Mason County Death Records

Mason County death records are maintained by the County Clerk in Ludington and go back to 1867. The clerk's office issues certified death certificates for all deaths that occurred within the county and accepts credit card payments. Mason County also has extended weekday hours compared to many county clerks, with the office open until 5:00 PM on most days. This page explains how to request Mason County death records, what fees apply, and what resources are available.

Mason County Clerk Office

The Mason County Clerk is located at 304 E. Ludington Avenue in Ludington. The office maintains vital records for the county and accepts credit card payments, making it more convenient than many county clerks. Hours are extended on most days of the week. Note that the office opens an hour later on Thursdays. Walk-in and mail requests are both accepted.

The office is open until 5:00 PM on weekdays, which gives more flexibility for late-afternoon visits compared to most Michigan county clerks. On Thursdays the office opens at 9:00 AM rather than 8:00 AM. Credit cards are accepted along with cash, check, and money order.

How to Get Mason County Death Records

Mason County death certificates are available in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Visiting the Ludington office is the fastest option. Mail requests take additional business days. The extended hours until 5:00 PM on weekdays make in-person visits easier for those who work during the day.

Under MCL 333.2882, Michigan death records are public. Any person can request a certified copy. No family relationship or legal reason is required. This open-access rule applies in Mason County the same as across all 83 Michigan counties.

For mail requests, write a letter with the full legal name of the deceased, the date or year of death, and the city or township in Mason County where the death occurred. Include payment, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped return envelope. Credit cards are accepted for mail requests.

Death Certificate Fees in Mason County

Mason 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 Mason County Clerk.

Order all copies you need at once. Each additional copy at $5 is far less than paying the $15 first-copy fee again on a separate request. If you need the record for insurance, estate administration, or financial accounts, ordering everything in one request saves money.

What You Need to Request a Death Record

The Mason County Clerk needs accurate information to find the right death record. Whether you visit in person, mail a request, or order online, provide the most complete and specific details you have to avoid delays.

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

Records from the late 1800s may have limited information. 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 legally valid for any official purpose.

Online Resources for Mason 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 confirm a record exists before placing a formal request with the Mason County Clerk.

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

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

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

Michigan Death Record Laws

Mason County death records are governed by Michigan's Public Health Code. Three 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 Michigan counties.

MCL 333.2888(1) exempts vital records from FOIA. A Freedom of Information Act request is not the correct method for obtaining 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. Only certified copies are issued. These carry the official seal and are legally valid wherever proof of death is required.

Cities in Mason County

Mason County's county seat is Ludington. No cities in Mason County meet the population threshold for individual city pages. For death records from anywhere in the county, contact the Mason County Clerk directly.

Nearby Counties

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