Our office is not allowing Genealogy Research at this time.
Records that have passed their embargo period can be viewed online at http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan.
Genealogists will be allowed to work in the office on a first-come, first-serve basis; appointments are highly recommended. An individual may search death and marriage records at no charge Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Due to limited space and staff availability, no research is allowed between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. and no Wednesday research is allowed.
No children are allowed in the office.
Birth records for genealogy are only available when the birth was filed 110 years ago, or more, to any applicant. A birth record that was filed less than 110 years ago can only be obtained by an heir, with proof of death.
Only certified copies of records can be purchased.
Procedures Governing the Inspection of Vital Records Documents:
- An individual requesting inspection of vital records documents for research purposes must register each time with the local registrar by presenting identification, generally in the form of a picture ID. An individual may be required to leave his/her identification with the local registrar when inspecting vital records indexes, books, or packages.
- Records and indexes must be handled with care; they must not be leaned upon, marked, altered, folded, or otherwise handled in any way likely to cause damage to the record or index.
- The existing order of all vital records and indexes must be preserved.
- THE USE OF INK PENS IS PROHIBITED when viewing vital records or indexes. Only a graphite pencil may be used.
- THE USE OF CELL PHONES IS PROHIBITED. Please make sure your cell phone is turned off and put away.
- TRACING OVER VITAL RECORDS DOCUMENTS IS PROHIBITED.
- THE USE OF PORTABLE PHOTO-COPY MACHINES AND CAMERAS IS PROHIBITED.
- SMOKING, EATING AND DRINKING ARE PROHIBITED when viewing vital records or indexes.
- All records or indexes must be returned to the local registrar before the researcher leaves the area designated for viewing the vital record and/or indexes.
- The inspection of records which are (1) not yet arranged; (2) being arranged; (3) of exceptional value; or (4) in fragile condition may be restricted.
Information for a Successful Genealogy Visit:
Please allow ample time for record searching during your visit. Record search information must be presented to the assisting staff member who will pull one record at a time for genealogist’s review. Each reviewed record must be returned to the assisting staff member before the next record will be presented for review.
For birth record genealogy, it is strongly recommended that research information be presented to vital records staff prior to scheduling research time to allow staff time to verify file dates and eligibility to view birth record(s) being requested.
