Genesee County MI Birth Records

We are glad you came to this page. Our aim is to give you clear facts. We will do our best to help you find Genesee County Birth Records. This guide holds key steps and links. Use it to get the record you need for your task.

If you need to find Genesee County Birth Records right now, you can start your search easily. Go to https://michiganofficialrecords.com/genesee-county-birth-records/ to begin the process. This site offers a way to search for public records. It can help you move forward fast if you have the needed details ready. Check their site for steps on how to find the Genesee County Birth Records you seek.

Getting Genesee County Birth Records

You have two main official ways to get these records. You can go to the county office. Or you can ask the state office. Most people start with the county first.

Genesee County Clerk's Office

This is the main place for Genesee County Birth Records. The office holds records for births that took place in the county. You can ask for certified copies here. These copies have a raised seal. They work for legal needs like passports or school. Make sure you know who can get a copy. Not all people can ask for one.

Location and Contact Information

The Genesee County Clerk's office is in Flint.

• Address: Genesee County Courthouse, 900 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.

• Phone: Call (810) 257-3225 for the County Clerk. Ask for the Vital Records division. They can give you the best help. Call first to check specific needs.

• Hours: The office is usually open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is best to call ahead. Confirm hours before you go. They may close for lunch or holidays. Plan your trip well.

How to Request Records

You can ask for Genesee County Birth Records in a few ways. Choose the one that works best for you. Bring ID if you go in person. Send ID copy if you mail it in.

In-Person Requests

Go to the Vital Records window at the Clerk's office. You will need to fill out a form. Bring your valid photo ID. This could be your driver's license. Or a state ID card. Or a passport. The form asks for the person's full name at birth. It asks for the date of birth. It needs the city or town of birth in Genesee County. It asks for the mother's maiden name. And the father's name if known. You must state your link to the person on the record. You pay the fee there. They may give you the record the same day. Or they might mail it later. Ask how long it will take.

Mail-In Requests

You can ask by mail if you cannot go there. Find the birth record application form online. Check the Genesee County Clerk's website. Print the form and fill it out. Include all the needed details. You must sign the form. Make a clear copy of your valid photo ID. Put the form, ID copy, and payment in an envelope. Mail it to the Clerk's office address. Use a check or money order for the fee. Make it payable to "Genesee County Clerk". Do not send cash by mail. Mail takes time. Wait a few weeks for them to process it. They will mail the record back to you.

Online Access

Genesee County might have an online portal. Check their official website. Some sites let you search index data. This is like a list of names and dates. It might not let you order certified copies online directly from the county. The site https://geneseecountymi-clerkweb.tylerhost.net/web/ is used for searching some county records. See if vital records requests are part of this. Or if they use a different system. The link provided earlier might direct you to a service that helps with online requests through official channels.

Fees and Payment

You must pay a fee for Genesee County Birth Records. The cost covers the search and one certified copy. As of recent checks, the fee at the Genesee County Clerk's office is often around $15 to $20 for the first copy. Call them at (810) 257-3225 to confirm the exact current fee. Fees can change. Additional copies ordered at the same time usually cost less. Pay in person with cash, check, money order, or maybe a card. Check which cards they take. Pay by mail with a check or money order.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

The state office is another place to get records. MDHHS Vital Records holds records for births across Michigan. This includes Genesee County. They have records going back to 1867. But some early records may be missing. The state office can be useful. Especially if you need records from other Michigan counties too. Or if you prefer to order online via their partner.

State Contact Information

• Mailing Address: Vital Records Request, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909.

• Phone: Call (517) 335-8666 for the state office. Press 3 to talk to someone. Or press 1 for a recorded message with forms info.

How to Request Records from the State

Mail-In Requests to State

Download the state's application form from the MDHHS website. Fill it out with care. Provide all names, dates, and places. Sign the form. Include a copy of your valid photo ID. The state requires this for birth records less than 100 years old. Send the form, ID copy, and payment. Use a check or money order payable to "State of Michigan". Mail it to the P.O. Box address above.

Online Requests via VitalChek

Michigan partners with VitalChek for online orders. Go to the MDHHS Vital Records website. Find the link for online orders. VitalChek charges extra service fees. But it can be faster than mail. You will need to provide the same info. You must also prove your identity online. Pay with a credit card.

