Oakland County Death Records

We are glad you came to this page. Our goal is to help you find Oakland County Death Records. We work hard to give you the best facts. We want to make your search easy. Thank you for your trust in us.

If you need to start your search for Oakland County Death Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/oakland-county-death-records/. This site offers a way to begin looking for the records you require immediately. Many people find it a useful starting point for their search for official Oakland County Death Records and related public information. Check it out if you want quick access.

Accessing Oakland County Death Records

Finding death records involves specific offices. You need to know where to go. The main places hold these important papers. They follow state rules for access.

Primary Sources for Records

Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office

The Oakland County Clerk is a key source. They keep recent death records for the county. This office has two main spots for service. Each spot has set hours.

Pontiac Location Details: The main office is here. The address is 1200 North Telegraph Road, Dept 413, Pontiac, MI 48341. It is open Monday to Friday. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. No appointment is needed here. But know that 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM are busy times. Plan your visit if you can. This location offers full vital record services. You can get help with many life event documents.
Troy Location Details: There is also an office in Troy. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This office requires an appointment. You must call ahead to schedule. This spot offers some vital record help too. Check before you go to Troy. Make sure they offer the exact help you need there. This helps save you time.
Contact Information: You can call the Vital Records division. The phone number is 248-858-0571. You can also email them. The email is clerkvital@oakgov.com. Use these contacts for questions. Ask about records or how to get them. They can guide you on steps.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

The state also keeps death records. MDHHS Vital Records office is in Lansing. Their address is P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909. The phone number is 517-335-8666. You might need the state office for some things. This includes very old records. State records go back to 1867. But some early records may be missing. Also, if you are unsure of the county, the state can search. Fees at the state level differ from the county. Be aware of these costs. The state office processes mail and online requests. They do not offer same day walk in service like the county.

How to Request Oakland County Death Records

You can ask for records in a few ways. Choose the way that works best for you. Each method has steps to follow.

Requesting from Oakland County Clerk

In-Person Requests

You can go to the Clerk's office. The Pontiac office allows walk-ins. Go during business hours. Bring your ID like a driver's license. Or use a state ID or passport. You pay when you make the request. You can use cash or a credit card. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are good. Money orders payable to Oakland County Clerk work too. No personal checks are taken. You often get the record the same day. This is fast. For the Troy office, call 248-858-0571 first. You need an appointment there.

Mail Requests

Mail requests are also an option. You need the Death Request Form. Find this form on the county website. Fill it out fully and clearly. Include payment with your form. A money order works well. Make it payable to Oakland County Clerk. For credit card pay, send copies. Include a copy of the card (front and back). Also send a copy of your valid ID (front and back). You must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. This is for mailing the record back to you. Mail everything to the Pontiac address: 1200 North Telegraph Road, Dept 413, Pontiac, MI 48341. Requests take about 3 business days to process. Then add mail time. Expect 7-10 business days total. This way takes more time than in person.

Online Requests via Official County Portal

Oakland County has its own online system. Use the official county website for this. You can find the link here: https://apps.oakgov.com/crts0005/forms/buyDeath.jsp. You need the full name of the dead person. You also need the date of death. Fill in the online form. You pay with a credit card. The site says your card is checked at the end. It is charged only when they mail the record. This method is safe. The county states they do not share your data. Mail time applies after processing. There is an Express Mail option too. This costs more but is faster. It ships the next business day. It aims for 2-3 day arrival in the US.

Essential Information Needed for a Search

To find the right record, you need key facts. Make sure you have this info ready.

The full name of the person who died.
The complete date of death (month, day, year).
The city or township in Oakland County where the death happened.

Understanding the Details of Oakland County Death Records

Death records contain important details. Know what type of copy you need. Also know who can get them.

Types of Death Certificates Available

Certified Copies

The Oakland County Clerk issues certified copies. These copies serve as official documents. They have a raised seal or are on special paper. You use them for legal needs. This includes closing bank accounts. Or claiming insurance benefits. Or settling an estate. These are official proofs of death. They are not just info printouts.

Eligibility and Restrictions

Michigan law addresses who can get records. Death records are generally more open than birth records. Some sources say anyone can request a death certificate copy. This is stated in MCL 333.2882 context from Berrien County. You still must submit the request properly. You must pay the fee. While access is broad, provide needed facts. Follow the right steps. The county clerk processes requests based on law. They ensure proper handling of all vital records.

Accessing Historical and Genealogical Records

Older records require different steps sometimes.

Availability of Records Before 1942

If the death was before 1942, note this. Oakland County requires these requests in person or by mail. You cannot order these old records online via the county portal. Plan for this if seeking very old records.

Oakland County's Online Genealogy Research Service

Oakland County offers a great tool for family history fans. It is the Genealogy Research Service. Find it here: https://courts.oakgov.com/OakGnlg/. This service lets you search indexes. You can look for death and marriage records online. Searching the index is free. You only pay if you order a certificate found there. This helps locate records without a known date. Check the site for date ranges included.

State Archives and MDHHS for Older Records

The State of Michigan holds records from 1867. Some very early records might not have been filed. Check with MDHHS or the Archives of Michigan. They may help with state-level historical searches. The state has indexes too. Some are online for certain date ranges.

Costs Associated with Oakland County Death Records

There are fees for getting death records. Costs vary between the county and state.

Fee Schedule at Oakland County Clerk's Office

The first certified copy costs $15. This applies to death, birth, or marriage records.
Each extra copy of the same record is $5. You must order them at the same time.
Online orders may have a small service fee. This is added to the record cost.
Express Mail costs $31.40 extra. This speeds up delivery after processing.

Fee Schedule at Michigan Dept. of Health & Human Services

The state fee for the first copy is $34. This includes the search cost.
Extra copies of the same record cost $16 each. Order them at the same time.
Rush service by mail costs $12 extra. Online rush via VitalChek may have other fees.
Search fees apply even if no record is found. The $34 state fee covers this search. Extra searches for more years cost more.

Legal Context and Official Resources for Vital Records

State laws shape how death records are managed. Use official websites for reliable info.

Key Michigan Statutes Governing Death Records

Michigan laws control vital records. The main law is the Public Health Code. Part 28 covers vital records specifically. You can find these laws online.

Michigan Public Health Code, Part 28: This covers how records are filed, kept, and issued. See sections like MCL 333.2801 and following.
Statute on Fees (MCL 333.2891): This law sets the fees the state can charge. Find it here: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-333-2891. County fees may differ slightly per law.
Statute on Record Disclosure/Access (MCL 333.2882, 333.2888): These sections detail who can get copies. They also explain why some records are not public info under FOIA.
Statute on False Statements (MCL 333.2894): Making false statements on applications is illegal. This carries penalties.

Direct Links to Official Government Sources

Use these links for direct access. They lead to official government pages. These are the best places for forms and facts.

Oakland County Clerk - Death Records Page: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/life-events-services/death-records
Oakland County Online Death Record Order Form: https://apps.oakgov.com/crts0005/forms/buyDeath.jsp
Oakland County Genealogy Search Portal: https://courts.oakgov.com/OakGnlg/
MDHHS Vital Records Main Page: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords
Michigan Legislature Website: https://www.legislature.mi.gov (Use this to look up specific MCL numbers.)

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