Kent County Death Records

Kent County death records are maintained by the County Clerk in Grand Rapids and go back to 1867. The clerk's office issues certified death certificates for all deaths that occurred within the county. Kent County accepts credit card payments, which is not available in all Michigan counties. This page covers how to request Kent County death records, what the fees are, and what resources are available for your search.

Kent County Clerk Office

The Kent County Clerk is located at 300 Monroe Avenue NW in Grand Rapids, the county seat. The office manages vital records for the county and issues certified death certificates for deaths that occurred within Kent County. In-person and mail requests are accepted, and the county also accepts credit card payments, making it easy to pay by phone or online.

The office is open weekdays until 4:00 PM. Plan to arrive before 3:30 PM for in-person visits. Credit cards are accepted in addition to cash, check, and money order, which gives more flexibility for payment.

How to Get Kent County Death Records

Kent County death certificates are available in person, by mail, and online through VitalChek. Visiting the Grand Rapids office is the fastest way to get a certified copy, and most in-person requests are handled the same day. Mail and online requests take additional days. The county accepts credit card payments, which makes remote ordering more convenient.

Under MCL 333.2882, Michigan death records are public. Any person can request a certified copy. No proof of family relationship or legal reason is needed. This open-access policy is the same in Kent County as in all 83 Michigan counties.

For mail requests, write a letter that includes the full legal name of the deceased, the date or year of death, and the city or township in Kent County where the death occurred. Include payment, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.

Death Certificate Fees in Kent County

Kent County charges $15 for the first certified death certificate. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time cost $5 each. Payment is accepted in cash, by check, by money order, and by credit card. Make checks payable to Kent County Clerk.

Ordering multiple copies in a single request saves money compared to making separate trips or submissions. Each additional copy at $5 is far less than paying the $15 first-copy fee again. If you need the record for insurance, probate, Social Security, or bank accounts, order all copies at once.

What You Need to Request a Death Record

The Kent County Clerk needs accurate identifying information to locate the right death record. Missing details can slow down your request or result in it being returned. Give the exact legal name and the most precise date of death you can provide.

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

For older records from the 1800s, information may be limited. Per MCL 333.2895, original death records are not open for public inspection. The county issues only certified copies, which carry the official seal and are the accepted legal form of proof for insurance, estate, and financial purposes.

Online Resources for Kent County Death Records

Michigan's free GENDIS genealogical death index covers over 460,000 records statewide from 1867 to 1897. Search by name and year to verify a record exists before submitting a formal request to the Kent County Clerk. Kent County has a significant historical population, so many records are available in this index.

The Michigan MDHHS vital records portal is shown below. The portal at michigan.gov/mdhhs provides guidance on state-level ordering and connects to certified copy options across Michigan.

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

For historical records from 1897 through 1952, Michiganology provides free access to digitized Michigan death certificates managed by the Archives of Michigan.

Michigan Death Record Laws

Kent County death records are governed by Michigan's Public Health Code. Three key statutes define access and how records are issued.

MCL 333.2882 makes death records public. Any person may request a certified copy. No proof of family relationship or legal reason is required. This open-access rule is consistent across all 83 Michigan counties.

MCL 333.2888(1) exempts vital records from FOIA. A Freedom of Information Act request is not how you obtain a death certificate. Use the county clerk's vital records request process under the Public Health Code.

MCL 333.2895 bars public inspection of original death records. The county issues only certified copies, which carry the official seal and are legally valid wherever proof of death is required.

Cities in Kent County

Kent County's county seat is Grand Rapids, Michigan's second-largest city. Wyoming is the other city in Kent County that meets the population threshold. Death records for deaths that occurred in either city are held by the Kent County Clerk.

Nearby Counties

Deaths that occurred in a neighboring county are recorded by that county's clerk. Contact the right office based on where the death took place.