Update in 2022
Source:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/69/I/30
This is NOT legal advice. It is merely research:
- It is safe to request and post images of pre-1907 records (
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/69.30(3)). These records are generally available from the Wisconsin Historical Society.
- For post 1907 records, registrars in Wisconsin are supposed to accept vital records requests ONLY from immediate family, certain government agencies, universities, courts, and "a person with a direct and tangible interest in the record." (
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/69.21)
- Displaying post-1907 birth certificate seems to be a felony (but keeping a copy among your files is not). Displaying other post-1907 vital records (marriage, divorce, death) is a lesser violation. Lying to obtain a vital record is also a violation, so don't do it. (
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/69.24)
- Displaying vital record *indexes* is also prohibited: Birth index records for 100 years (yes, a century), and other vital records for a mere 24 months. (
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/69.20(3)(e))
What does all this mean?
If Aunt Greta was born/married/divorced/died in 1906 or earlier, you can post the birth certificate online.
If any of those events occurred in 1908 or later, you can record the data online, but keep your source offline.
If she was born more than 100 years ago (or married/divorced/died more than 24 months ago), you can use the (offline) Wisconsin Department of Health Services vital record index as an offline source for her birth. You can post the information, but you cannot post an image of the index.