Kalamazoo County Death Records

We thank you for visiting this page. We aim to help you find information on Kalamazoo County Death Records. Our goal is to give you clear facts and steps for your search needs. We will try our best to assist you here.

If you wish to start your Kalamazoo County Death Records search right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/kalamazoo-county-death-records/. This resource provides access for those looking to begin their search quickly. It offers a way to find the death records you might need for family history or legal matters right away, saving you some time.

Understanding Kalamazoo County Death Records

What are death records? They are official state or county papers. They note when and where a person died. These records serve as legal proof of death. They are key for things like closing bank accounts. They help with life insurance claims. They are also used for family history research. Public health groups use the data too. It helps track causes of death.

Where to Obtain Kalamazoo County Death Records

You have two main official places to get these records. You can go to the county office. Or you can ask the state office. Each has its own process.

Kalamazoo County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office

The main place in Kalamazoo County is the Clerk's office. This office keeps vital records for the county. This includes births, deaths, and marriages. They have death records going back to 1867. Staff here can help you get certified copies. Remember, all copies they give out are certified. They act as original papers. This office is your first stop for deaths that took place right in Kalamazoo County. They know the local records best. It is often faster to get records here if the death was local. 1  

1. www.rivertrustfcu.com

www.rivertrustfcu.com

• Physical Address: 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

• Phone: 269-383-8840 (Spanish is spoken)

• Fax: 269-384-8143

• Office Hours:

  • Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • (Note: Concealed Pistol License processing ends at 4:00 PM)

  • Closed on County Holidays

• Website: https://www.kalcounty.gov/1090/Vital-Records

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

The state office holds records for all Michigan counties. This includes Kalamazoo County. They also have records back to 1867. But some early death records may not have been sent to the state. So, they might not have every single old record. You can order from the state by mail. This is a good choice if the death was outside Kalamazoo County. Or if you are not sure where in Michigan it took place. The state sets its own fees. These fees are higher than the county fees. They offer regular and rush service by mail.

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

• Phone: 517-335-8666 (Option 1 for recorded messages/forms; Option 3 for customer service)

• Website: For general information and links to forms, visit the MDHHS Vital Records page.

• State Fees:

  • First certified copy: $34.00

  • Additional copies (same record, ordered same time): $16.00 each

  • Rush fee (optional): $12.00 extra

How to Request Kalamazoo County Death Records

Getting a death record involves a few steps. You need to know who can ask. You need the right details. You must choose a request method.

Who Can Request Records?

Good news here. In Michigan, death records are public. This means anyone can ask for a copy. You do not need to be a relative. You just need to provide the needed details and pay the fee. This rule is set by state law. See Michigan Compiled Laws Section 333.2882.

Information Needed for Your Request

To find the right record, you must give some facts. The office needs this info to search.

• The full name of the person who died.

• The date the person died (month, day, year).

• The place the person died (the city or township in Kalamazoo County). If you do not know the exact date, the year of death helps a lot.

Request Methods and Fees (County Level)

The Kalamazoo County Clerk offers several ways to order. Choose the one that works best for you. Fees are set by the county.

In-Person Requests

Visit the Clerk's office during business hours. You can fill out the form there. Or print and fill it out ahead of time. The form is online. (Death Records Request Form (PDF) / Spanish Form (PDF)). You pay the fee. They accept cash, check, money orders, or credit/debit cards. You usually get the record the same day. This is the fastest way.

Mail or Dropbox Requests

Print and complete the request form. Include payment. Make checks or money orders payable to KALAMAZOO COUNTY CLERK. Do not send cash by mail. You can include credit card info on the form too. Put the form and payment in an envelope. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return. Mail it or drop it in the county dropbox. The address is: Kalamazoo County Clerk, 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Room 103, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. This method takes longer than in person. Allow time for mail delivery both ways.

Fax Requests

Fill out the request form. Be sure to include credit card information for payment. Fax the form to 269-384-8143. The office will process the payment. They will mail the record to you. This requires you have a fax machine. It also means sending card info via fax.

Online Requests (County Portal)

Kalamazoo County lets you order online. Go to the Death Records page on the county site. Find the link to order online. Follow the steps there. You will pay with a card. Note there is an extra fee for online orders. The county fee is $20 for the first copy. $7 for more copies. But there is also a $10 service fee added to your total order. This is often fast but costs more.

Request Methods and Fees (State Level - MDHHS)

You can only order from the state by mail currently.

Mail Requests

Download an application from the MDHHS website. Or call 517-335-8666 to ask for one. Fill out the form fully. Send it with a check or money order. Make it payable to State of Michigan. Mail to: Vital Records Request, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909. The fee is $34 for the first copy. $16 for each extra copy of the same record. A rush service costs $12 more. This takes the longest usually.

Processing Times

How long will it take?

• County In-Person: Same day service.

• County Mail/Dropbox: They mail it within 5 work days after they get your request. Add mail time.

• County Online/Fax: Processing is likely quick. But add mail time for delivery.

• State Mail: Can take some weeks. Rush service speeds this up. But still allow for mail time.

Details Found in Kalamazoo County Death Records

A death record contains much key data. This information is standard across Michigan. You can expect to find things like:

• Full name of the person who died

• Date and time of death

• City or township where death occurred

• Age at time of death

• Date of birth

• Place of birth (state or country)

• Sex and race

• Marital status (married, single, divorced, widowed)

• Name of surviving spouse, if any

• Father's full name

• Mother's full maiden name

• Primary cause of death

• Other health conditions

• Name of the person providing information (informant)

• Place of burial or cremation

• Date of burial or cremation

• Name and address of the funeral home

Types of Death Records

The main type you will get is a certified copy.

Certified Copies

This is an official copy. It is issued by the County Clerk or the State Registrar. It proves the death is legally recorded. Certified copies from Kalamazoo County serve as original documents. They usually have a special seal or electronic mark. You need these for legal tasks. Think about closing bank accounts. Or filing for insurance benefits. Or handling property of the deceased.

Electronic Certification vs. Raised Seal

Kalamazoo County uses electronic certification for most records. This is usually fine for use within the United States. But some situations need a traditional raised seal. This might be for getting a U.S. passport. Or for use in another country (like international marriage or adoption). If you need a raised seal, tell the Clerk's office. You might need written proof from the place asking for it.

Access Rules and Michigan Law

Michigan law controls who can get vital records. The main law is the Michigan Public Health Code, Part 28. As noted before, death records are public in Michigan. Anyone can request them (MCL 333.2882). However, rules protect the records themselves (MCL 333.2888). Vital records are not subject to requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). You must use the vital records request process.

Finding Older Kalamazoo County Death Records

Looking for records from long ago? Statewide registration began in 1867. Both the county and state have records going back that far. But, very early records were not always filed properly. Some might be missing, especially at the state level before 1897. For state records from 1897 to 1952, check Michiganology. This is the state's official digital archive site. They have scanned images up to 1948. They have an index up to 1952.

For local historical research, try these places:

• Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL): The local history room helps find obituaries. They search the Kalamazoo Gazette on microfilm. This goes back to 1834 (with some gaps). There is a fee for this service. See their Obituary Request page.

• Archives of Michigan: They hold many old county records. This can include land records, court records, and more. Check the Kalamazoo County Guide (PDF) for details.

• Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society (KVGS): This local group focuses on family history. They may have indexed local cemeteries or funeral home records. Visit their site at https://mikvgs.org/. These local sources are great for finding details not on the official death record.