Genesee County Death Records

Genesee County death records date back to 1867 and are managed by the County Clerk and Register of Deeds in Flint. The clerk's office issues certified death certificates for all deaths that occurred within Genesee County. Records are public under Michigan law and available to any person. The office also serves as the Register of Deeds, so it handles a variety of official documents. This page covers how to get a death certificate, fees, and useful online resources.

Genesee County Clerk Office

The Genesee County Clerk maintains two locations in Flint. The main office is at 1101 Beach Street. A County Administration Building location is also available at 324 S. Saginaw Street, First Floor. Call the vital records line at (810) 257-3220 to reach the right department. Credit cards are accepted along with cash, check, and money order.

When calling about death records, use the vital records line at (810) 257-3220. This connects you directly with staff who handle certificate requests. The office also maintains an online portal for ordering, so check the website for the most current access options.

How to Get Genesee County Death Records

Genesee County death certificates are available in person, by mail, and through an online portal. The county also supports VitalChek for online orders. Visiting the office in Flint is the quickest option for same-day service. Mail and online orders take additional processing time but are convenient for those who cannot visit in person.

Under MCL 333.2882, death records in Michigan are public. Any person can request a certified copy without needing to show a relationship to the deceased or a legal reason for the request. The clerk processes requests from family members, genealogists, attorneys, and others on equal terms.

For mail requests, include a written request with the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and the city where the death occurred in Genesee County. Enclose a check or money order payable to Genesee County Clerk, a photocopy of your government-issued ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment by credit card may be accepted for online and portal orders.

Death Certificate Fees in Genesee County

Genesee County charges $15 for the first certified death certificate. Additional copies of the same record, requested at the same time, cost $5 each. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card. Make checks payable to Genesee County Clerk.

If you need several copies for different agencies or legal purposes, ordering them all in one request is the most efficient and least expensive approach. Coming back for more copies later means paying $15 again for each new first-copy request. Think about all the copies you might need before you submit.

What You Need to Request a Death Record

Every request for a Genesee County death certificate needs specific information so the clerk can locate the correct record. Providing complete and accurate details helps your request move quickly. If key information is missing, processing may be delayed or the request may be returned.

Here is what to include in your request:

• Full legal name of the deceased
• Date of death (or approximate year)
• City or township where the death occurred
• Your name and mailing address
• Payment for the applicable fee
• A photocopy of your government-issued ID

Per MCL 333.2895, original death records are not available for public inspection. Only certified copies are issued by the county. These copies carry the official seal and are accepted for legal, financial, and personal purposes.

Online Resources for Genesee County Death Records

Michigan's free GENDIS genealogical death index covers over 460,000 death records from 1867 to 1897. Search by name and year to find basic record information. Use the results to complete a formal request to the Genesee County Clerk for a certified copy.

The Michigan MDHHS vital records portal is shown below. The portal at michigan.gov/mdhhs provides state-level guidance on death records and links to ordering options for certified copies.

The portal also links to VitalChek for Genesee County, which accepts online orders by credit card. A convenience fee applies on top of the county's standard rate.

For older records, Michiganology provides free digitized Michigan death certificates from 1897 through 1952, maintained by the Archives of Michigan. Flint area records are included in this collection.

Michigan Death Record Laws

Death records in Genesee County are governed by Michigan's Public Health Code. Knowing the key statutes helps you understand what you can access and how.

MCL 333.2882 makes death records public. Any person may request a certified copy. There is no requirement to prove family status or provide a legal reason. This policy ensures that death records are accessible to all who need them through the standard request process.

MCL 333.2888(1) exempts vital records from the Freedom of Information Act. You cannot use a FOIA request to get a death certificate. The proper method is through the county clerk under the Public Health Code's vital records framework.

MCL 333.2895 protects original records from public inspection. The county issues only certified copies. Original documents remain on file but are not available for viewing. Certified copies are the legally valid form of a death record for any official purpose.

Cities in Genesee County

Genesee County includes the city of Flint, which is the county seat and the largest city in the county.

Nearby Counties

If the death occurred in a neighboring county, that county's clerk holds the records. Contact them directly.