Search Shiawassee County Death Index
Shiawassee County death index records are maintained by the County Clerk in Corunna, Michigan. The office holds certified death certificates going back to 1867, with free online search tools covering earlier portions of that range. Certified copies cost $20 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record. This page explains how to find and request Shiawassee County death records, including free resources for genealogy research and direct contact details for the clerk's office.
Shiawassee County Overview
Shiawassee County Clerk Death Records Office
The Shiawassee County Clerk manages vital records for the county, including death certificates and the local death index. The office is at 208 N. Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817. The phone number is (989) 743-2242. Death records in Shiawassee County go back to 1867, which aligns with when Michigan began systematic statewide registration. The clerk's vital records page is at shiawassee.net, where you can find current information on request procedures and fees.
The first certified copy of a death certificate costs $20.00. Additional copies of the same record are $5.00 each. This fee is higher than some smaller Michigan counties but is common for mid-sized county clerks. In-person requests are handled at the Corunna office. Mail requests are accepted as well. For mail orders, include your completed request form, a copy of your photo ID, payment by check or money order, and a stamped return envelope addressed to yourself.
Under MCL 333.2885, Michigan death records are public. You do not need to show a family relationship to request a copy. Anyone with a valid reason, including genealogy research, may submit a request.
Michigan MDHHS also holds state copies of Shiawassee County death records from 1867 onward and can issue certified copies as an alternative to the county clerk.
| Office | 208 N. Shiawassee Street Corunna, MI 48817 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (989) 743-2242 |
| Website | shiawassee.net/vital_records |
| Records Available | 1867 to present |
| Fee | $20.00 first copy, $5.00 each additional |
How to Find Shiawassee County Death Records
Two free resources cover a large portion of the Shiawassee County death index. The GENDIS database at the Michigan MDHHS covers deaths from 1867 through 1897. You can search by name at no cost and get basic identifying information from the original registration. This is the best place to start for research covering the late 1800s in Shiawassee County.
From 1897 through 1952, Michiganology.org provides free access to digitized death records for Shiawassee County. Michiganology is a Michigan-specific resource with good coverage of mid-Michigan counties. Together, GENDIS and Michiganology give you nearly 90 years of free Shiawassee County death index data without needing to contact the clerk's office.
For deaths after 1952, you will need to go through the Shiawassee County Clerk. There is no free online index for recent records. In-person visits to the Corunna office give you same-day results for certified copies. Mail requests typically take longer depending on the clerk's current workload. The Michigan MDHHS office is another option for ordering certified copies if contacting the county directly is not practical.
Note: Index entries from GENDIS and Michiganology are not certified. A certified copy must come from the county clerk or from MDHHS.
What Shiawassee County Death Certificates Include
A certified death certificate from Shiawassee County lists the full name of the deceased, the date and location of death, age, and cause of death. It also shows the attending physician or coroner, the informant's name, and the place of burial or disposition. These details are needed for probate proceedings, insurance and pension claims, Social Security survivor benefits, and genealogy records.
The death index is a condensed record. It shows names, dates, and registration numbers. Full certificate text is only in the certified copy. For deaths before 1867, Shiawassee County records are incomplete. Church records, cemetery listings, and probate files are the main sources for that earlier period. FamilySearch.org has some Michigan records from before statewide registration began that may cover Shiawassee County entries from the mid-1800s.
State Resources for Shiawassee County Death Records
The Michigan MDHHS vital records office is the state-level source for Shiawassee County death certificates. MDHHS holds copies of all Michigan death registrations from 1867 forward. Their fees differ from the county's, so check the MDHHS site for current amounts before requesting from the state.
Under MCL 333.2843, timely death registration has been required in Michigan since the 1800s. This statute is why Shiawassee County's records are largely complete from 1867 onward. Researchers can rely on the county index to be fairly comprehensive for that full period.
Nearby Counties
Shiawassee County is in mid-Michigan and borders several other counties. Check neighboring records if you are unsure which county filed a specific death.