Washtenaw County Death Records

Thank you for visiting. We aim to give you the best help with Washtenaw County Death Records. This page has details you need. We work hard to make this clear for you. Find what you need fast.

If you wish to start a search for Washtenaw County Death Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/washtenaw-county-death-records/. This site offers a way to begin your search quickly. It can help you find the death record information you seek without delay. Use the link provided to go straight to their search options for Washtenaw County.

Accessing Washtenaw County Death Records

The Washtenaw County Clerk holds death records. These records start from the year 1867. If a death took place in Washtenaw County, the record should be there. You can ask for a copy of these records. The Vital Records Division handles these requests.

Who Can Request Death Records?

Michigan law guides who can get vital records. Death records in Michigan are not as restricted as birth records. Any person can ask for a copy of a death record. You must submit a proper request. You also need to pay the fee. You do not need to show ID to get a death record copy in Washtenaw County. This makes it easy for many people to get the records they need for family history or legal tasks. Make sure you have the right details for the search. This helps the clerk find the correct record fast.

Types of Records Available

The Washtenaw County Clerk issues certified copies. These copies have a raised seal. This seal shows the record is official. Certified copies are often needed for legal tasks. These tasks might include closing bank accounts. Or claiming life insurance or other benefits. The office does not issue plain copies. All copies they give out are certified. The state law controls how these copies are issued. They ensure the records are true and correct.

How to Request Washtenaw County Death Records

You have a few ways to ask for a death record. You can ask online. You can send mail. Or you can go to the office in person. Choose the way that works best for you. Each way has steps you need to follow. Plan ahead to make sure you have all you need.

Online Requests

Washtenaw County offers an online request option. Use the Vital Records Self Service site. You can find this on the Washtenaw County Clerk's official web page. You will need to fill out the request form online. You must pay with a credit card. This method is fast and easy for many people. Follow the steps on the screen. Make sure all info is right before you send it. They will mail the record to you. Allow time for mail delivery. Check the site for any processing time updates. This online tool makes getting records simple from home.

Mail Requests

You can ask for a death record by mail. First, get the request form. Find the Request for Certified Copies of Vital Records (PDF) on the county clerk's website. Print the form and fill it out. You need the dead person's full name. You also need the date of death. Include the place of death in Washtenaw County. Write down your name and address too. You must pay by check or money order. Make it payable to the Washtenaw County Clerk. See the form for the right fee amount. Mail the form and payment to the address below. This method works well if you cannot visit or use the web. Be sure your writing is clear.

• Mailing Address:

  • Washtenaw County Clerk - Vital Records Division

  • P.O. Box 8645

  • Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645

Remember that mail takes time. The office needs time to get your request. They also need time to process it. Then they mail the record back to you. This can take one or two weeks, or more. Plan for this time if you need the record by a set date. Double check the form is filled out fully. Missing info can slow things down. Send it with the right fee.

In-Person Requests

You can go to the Vital Records office. This is often the fastest way. You can get the record the same day. The office is inside the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds building. Bring the needed information with you. This includes the person's name and date of death. You will need to pay the fee there. They likely take cash, check, money order, or card. Check their site or call first about payment types. Also check their current office hours. This ensures they are open when you go. Going in person lets you ask questions too. Staff can help if you are not sure about the form.

• Office Location:

  • Washtenaw County Clerk - Vital Records Division

  • 200 N. Main Street, Suite 100

  • Ann Arbor, MI 48104

• Phone: 734-222-6720

• Hours: Generally Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is best to call or check the Washtenaw County Clerk website for current hours before visiting.

Information Needed for a Request

To find the right death record, the clerk needs key facts. Be ready to give this info. This helps make the search quick and correct. If you lack some facts, give as much as you know.

• Decedent's Full Name: The full legal name of the person who died. Include first, middle, and last names.

• Date of Death: The exact day, month, and year the person died.

• Place of Death: The city or township in Washtenaw County where the death took place.

• Your Name and Contact Information: Needed to send the record to you.

• Your Relationship (Optional but helpful): Sometimes helps confirm details.

Having correct details is key. The clerk uses this info to search the records index. The county has records going back to 1867. The more details you give, the easier it is to find the specific record. Double check spellings of names and places. Make sure the date is accurate if you know it. If unsure, give a range of years if possible.

Fees and Costs

There is a fee to get a certified death record copy. The fee covers the search cost and the copy itself. Washtenaw County sets these fees. They follow state rules. Know the cost before you ask.

• First Certified Copy: $15

• Additional Copies (same record, ordered at same time): $5 each

• Payment Methods (In-Person): Likely cash, check, money order, credit/debit card. Call to confirm.

• Payment Methods (Mail): Check or money order payable to Washtenaw County Clerk.

• Payment Methods (Online): Credit card.

The fee for the first copy includes the search. Even if no record is found, the search fee may still apply. Check the county's policy on this. Getting extra copies at the same time saves money. You might need more than one copy for different legal tasks. Think about how many you need before you order. Pay the correct amount to avoid delays.

Processing Times

How long it takes depends on how you ask. In-person requests are often the fastest. Mail takes longer due to post times. Online times can vary.

• In-Person: Usually same-day service. You can walk out with the record.

• Mail: Allow time for mail delivery both ways. Add office processing time. This could be 1-2 weeks or more total.

• Online: Processing time plus mail delivery time. Check the county website for current estimates.

If you need a record fast, go in person. If time is not key, mail or online works well. The county aims to process requests fast. But high demand can slow things down. Holidays can also add delays. Plan ahead if you have a deadline. The county notes they will replace records not received by mail after two weeks from the ship date, if notified within 30 days.

Historical Death Records

Washtenaw County holds death records starting from 1867. What if the death was before 1867? Or what if you need very old records for family history? These older records may be elsewhere.

The Archives of Michigan is the main place for older state records. They have records from before state-level registration began. They also hold many other historical items. You can search their collections. Some records are online. Others require a visit or request to the Archives. The Archives has death records from 1897 to 1952 available online. Some years include images of the certificate. Some are index only. For records before 1867, finding them can be hard. Look into church records, old newspapers, or cemetery records too. The Archives of Michigan website has search tools and guides. These can help your research for old family lines.

Understanding Michigan Vital Records Laws

Laws in Michigan control vital records. This includes birth, death, and marriage records. These laws protect privacy but allow access when needed. The main law is the Michigan Public Health Code.

Part 28 covers vital records (MCL 333.2801 et seq.). Section MCL 333.2882 states how to get certified copies. It says a person can request a death record copy. They must apply and pay the fee. Section MCL 333.2895 talks about confidentiality. While some vital record details are private, death indexes are usually public. This lists name, date of death, and record number. Getting the full certificate requires the formal request and fee. These laws aim to balance public need with personal privacy. They ensure records are accurate and handled right.

Contact Information Summary

Here is key contact info for getting death records. Use this info to ask questions or send requests.

Washtenaw County Clerk / Register of Deeds

• Office: Vital Records Division

• Address: 200 N. Main Street, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8645

• Phone (Vital Records): 734-222-6720

• Phone (Main Clerk): 734-222-6700

• Website: https://www.washtenaw.org/283/Death-Certificates

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

For state-level requests or records outside Washtenaw County.

• Office: State Vital Records Office

• Address: P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909

• Phone: 517-335-8666

• Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords

• State Fees: Note that state fees ($34 first copy, $16 additional) are higher than county fees.