Clinton County Death Records Search

Clinton County death index records are available through the County Clerk in St. Johns, with coverage from 1867 to the present and an online searchable database for records from 1934 onward. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through Allpaid and VitalChek. Senior residents may qualify for reduced fees. This page covers how the search process works, what the fees are, and where to access the online death index.

Clinton County Clerk and Register of Deeds

The Clinton County Clerk and Register of Deeds office in St. Johns is a consolidated office handling both vital records and property records. The Clinton County Death Records page on the county website is the direct link for death certificate information. That page explains the request process, lists what forms to use, and provides the current fee schedule. A separate phone line (989-224-5140) handles vital records calls, so you do not have to go through the main clerk line if your question is about death records specifically.

One notable feature of Clinton County is the online Death Records Search Database, which covers 1934 to the present. You can search by name and see basic details for records in that range without having to contact the clerk first. This is useful for confirming a record exists or narrowing down a date before ordering a certified copy. For records before 1934, you need to contact the clerk directly, as those older entries are not in the online database.

Senior citizens 65 and older may be eligible for reduced fees on death certificates in Clinton County. If you qualify, ask the clerk about the current reduced rate when you place your request. This benefit is not available everywhere in Michigan, so it is worth checking before you pay full price.

The Clinton County death records page shows the online search database and the request form used for obtaining certified copies.

The Clinton County Clerk office is at 100 E. State Street, Suite 2600 in St. Johns, open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Requesting Clinton County Death Records

The clerk accepts requests in person, by mail, or online. In-person visits go to Suite 2600 at 100 E. State Street in St. Johns. Call ahead on the vital records line at (989) 224-5140 if you have questions about what to bring. Staff can look up the record and issue a certified copy while you wait. In-person is the fastest method if you are close to St. Johns.

Mail requests use the Request for Death Record Form, which is available on the county website. Fill out the form completely, including the full legal name of the deceased, the date of death, and your return address. Enclose a check or money order made payable to the Clinton County Clerk. Mail everything to 100 E. State Street, Suite 2600, St. Johns, MI 48879. Processing times for mail requests vary, so build in extra time if you have a deadline.

Online requests go through Allpaid or VitalChek. Both platforms charge a service fee in addition to the county fee. You pay by credit card, and the certified copy is mailed to your address. This is convenient if you are outside Michigan or if you need to place an order outside of normal business hours.

Under MCL 333.2885, death records 75 years or older are open for public research. Newer records follow access rules that may depend on your relationship to the deceased.

Clinton County Death Certificate Fees

A certified death certificate in Clinton County costs $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Michigan's vital records fee structure under MCL 333.2843 allows county clerks to set rates within state limits. If you are 65 or older, ask the clerk about whether a reduced fee applies to your request. This benefit may reduce the cost of your first copy.

Order multiple copies in one request if you need them. Estate work, Social Security, insurance, and pension claims each typically require a separate certified original. Ordering extras up front saves you from paying a new request fee later.

Note: Online services like VitalChek and Allpaid add their own processing fees. Use the county's direct mail or in-person process if you want to avoid those extra charges.

Clinton County Death Index Online Database

Clinton County offers a Death Records Search Database covering 1934 to the present. This online tool is available through the county website at clinton-county.org/207/Death-Records. You can search by name and see basic details for deaths registered in the county during that time frame. The database does not give you a certified copy, but it helps you confirm a record exists and find details like the exact date of death before you order the official certificate.

For records going back before 1934 or extending into the 1800s, the state tools are helpful. The GENDIS database at vitalstats.michigan.gov covers Michigan deaths from 1971 through 1996 and is free to search. Michiganology.org has older digitized state vital records going back to the 1800s. FamilySearch.org has additional indexed Michigan death collections available at no cost. The Michigan MDHHS vital records office at michigan.gov/mdhhs can also issue certified copies for records in its statewide system.

Nearby Counties

Clinton County is in central Michigan's Lower Peninsula. These neighboring counties each maintain their own death records.