Macomb County Death Records

Macomb County death records are maintained by the County Clerk in Mount Clemens and go back to 1867. Macomb is one of Michigan's most populous counties and accepts credit card payments, which is not available in all counties. In some cases, city clerks within Macomb County may also be able to issue certified death records. This page explains how to get Macomb County death records, what fees apply, and what resources are available.

Macomb County Clerk Office

The Macomb County Clerk is located at 120 N. Main Street in Mount Clemens. The office manages vital records for the county and issues certified death certificates for deaths that occurred within Macomb County. Credit cards are accepted along with cash, check, and money order. In-person visits, mail requests, and VitalChek online ordering are all available options.

The office is open weekdays until 4:00 PM. Plan to arrive before 3:30 PM for in-person visits. Credit card acceptance makes it easier to pay online or by phone. Some city clerks within Macomb County may also issue certified death records, which can be a convenient option for residents of larger Macomb cities.

How to Get Macomb County Death Records

Macomb County death certificates are available in person, by mail, and online through VitalChek. Visiting the Mount Clemens office is the fastest option, with most in-person requests handled the same day. Credit cards are accepted for in-person, phone, and online payments. VitalChek processes online orders with an additional convenience fee.

Under MCL 333.2882, Michigan death records are public. Any person can request a certified copy. No family relationship or legal reason is needed. This open-access rule applies in Macomb County the same 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 Macomb 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 Macomb County

Macomb 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 Macomb County Clerk.

Order all copies you need in one request. Each additional copy at $5 saves money compared to paying the $15 first-copy fee again on a new request. If you need the record for insurance, estate proceedings, or financial accounts, ordering everything at once is more efficient.

What You Need to Request a Death Record

The Macomb County Clerk needs accurate identifying information to find the right death record. Providing complete details reduces delays and avoids returned requests. Give the full legal name and the most specific date of death you have.

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. Only certified copies are issued, and they carry the official seal and are the accepted legal form of proof for any official purpose.

Online Resources for Macomb 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 placing a formal request with the Macomb County Clerk. Macomb County's large historical population means 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 death record ordering and connects to certified copy options.

The portal also connects to VitalChek for Macomb 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

Macomb 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 the right way to obtain a death certificate in Michigan. Use the county clerk's vital records request process under the Public Health Code instead.

MCL 333.2895 bars public inspection of original death records. Only certified copies are issued, and they carry the official seal and are legally valid wherever proof of death is required.

Cities in Macomb County

Macomb County includes several large cities in the Detroit metro area. Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Macomb Township, and Warren are the cities that meet the population threshold for individual city pages.

Nearby Counties

Deaths in neighboring counties are recorded by each county's clerk. Contact the right office based on where the death occurred.