As Cottage Grove continues growing as a desirable Madison suburb, families need vital records for school enrollment in the Monona Grove District, youth sports registration, driver’s license applications, and establishing residency. These certified documents prove identity and family relationships essential for daily life in this thriving Dane County community.
Vital Records & Certificates in Cottage Grove, WisconsinDane County Register of Deeds
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Dane County Register of Deeds. We also offer expedited passport services for Cottage Grove residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Cottage Grove residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove families obtain birth certificates through the Dane County Register of Deeds office at 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in downtown Madison. Most local babies are born at UnityPoint Health-Meriter or UW Hospital, with records forwarded to the county for processing. The Register of Deeds maintains comprehensive birth records and provides both certified and uncertified copies depending on your needs. Same-day service is frequently available for walk-in customers, making it convenient for Cottage Grove residents who work in Madison. The office also offers mail-in services for those who prefer not to travel to the county building.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Cottage Grove
Couples planning ceremonies at beautiful venues like Lake Kegonsa State Park or intimate gatherings at Firemen’s Park secure marriage licenses from the Dane County Register of Deeds in Madison. Wisconsin requires both parties to appear together when applying, and there’s no waiting period once the license is issued. The license remains valid for 30 days, giving couples flexibility in planning their special day. Many Cottage Grove couples appreciate the convenience of obtaining their license during a weekday trip to Madison.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Cottage Grove
Death certificates for Cottage Grove residents are processed by the Dane County Register of Deeds office. Families typically need multiple copies for insurance companies, financial institutions, and estate proceedings. The county maintains detailed records and can provide certificates with different levels of information based on intended use. Processing is generally efficient, with most requests fulfilled within a few business days of submission.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Cottage Grove
Divorce records for Cottage Grove residents are available through the Dane County Clerk of Courts, as all divorce proceedings are handled at the county level. These certified copies are essential for remarriage, child custody matters, or financial arrangements. The courthouse maintains comprehensive records of all family court proceedings, with staff available to assist in locating specific case information when needed.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Cottage Grove
Dane County’s Register of Deeds office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Madison. Cottage Grove residents will find convenient parking in the nearby ramps or street parking along the Capitol Square area. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for payment. During busy periods like graduation season, consider calling ahead or visiting early in the day to minimize wait times. Online services are also available for certain record types.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Dane County Register of Deeds
Address
210 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd #110, Madison, WI 53703, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
From Cottage Grove, take Highway 12/18 West toward Madison. Exit at Park Street and head north to the Capitol Square area. The county building is near the State Capitol.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Dane County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Cottage Grove residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
How long does it take to drive from Cottage Grove to the Dane County offices?
▼Where should I park when visiting the county offices from Cottage Grove?
▼Can I handle multiple certificate requests in one trip to Madison?
▼Are appointments required at the Dane County Register of Deeds office?
▼What’s the best time to visit the Madison office from Cottage Grove?
▼Do Cottage Grove births at UW Hospital get processed differently?
▼Can I order Cottage Grove vital records online instead of driving to Madison?
▼How much does it cost to get a birth certificate in Dane County?
▼What if I need a death certificate for someone who died at a Cottage Grove care facility?
▼Are there any satellite offices closer to Cottage Grove than downtown Madison?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Cottage Grove residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Dane County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs