Search Dearborn Death Records
Dearborn death records are held by the Wayne County Clerk, not the Dearborn city clerk. Deaths that occurred in Dearborn are recorded at the county level, and certified copies must be requested from the Wayne County Clerk office in downtown Detroit. This page explains which office to contact, what the fees are, how to submit a mail request, and where you can search for records online before ordering a certified copy.
Dearborn Death Records Overview
Which County Handles Dearborn Death Records
Dearborn is in Wayne County, and the Wayne County Clerk is the office that issues certified death certificates for all deaths that occurred in the city. The Dearborn city clerk at 16901 Michigan Avenue does not issue death certificates. If you go there, they will direct you to the county.
Wayne County Clerk's office handles death records for all 34 municipalities in the county. For Dearborn records, contact the general vital records office:
| Office | Wayne County Clerk - Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 Monroe Street, Suite 610, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Phone | (313) 967-6938 |
| Appointments | Required - no walk-ins accepted |
| Website | Wayne County Clerk death certificates page |
Note that the Dearborn city clerk at (313) 943-2098 handles city licenses, elections, and local government services. That office does not have access to vital records. Death certificates are a county function in Michigan.
How to Get Dearborn Death Records
You can request a certified Dearborn death certificate in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Each option works, but they differ in speed and payment method.
Michigan law under MCL 333.2882 makes death records public. Anyone can request a copy. You do not need to prove you are related to the deceased or provide a legal reason. This applies to Dearborn records just as it does anywhere else in Michigan.
In Person: Book an appointment through Wayne County's online eScheduler before you go. Walk-ins are not accepted at the Suite 610 office. Bring the name of the deceased, the approximate date of death, and cash for payment. In-person service is typically the fastest way to get a certified copy.
By Mail: Send a written request to Wayne County Clerk, 400 Monroe Street, Suite 610, Detroit, MI 48226. Your letter should include the full name of the deceased, the date or year of death, and the Dearborn address or neighborhood where the death occurred. Enclose a money order, cashier's check, or certified check. Do not mail cash. Include a copy of your ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online: Wayne County is listed on VitalChek. You can place an order through their platform. A service fee is added to the county's standard rate. Payment is by credit or debit card. Records are mailed after processing.
Dearborn Death Certificate Fees
Wayne County charges $24 for the first certified death certificate. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time cost $7 each. The fee structure is the same whether your request is for a Dearborn death or a death anywhere else in Wayne County.
Order all the copies you need at once. Insurance companies, banks, probate courts, and Social Security each typically need their own copy. Ordering them together at $7 apiece is far cheaper than paying the $24 first-copy fee again later. Plan for how many copies you will need before you submit your request.
For mail and VitalChek orders, remember that payment method matters. Mail requires a money order, cashier's check, or certified check. VitalChek accepts credit and debit cards but adds a service charge. In-person visits are cash only at the counter.
What to Include in Your Request
The Wayne County Clerk processes a large number of requests. Providing complete information helps them find the right record quickly. Vague or incomplete requests may be returned without being processed.
For a Dearborn death record request, include:
- Full legal name of the deceased (first, middle, last)
- Date of death, or the most accurate year you have
- Dearborn address or location where the death occurred
- Your full name and mailing address
- How many certified copies you need
- Payment in the accepted form for your method
- A photocopy of your government-issued ID
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (mail requests only)
Per MCL 333.2895, original death records are not available for public inspection. The county will only issue certified copies. Those copies bear the official county seal and are legally valid for insurance claims, estate administration, financial accounts, and court filings.
Online Resources for Dearborn Death Records
Several free tools let you search before ordering a certified copy. These are useful for confirming a record exists and checking spelling or date details.
The state's GENDIS genealogical death index covers Michigan deaths from 1867 to 1897. Dearborn had residents in this period, so relevant entries may appear. Search by name and year to see if the record is indexed before submitting a formal request to the county.
For records between 1897 and 1952, Michiganology offers free access to digitized death certificates managed by the Archives of Michigan. This is a good first step for mid-century genealogy research on Dearborn families.
The MDHHS vital records portal at michigan.gov provides guidance on statewide ordering and links to county-level resources. It also connects to VitalChek for online certified copy orders.
Michigan Death Record Laws
Dearborn death records are governed by Michigan's Public Health Code, the same statutes that apply across the state.
MCL 333.2882 establishes that death records are public in Michigan. Any person may get a certified copy without showing a legal reason or proving family relationship. Open access is the rule, not the exception.
MCL 333.2888(1) removes vital records from the scope of Michigan's FOIA. A Freedom of Information Act request will not get you a death certificate. The right process is the county clerk's vital records request under the Public Health Code. FOIA is not the correct channel here.
MCL 333.2895 prohibits public inspection of original records. The county will not show you the original document. You will receive a certified copy with the official seal, which is the accepted form for all legal and financial purposes.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities are also in Wayne County or neighboring counties. Each has its own page with local details for requesting death records.
Wayne County Death Records
Dearborn death records are part of the Wayne County Clerk's vital records system. See the county page for more information on the full office and all county services.