Genealogy
Hours
To better assist us in providing customer service we recommend making an appointment to conduct genealogical research. The recommended hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Record Availability
All indexes and Vital Records are maintained in a secured area when not under supervision of the Clerk’s staff. All persons inspecting indexes and records will complete registration information and show current, valid state-issued picture identification.
- Birth index and records begin in the year 1867, however these are confidential records. Birth records 100 years and older may be issued upon written request and payment. On written request, a search for a specific record will be made by the Clerk’s staff. Proof of requestor’s eligibility to receive a birth record of less than 100 years will be required.
- Death index and records begin in the year 1867.
- Marriage index and records begin in the year 1833.
- Naturalization indexes and/or records information is available at the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing, telephone 517-373-1408.
Internet Access
A death or marriage record may be searched online. The death record index is from 1959 to present. The marriage record index is from 1959 to present. Customers may also place orders for death and marriage records using a credit card at the referenced website. Birth record requests from eligible persons may also be requested at the same website
Regulations
- Indexes and records are governed by statute. This office will immediately address any suspected misuse of indexes/records.
- Pens are prohibited in the genealogy area.
- Food or drink of any type is prohibited in the genealogy area.
- No indexes/records may be removed from the genealogy area except by the Clerk’s staff.
- Mutilation or destruction of any indexes/records is punishable by fine or imprisonment.
The Access Policy has been reviewed and approved by Lawrence Kestenbaum, Washtenaw County Clerk/Register.