Find Death Records in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County death index records go back to 1867 and are held by the County Clerk in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The county has one of the longest registration histories in Michigan, with some records reaching back to 1827 when the county was first organized. Certified copies cost $20 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record. Free online search tools cover deaths through 1952. This page covers how to search the Washtenaw County death index, how to request certified copies, and what tools exist for older records.
Washtenaw County Overview
Washtenaw County Clerk Death Records Office
The Washtenaw County Clerk manages vital records for the county, including death certificates and the local death index. The office is at 200 N. Main Street, Suite 120, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. The main phone number is (734) 222-6720. The clerk's death records page is at washtenaw.org. Washtenaw County was organized in 1827, making it one of Michigan's oldest counties. Systematic death registration began in 1867, though some earlier records exist.
Certified copies cost $20.00 for the first copy. Additional copies of the same record cost $5.00 each when ordered together. In-person service at the Ann Arbor office is available during regular business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and payment. Mail requests are also processed. For a mail order, send your completed request form, a copy of your ID, a check or money order payable to the Washtenaw County Clerk, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Washtenaw County was one of the pilot counties for Michigan's Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS), which launched in 2010 alongside Jackson County. This early adoption means that modern death registrations in Washtenaw County are handled through the state's electronic system, which can speed up record availability compared to paper-only counties.
Under MCL 333.2885, Michigan death records are public. No family relationship or legal purpose needs to be shown to request a copy.
Michigan MDHHS holds state copies of all Washtenaw County death records from 1867 forward. You can order through MDHHS as an alternative to contacting the Ann Arbor clerk's office.
| Office | 200 N. Main Street, Suite 120 Ann Arbor, MI 48107 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (734) 222-6720 |
| Website | washtenaw.org/Death-Records |
| Records Available | 1867 to present (some records from 1827) |
| Fee | $20.00 first copy, $5.00 each additional |
How to Search Washtenaw County Death Index Records
For deaths between 1867 and 1897, start with the free GENDIS database from Michigan MDHHS. GENDIS is searchable by name and returns basic identifying data from the original death registrations. It is free to use and does not require an account. Washtenaw County's long history and relatively large population make it a well-represented county in GENDIS.
From 1897 to 1952, Michiganology.org provides free access to digitized Washtenaw County death records. Michiganology has good coverage of southeast Michigan counties, and Washtenaw is well-indexed given its size and the presence of the University of Michigan, which has driven consistent population in the county since the 1800s. Using GENDIS and Michiganology together covers nearly 90 years of free Washtenaw County death index access.
For deaths from 1952 onward, contact the Washtenaw County Clerk at the Ann Arbor office or order through Michigan MDHHS. In-person requests at the Ann Arbor office give you the fastest turnaround. Mail requests and state-level orders are good alternatives if you cannot visit in person.
Note: GENDIS and Michiganology provide index data only. Certified copies must come from the county clerk or from MDHHS.
What Washtenaw County Death Records Include
A certified death certificate from Washtenaw County shows the deceased's full name, date and place of death, age, and cause of death. It also lists the attending physician or coroner, the informant's name, and the burial or cremation location. These details support probate and estate proceedings, life insurance and pension claims, and genealogy research.
The county death index is a condensed record showing names, registration dates, and index numbers. It does not include full certificate text. For deaths before 1867, church records, early cemetery files, and probate court documents are the best sources. FamilySearch.org has Michigan records going back to the territorial period that may cover some early Washtenaw County deaths from before statewide registration began.
State Death Index Resources for Washtenaw County
The Michigan MDHHS vital records office holds copies of all Washtenaw County death records from 1867 to present. You can order a certified copy from the state as an alternative to ordering from the county. Fees at the state level are different from the county's local rate, so check the MDHHS website first. MDHHS also handles online ordering through VitalChek, which can be faster for some requestors.
Under MCL 333.2843, timely death registration has been required in Michigan since the 1800s. Washtenaw County's early adoption of the EDRS system in 2010 reflects a long-standing pattern of strong record-keeping in this county. Researchers can expect a largely complete index from 1867 through the present day.
Cities in Washtenaw County
Death records for residents of all Washtenaw County communities are filed with the County Clerk in Ann Arbor.
Nearby Counties
Washtenaw County is in southeast Michigan and is surrounded by several other counties. If you are unsure which county a death was filed in, check these neighboring jurisdictions.