Genesee County Death Records

Thank you for visiting our page. We will do our best to guide you in your search for Genesee County Death Records. Our aim is to give you the key facts you need. We want this process to be clear for you.

If you want to begin searching right now, you can access records online. Visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/genesee-county-death-records/ to start your search for Genesee County Death Records. This option provides a way to look for records without delay. It is a direct path if you are ready to check names and dates now. Find the information you need quickly.

Where to Request Genesee County Death Records

You have choices for where to get death records. You can go to the county office. Or you can ask the state office. Both can help you find what you seek.

Genesee County Clerk's Office

The Genesee County Clerk holds recent death records. These are for deaths that took place in Genesee County. The Vital Records Division handles these requests. You can ask in person or by mail. They issue certified copies. These are official copies you can use for legal needs. Make sure the death was in Genesee County. If not, check the county where the death did occur. Or check with the state office. The county office is often fast for local records.

The office is located at 1101 Beach St, Room 224, Flint, MI 48502. Their phone number is (810) 257-3225. Call them for current hours or questions. Office hours are often Monday to Friday. But it is good to check first. They need key facts to find the record. Know the full name of the person. Know the date and place of death. This helps them search faster. Fees apply for each copy you need. Plan for the cost when you make a request.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) - State Vital Records Office

The State of Michigan keeps death records too. They have records from 1867 to now. This is run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Use the state office if the death was long ago. Use it if you are not sure which county it was in. They hold records for all of Michigan. You can ask by mail. They also have ways to ask online via their official site. But mail is a main way.

The state office address for mail is Vital Records Request, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909. Their phone number for help is (517) 335-8666. This line can give info or help you talk to staff. State fees are set by law. They differ from county fees. Check the cost before you send your request. The state site has forms and fee lists. It can take some weeks to get records by mail from the state. Rush service is an option for a higher fee. Find more details on the MDHHS vital records web page.

Understanding Death Record Access in Michigan

Laws guide who can get records and how. Death records have specific rules in Michigan. It is good to know these rules.

Who Can Request a Death Certificate?

Michigan law protects vital records. See Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) Section 333.2888. This law means vital records are not open for just anyone to look at. They are not part of the Freedom of Information Act. But, death records are less restricted than birth records. MCL 333.2882 says the clerk or state must issue a copy upon written request. Anyone can ask for a death record copy. You must fill out a request form. You must pay the fee. You do not need to be related to the person. This makes it easy for many people to get death records. You still need to prove your ID sometimes for pick up. But the request itself is open.

Information Needed for a Search

To find the right death record, you need some facts. Give as much detail as you can. This helps the clerk find the record fast. You will need:

• Full name of the deceased person.

• Date of death (month, day, year).

• Place of death (city or town in Genesee County).

• Your full name.

• Your address.

• Your phone number.

How to Officially Request Genesee County Death Records

You can ask for records in person or by mail. The state office also takes mail requests. Choose the way that works best for you.

Requesting In Person (County Clerk)

Go to the Genesee County Clerk's Vital Records Division. The address is 1101 Beach St, Room 224, Flint, MI 48502. Go during their work hours. Check hours before you go. Call (810) 257-3225. Bring a valid photo ID with you. A driver's license or state ID card works well. You will fill out a request form there. Be ready to pay the fee. They likely take cash, check, or card. Ask about payment types they accept. This way is often the fastest. You might get the record the same day if it is found fast. Be sure you have all the needed facts for the search. Staff can help if you have questions there. This direct way helps avoid mail delays.

Requesting by Mail (County Clerk)

You can ask for a record by mail from the county. First, get the request form. Download the Vital Records Certified Copy Request form here: https://cms7files.revize.com/genessecountymi/VR%20Certified%20Copy%20Req%20Form%20--%20PINK.pdf. Fill out the form with all needed facts. Include the full name of the person who died. Add the date and place of death. Put your name and address too. You must pay the fee. Send a check or money order. Make it payable to Genesee County Clerk. Do not send cash. Check the current fee amount first. Send the form and payment to: Genesee County Clerk - Vital Records Division, 1101 Beach St, Room 224, Flint, MI 48502. Mail requests take time. Expect to wait a few weeks. Make sure your form is clear and complete. This avoids delays.

Requesting from the State Office (MDHHS)

To order from the state by mail, get their form. Find state forms on the MDHHS vital records website. Go to the 'Order A Record by Mail' page: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords/order-by-mail. Choose the death record form. Fill it out fully. Include the name, date, and place of death. Provide your contact details. You need to pay the state fee. Send a check or money order. Make it payable to State of Michigan. Do not send cash. Mail the form and fee to: Vital Records Request, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909. Normal mail takes 4 to 5 weeks plus mail time. Rush service takes 2 to 3 weeks plus mail time. Rush costs more. The state is good for older records. It is also good if you are not sure of the county.

Costs and Fees for Death Records

You must pay a fee to get a certified death record copy. Fees differ between the county and state offices.

Genesee County Clerk Fees

• First certified copy: $25.00

• Each added copy (same record, ordered at same time): $10.00

These fees cover the search and the official copy. Pay when you make the request. Fees can change. Check with the Clerk's office at (810) 257-3225 for current costs.

State of Michigan (MDHHS) Fees

• First certified copy search: $34.00

• Each added copy (same record, ordered at same time): $16.00

• Rush fee (for faster processing): Add $12.00

State fees are set by Michigan law. See MCL 333.2891 for details: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-333-2891. Pay with check or money order to State of Michigan for mail orders.

Important Michigan Laws for Vital Records

State laws control how vital records are kept and shared. Know these laws. They help you understand the process.

Confidentiality and Access

Michigan law protects vital records. MCL 333.2888 states they are not public for general viewing. This protects people's private data. But MCL 333.2882 allows anyone to request a death certificate copy. You must apply in writing. You must pay the fee. The record is issued to the requester. This balances privacy with the need for records.

Penalties for Fraud

It is a crime to misuse vital records. The county request form warns about this. Getting a record to steal an identity is a felony. This crime can lead to jail time. Fines can be up to $25,000. Always use records for legal and proper aims. Giving false info on a form is also wrong. Be truthful in your request.