Ann Arbor Death Index Records
Ann Arbor death index records are kept by the Washtenaw County Clerk, not the city. All deaths in Ann Arbor are registered with Washtenaw County, which has held records since 1867. You can search and request copies online through the county's Self-Service Web portal, in person at the clerk's office, or by mail. A unique feature: the county offers genealogy assistance on Thursdays. This page explains all your options for finding Ann Arbor death records.
Ann Arbor Death Records Overview
Washtenaw County Clerk Maintains Ann Arbor Death Records
Ann Arbor has no city vital records office. The Washtenaw County Clerk handles all death registrations for Ann Arbor and the rest of Washtenaw County. The clerk's main office is at 200 North Main Street, Suite 100, right in downtown Ann Arbor. This is where you go for certified copies, index searches, and help with older records.
The Washtenaw County Clerk is a well-resourced office that serves both everyday certificate requests and longer genealogy searches. Staff are familiar with the county's historical death records and can help you navigate older indexes. The office is accessible without an appointment during normal business hours.
The Michigan MDHHS vital records page provides statewide context for death certificate access, including resources that cover Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County records.
| Office | Washtenaw County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 North Main Street, Suite 100 Ann Arbor, MI 48107 |
| Phone | (734) 222-6720 |
| Website | ewashtenaw.org - County Clerk |
| Genealogy Help | Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
How to Access Ann Arbor Death Index Records
The Washtenaw County Clerk offers three ways to get Ann Arbor death records: online through the Self-Service Web portal, in person at the clerk's office, or by mail. All three methods give you access to the same records. Your choice depends on how fast you need the record and whether you want personal assistance.
The online Self-Service Web portal is the most convenient option. You search the Ann Arbor death index, fill out a request form, and pay by card, all from home. Go to ewashtenaw.org to find the portal link. Records ordered online are mailed to you. Processing takes a few business days after payment clears.
In-person visits at 200 North Main Street are good when you want to search and pick up your copies the same day. Walk-ins are welcome. Bring your government-issued photo ID. If you are doing genealogy research, try to come on a Thursday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when genealogy assistance is available. Staff can help you work through older death indexes and track down hard-to-find records.
Mail requests should include the full name of the deceased, the date and place of death, your relationship to the deceased, a copy of your ID, and payment. Make checks payable to Washtenaw County Clerk. Mail to 200 North Main Street, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Allow two to four weeks for processing and return mail.
Access to certified copies is governed by MCL 333.2885. Immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with documented legal need may request certified records.
Ann Arbor Death Certificate Fees
Washtenaw County charges $15 for the first certified copy of a death record. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time cost $10 each. These fees apply to all request methods. Online orders may include a small processing fee on top of the base cost.
In-person payments can be cash, check, or money order. Mail requests require a check or money order payable to Washtenaw County Clerk. Call (734) 222-6720 to confirm current payment options before mailing your request.
Genealogy Assistance for Ann Arbor Death Research
The Washtenaw County Clerk offers a special genealogy assistance program on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is not available at most Michigan county clerk offices. If you are researching older Ann Arbor death records for family history purposes, this is worth taking advantage of. Staff familiar with the county's historical collections will be available to help you search old indexes, interpret historical records, and locate hard-to-find entries.
For older Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County deaths, the free Michiganology database from the Library of Michigan holds digitized records going back to the late 1800s. You may be able to view original document images without paying for a certified copy. This is especially useful for genealogy research where you just need the facts rather than a certified document for legal purposes.
GENDIS covers deaths from 1971 to 1996. Search free at vitalstats.michigan.gov. Results include the date of death, county, and file number. Washtenaw County and Ann Arbor records are fully covered. Use the file number when ordering from the clerk to speed up the process.
The Michigan MDHHS vital records page explains statewide rules and links to ordering options. State law under MCL 333.2885 governs who can access certified records.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying Michigan cities are near Ann Arbor. Each page has local contact details for death records requests.
Washtenaw County Death Records
Ann Arbor is the county seat of Washtenaw County. All Ann Arbor death records are part of the Washtenaw County vital records collection. Visit the Washtenaw County Death Index page for full county-level details and additional resources.