State Fees and Payment

State fees are set by law. The current fee is $34 for the first certified copy. This includes the search cost. Each extra copy of the same record ordered then is $16. People age 65 or older pay less for their own birth record. The cost is $14 for the first copy. You must prove your age. Rush or expedited service costs more. Add $12 for faster processing by mail. Check the MDHHS site for current fees. They can change. Pay by mail with check or money order. Pay online via VitalChek with a credit card.

Who Can Get a Genesee County Birth Record?

Not just anyone can get a certified copy. Michigan law restricts access to protect privacy. This applies to births less than 100 years old.

Eligible Individuals

You can get a certified copy if you are:

• The person named on the record (if age 18 or older).

• A parent named on the birth record.

• An heir, if the person on the record is dead. You need proof like a death certificate and proof of heirship.

• A legal guardian. You need proof like court papers.

• A legal representative (lawyer) for one of the above. You need proof.

• Someone with a court order telling the clerk to release the copy.

Michigan Law on Access

The Michigan Public Health Code controls this. Specifically, Michigan Compiled Laws Section 333.2882 outlines who can get a copy. Read this law for full details. It aims to keep private data safe. Records older than 100 years may have fewer limits.

ID Needed

You must show proof of who you are. Provide a copy of your current, valid photo ID. This could be:

• State driver's license

• State ID card

• Current U.S. Passport

• Military ID card

Make sure the ID is not expired. The name on the ID should match the name on your request form. If you lack photo ID, ask the Clerk or MDHHS about other options. They might accept other papers that show your name and address.

Information Needed for Your Request

To find the right record, you must give key details. Be as complete and clear as you can. Missing info can slow things down. Or they might not find the record.

Birth Details

• Full name of the person on the birth record. Use the name given at birth.

• Exact date of birth (month, day, year).

• City or township in Genesee County where the birth happened. (e.g., Flint, Fenton, Grand Blanc).

Parent Details

• Mother's full name before she was married (maiden name).

• Father's full name, if he is listed on the record.

Your Details

• Your full name.

• Your link to the person on the record (e.g., self, parent, heir).

• Your current mailing address.

• Your phone number.

• Your signature on the application form.

Fill out the application form fully. Double check all spelling and dates. This helps the staff find the record fast.

Costs for Genesee County Birth Records

Fees pay for the time to search and make the copy. Know the costs before you order.

• Genesee County Clerk: Usually $15-$20 for the first copy. Call (810) 257-3225 to check the current price. Extra copies cost less if ordered together.

• MDHHS (State): $34 for the first copy. $16 for extra copies. $14 for seniors (65+) getting their own record. Rush fees are extra ($12 or more).

• Online (VitalChek): State fees plus VitalChek service fees.

Choose the source that fits your budget and time needs. The county office might be a bit cheaper. The state office offers a senior discount. Online orders are fast but cost more.

Old Records and Family History

Looking for older Genesee County Birth Records? Access rules change for very old records. Local groups can help too.

Older Records Access

Birth records over 100 years old may be open to the public. The state vital records office works with the Library of Michigan. Under MCL 333.2885, very old records can be sent to the library. They are used for family history research. Check the Library of Michigan website for access.

Local Genealogy Help

Genesee County has groups that help with family research.

• Flint Genealogical Society: This group has indexed some vital records. Their site has databases for births, deaths, marriages from 1867-1930. This can be a great starting point for older records. Check their website for details.

• Flint Public Library: The library has a Local History & Genealogy Room. They have books, microfilm, and online tools like Ancestry (in-library use). Staff may offer research help. Visit their website or the library.

Michigan Laws on Birth Records

State laws shape how you get Genesee County Birth Records. Key laws are in the Michigan Public Health Code.

• Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978): This large law covers health topics. Part 28 deals with vital records registration and access. Find it on the Michigan Legislature website.

• MCL 333.2882: Sets who can get certified copies.

• MCL 333.2891: Sets the fees the state can charge. County fees often follow state guidance but can differ slightly.

• MCL 333.2885: Allows transfer of old records for history research.

Knowing these laws helps you understand the process. It explains why ID is needed. And why fees are charged. It shows the state's effort to balance access and privacy.