Access Iosco County Death Index

Iosco County death index records are kept by the County Clerk in Tawas City. Death certificates go back to 1868 and are public records anyone can request. You can get them in person, by mail, or through the county's online ordering system. The clerk's office is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30 PM, so plan your visit around those hours. This page covers all you need to know to find and request an Iosco County death record.

Iosco County Clerk Vital Records

The Iosco County Clerk is at 422 W. Lake St., P.O. Box 838, in Tawas City. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with a closed period from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM for lunch. Keep this midday closure in mind if you plan to visit in person. Call the office at (989) 362-3497 or fax (989) 984-1012.

Death certificates in Iosco County are public records. Anyone can ask for a copy without needing to prove family ties. The clerk's office handles searches by name and date. For in-person requests, allow up to 30 minutes for the clerk to pull and certify the record if you are visiting during a busy time. Mail requests are processed in about 5 to 7 business days after the office receives your letter and payment. The county also has an online ordering system for those who prefer to submit remotely.

You can find more detail at the Iosco County Clerk's vital records page at iosco.net/county-clerk/vital-records, which lists the services offered and how to submit a request.

The Michigan MDHHS state vital records office at michigan.gov/mdhhs is an alternative source for Iosco County death records and explains how the state and county systems work together.

The MDHHS page covers statewide ordering options and fees, giving you another route to request Iosco County death records if the county office is not convenient.

How to Request an Iosco County Death Record

In-person requests at the Iosco County Clerk's office are the quickest way to get a certified death certificate. Visit 422 W. Lake St. in Tawas City during office hours but avoid the 12:30 to 1:30 PM window when the office is closed. Bring a valid photo ID and cash, check, or money order for the $15 fee. In-person searches can take up to 30 minutes during busy periods.

For mail requests, write a letter with the full name of the person who died, the approximate date and place of death, and your name and mailing address. Include a check or money order for $15 made out to Iosco County Clerk and send it to 422 W. Lake St., P.O. Box 838, Tawas City, MI 48764. Mail requests take five to seven business days to process once the office receives your envelope. Factor in delivery time when planning your request.

The county's online ordering system handles remote requests as well. Visit iosco.net/county-clerk/vital-records to access the form and payment options. This is useful if you are out of the area or want to start the request without mailing anything. Online fees include the county charge plus any service fees from the platform.

Under MCL 333.2885, all Michigan death certificates are public records. You do not need to state a reason for your request or prove family ties to get an Iosco County death record.

What Iosco County Death Records Include

A certified death certificate from Iosco County shows the full name of the deceased, date and location of death, age, and cause of death as recorded by the physician or medical examiner. It lists the informant who reported the death, typically a family member or funeral home director. Burial or cremation location is noted. More recent records may also include the decedent's last address, Social Security number, and occupation.

The death index summary, as opposed to the full certificate, shows name, date, county, and registration number. The GENDIS system at vitalstats.michigan.gov/osr/gendisx has the statewide index including Iosco County. You can search by name to find a registration number, then order the full certificate from the county clerk. This approach avoids paying for a full copy before you know the right record exists.

Note: Cause of death may be restricted for non-family requesters in some circumstances. If you need this field for medical or legal reasons and are not a family member, contact the office in advance to understand what access is available.

State and Online Resources for Iosco County Death Records

The Michigan MDHHS vital records division at michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords holds state copies of all Michigan death certificates. You can order from the state as an alternative to the county clerk. State fees and processing times may differ from Iosco County's schedule, so check both. For recent deaths, the county tends to be faster. For historical records, either source works equally well.

Iosco County death records from 1868 are included in the GENDIS free index. Search the database by name before ordering to confirm a record exists and get the registration number. The database is online at no cost at vitalstats.michigan.gov. For genealogy collections, Michiganology.org and FamilySearch.org have Michigan death record collections that include northeastern Michigan counties like Iosco.

Under MCL 333.2843, all deaths in Michigan must be registered. This requirement started with statewide registration in 1867, and Iosco County's records begin in 1868, one year after the state law took effect. Compliance improved through the late 19th century, so records become more complete and consistent after about 1890.

Nearby Counties

Iosco County is along Lake Huron in northeast Michigan. Check these neighboring counties if you need records for families who lived near the borders.