamilySearch at no charge for records that are more than 50 years old. You can search by name or browse by county and year. Military death certificates from World War II and the Korean War (1941-1953) are also part of this collection. Federal Census Mortality Schedules from 1850 to 1880 contain additional early death information for Sevier County residents.
Records prior to 1905 may be found in county archives or through the Sevier County USGenWeb project, which provides free genealogical transcriptions of historical records. Some birth and death records from 1898 to 1905 are held at the county level rather than with the state.
How to Search Sevier County Death Records
Several methods let you search Sevier County death records. The fastest way to find historical records (more than 50 years old) is through FamilySearch, which provides free access to indexed images. You can search by the person's name, filter by county, and view scanned images of the original certificates. The Utah State Archives also holds death records more than 50 years old and provides free access to these historical files.
For records within the last 50 years, you must contact the Six County Health Department in Richfield. You can order online through the Utah SILVER system, send a mail request with a completed application and a photocopy of your valid ID, or visit in person at 250 North Main Street, Richfield, Utah. In-person requests are generally processed the same day. Mail requests take longer due to transit time. Online orders typically take 10 to 14 business days. The Utah Office of Vital Records in Salt Lake City is another option for statewide requests. You can also order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor.
The Sevier County Clerk, located at 250 North Main in Richfield, can direct you to the right office and help with marriage records from 1887 and early birth and death records from 1898 to 1905 that are held at the county level rather than the state. Phone: (435) 896-9262.
Note: Records held by the county before state registration began in 1905 may have gaps. Not all deaths were recorded consistently before the state system was in place.
Sevier County Death Record Office
The Six County Health Department in Richfield handles death certificates for Sevier County. This office serves Sevier County residents and processes requests for certified copies of death records. Staff can assist with new requests, amendments to existing records, and questions about what documents you need to prove eligibility.
The Sevier County vital records office is located at 250 North Main Street, Richfield, Utah, with hours of Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The office issues certified copies with a raised seal, which are required for most legal and administrative purposes. Staff also assist with correcting errors in death records. The Sixth District Court in Sevier County can be reached at (435) 896-6428 for matters involving court-ordered record access.
Getting Certified Sevier County Death Certificates
A certified death certificate from Sevier County carries the official raised seal of the issuing office. This type of document is accepted by courts, insurance companies, banks, and government agencies. Plain photocopies are not accepted for most legal purposes. You need a certified copy for tasks like settling an estate, claiming life insurance benefits, or transferring property titles.
The fee for a Sevier County death certificate is $12 per copy, which is lower than the statewide default fee of $30. This local fee is set by the Six County Health Department. Payment methods vary, so contact the office before mailing a check. You can reach the office by calling the county clerk at (435) 896-9262. For online orders, the Utah SILVER system processes payments by credit or debit card.
To request a death certificate, you must provide a completed application, a valid government-issued photo ID, and proof of your relationship to the deceased if the record is less than 50 years old. Eligible requesters under Utah Code 26B-8-125 include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent of the deceased. Legal representatives with written authorization may also request records on behalf of eligible family members.
Records more than 50 years old are public under Utah law and do not require proof of relationship. Anyone may request these older records from the Utah State Archives at no charge, or order certified copies through the standard process.
Historical Sevier County Death Index Collections
Sevier County has a strong base of historical death records available through free online sources. The FamilySearch database holds the most comprehensive digital collection, with over 260,000 indexed death certificate images statewide covering 1904 to 1964. Sevier County records are part of this collection and are searchable by name. Each index entry typically shows the cause of death, date, place, age at death, parents' names, and birthplaces of both the deceased and their parents.
The Utah State Archives holds historical death records from around 1903 forward, with images available online for records that are more than 50 years old. The Federal Census Mortality Schedules for 1850, 1860, 1870, and 1880 are another source for early Sevier County death data. These schedules recorded deaths in the 12 months before each census and include name, age, sex, and cause of death. While less detailed than later death certificates, they fill gaps in the pre-registration era. Marriage records from 1887 and some early birth and death filings from 1898 to 1905 are also available through the Sevier County Clerk's office.
Note: The Sevier County USGenWeb project offers free transcriptions of genealogical records and may be a useful supplement for researchers working with pre-1905 data.
Who Can Access Sevier County Death Records
Access to Sevier County death records depends on the age of the record. Utah law makes death records public after 50 years from the date of death. After that point, anyone can request a certified copy or view the record without needing to prove a family connection. This rule applies to both county and state-held records.
For records less than 50 years old, access is limited to immediate family members and authorized representatives. Under Utah Code 26B-8-125, eligible requesters include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, and grandparent of the person named on the record. You must show a valid photo ID and provide documentation proving your relationship. Acceptable proof includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, or a chain of documents showing the family connection. Legal representatives must provide written authorization from an eligible family member.
The Government Records Access and Management Act, Utah Code 63G-2, also governs public access to government records in Utah. GRAMA establishes the framework for requesting records and appealing denials. Death records more than 50 years old fall into the public access category under this statute. If a request is denied, you may appeal through the process outlined in GRAMA.
Cities in Sevier County
Sevier County includes several communities across its central Utah landscape. Richfield is the county seat and the location of the main vital records office. Monroe, Salina, and Gunnison are among the other communities in and near Sevier County. Deaths occurring in any of these places are part of the Sevier County death index and can be requested through the Six County Health Department or the Utah Office of Vital Records.
Nearby Counties
Sevier County borders several other central Utah counties. If you are researching ancestors who may have lived near county lines, you may also want to check neighboring county death indexes.