Michigan Death Certificates - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index to death records from the Michigan Department of Community Health, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics in Lansing for the years 1921 to 1952. These records are also available on the Michiganology

website using the Advanced Search option. State law restricts the availability of death certificate images less than 75 years old.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records

Death


 * Name of deceased
 * Death date and place
 * Birth date and place
 * Age
 * Marital status
 * Names of parents
 * Name of spouse
 * Race
 * Gender
 * Residence
 * Name and relationship of informant

Sample Images
Certificate of Death 1927

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:


 * The name of your ancestor
 * The date of death
 * The place of death
 * The names of family members and their relationships

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Search for an obituary or cemetery record
 * Use the names, date, and residence or place to locate the individual or family in census records
 * Use the names and places to locate church and land records
 * Look for burial and probate records in the same location
 * If no birth date is given, use age listed to determine an approximate birth date

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Look for variant spellings of the names. You should also look for alias names, nicknames and abbreviated names
 * Search the indexes and records of nearby localities

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Michigan.


 * Michigan Guided Research
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.