Macomb Township Death Index
Macomb Township death index records are held by the Macomb County Clerk in Mount Clemens. The township itself does not keep vital records at the local level. If you need to find a death record for someone who died in Macomb Township, the county clerk is your starting point. Records go back to 1867 and cover the full range of deaths registered in Macomb County, including this fast-growing township in the southeastern part of the state.
Macomb Township Overview
Macomb Township Death Records: Who Holds Them
Macomb Township is a charter township, not a city. In Michigan, townships do not maintain their own vital records office. All death records for Macomb Township go to the Macomb County Clerk. The clerk's office in Mount Clemens has been keeping county death records since 1867. That is your source for certified death certificates, genealogy searches, and any official record tied to a death that occurred in this township.
The county clerk's vital records division handles all requests. You can reach them by phone, walk in during office hours, or use their online portal. Under MCL 333.2885, Michigan death records are public once filed. The county clerk is the local custodian of those records on behalf of the state. Macomb County has a large and well-organized clerk's office that handles a high volume of vital records requests each year.
| Office | Macomb County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 N. Main Street Mount Clemens, MI 48043 |
| Phone | (586) 469-5205 |
| Website | macombgov.org - Death Records |
The clerk's office is in downtown Mount Clemens, which is about 12 miles from the heart of Macomb Township. If you live in the township and plan to go in person, make sure you call first or check the county website to confirm current hours. Parking is available near the county building.
How to Get Macomb Township Death Index Records
The Macomb County Clerk accepts death record requests through several methods. You can request in person at the office, by mail, or online. Each method gives you access to the same records. The difference is mostly speed and convenience.
For in-person requests, go to 120 N. Main Street in Mount Clemens. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk staff can look up deaths by name and year and issue certified copies while you wait in most cases. This is the fastest way to get what you need. If you are searching for a relative's death record for genealogy purposes, the staff can also help point you toward their index going back to 1867.
Mail requests are accepted as well. Write to the Macomb County Clerk at the address above and include the full name of the deceased, approximate date of death, your relationship to the decedent, and a check or money order for the fee. The county does not accept personal checks for mail requests in some cases, so call ahead to confirm the preferred payment method.
The county also has an online system. Check the Macomb County Clerk's death records page for current online ordering options. Some records may be searchable through the state's GENDIS system as well. The GENDIS database covers Michigan death records from 1971 through 1996 and is free to search online.
Note: Macomb Township residents can also order certified copies through Michigan MDHHS Vital Records at the state level, though county records offices are typically faster for local requests.
Death Certificate Fees for Macomb County
Macomb County charges $17 for the first certified copy of a death certificate and $8 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. These fees apply whether you request in person, by mail, or online. Non-certified copies may be available at a lower rate for genealogy research. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current pricing before you send a payment.
The state-level option through MDHHS also provides certified copies but at a higher cost. Ordering directly through the county is usually the most cost-effective path for Macomb Township residents. Under MCL 333.2843, the state sets rules for vital records access and fees, but county clerks set their own copy fees within those guidelines.
Online Death Index Resources for Macomb Township
Several online tools can help you search the Macomb Township death index before making a formal request. These free databases cover different time periods and can help confirm whether a record exists before you pay for a copy.
The Macomb County Clerk provides screenshots of their death records portal on their site. Shown below is an example of the county's death records page, which explains what records are available and how to request them.
The Macomb County Clerk's website includes details on what records are held and the steps for requesting them in person, by mail, or online.
For older Macomb Township death records, Michiganology is a strong research tool. It is run by the Library of Michigan and has death records, cemetery records, and other historical vital records that go back into the 1800s. The GENDIS database covers 1971 to 1996. For family history work, FamilySearch has digitized Michigan death indexes that cover many decades and are free to access.
Michigan Law and Death Record Access
Michigan death records are public records under state law. MCL 333.2885 states that vital records, including death certificates, are available to the public after filing. Anyone can request a copy. You do not have to be a family member. The information on a standard death certificate includes the deceased's full name, date of death, place of death, and cause of death.
Some details on death certificates are restricted. Social Security numbers and certain medical details may be redacted on copies issued to non-family members. For certified copies needed for legal purposes, you typically need to show your relationship to the decedent or a legal reason for the request. The clerk will explain what documentation is needed when you contact their office.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, through MDHHS Vital Records, also maintains statewide death records and can issue certified copies for deaths occurring anywhere in Michigan, including Macomb Township.
Nearby Cities
These are other qualifying Michigan cities near Macomb Township. Each has its own death index page with local contact and request information.
Macomb County Death Index
Macomb Township is part of Macomb County. All death records for the township are filed and maintained at the county level. For full details on the county clerk office, record availability, and request procedures, visit the Macomb County death index page.