Flint Genealogy Records
Flint genealogy records are available through the Genesee County Clerk and several strong local resources. Flint was founded in 1819 and incorporated as a city in 1855, giving it one of the longer histories of any Michigan city. The Flint Genealogical Society maintains free searchable databases of vital records going back to 1867, and the Flint Public Library holds one of the most extensive local history collections in mid-Michigan. If you are researching family roots in Flint or Genesee County, you have access to an unusually rich set of resources.
Flint Overview
Genesee County Clerk Vital Records
The Genesee County Clerk handles vital records for Flint and the surrounding county. The office is at 900 Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502. The phone number is 810-257-3225 and fax is 810-257-3195. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Birth records in Genesee County go back to 1867. Birth records under 100 years old are restricted to eligible persons. Death records from 1867 onward are public. Marriage records go back to 1836, which is remarkably early and useful for researching founding families of the Flint area. All of these records are maintained under the county clerk's office and can be requested in person, by mail, or in some cases online.
The fee for a certified copy is $15 for the first copy. Additional copies of the same record cost less. Under MCL 333.2882, county clerks across Michigan are responsible for registering and certifying vital records. Genesee County follows that law for all Flint records.
For records from before the county's modern filing system, you may find that some early Flint records exist only in indexes or transcriptions. The Flint Genealogical Society has done significant work to transcribe and digitize early vital record indexes, which can help you identify which records exist and where to get certified copies.
Flint Genealogical Society
The Flint Genealogical Society is one of the most active local genealogical groups in mid-Michigan. Their website at flintgenealogy.org offers free searchable databases that cover a wide range of Flint and Genesee County records. The Redbook Vital Record Indexes cover the period from 1867 to 1930 and include births, deaths, divorces, and marriages. These are searchable online at no cost, which makes the Flint Genealogical Society an excellent first stop for anyone researching family in this area.
The society holds regular educational programs and meetings. Members have access to additional resources and publications. Even if you are not a member, the free online databases are worth searching before you make a trip to the county clerk or library. Many searches start and end at the society's website.
The screenshot below shows the Flint Genealogical Society website with its database search tools and resources.
The Flint Genealogical Society has built a reputation as a serious research organization. Their database work helps fill gaps that exist in official county records, especially for the late 1800s and early 1900s when record-keeping was less consistent than it is today.
Under MCL 333.2884, local registration of births and deaths is required. The original records from those filings are at the county clerk. But the Flint Genealogical Society's indexes can tell you quickly whether a record exists and what name variations appear in the records.
Flint Public Library Local History Collection
The Flint Public Library holds an extensive local history collection that is one of the best genealogy resources in mid-Michigan. The library has Flint Journal newspaper archives, which are invaluable for finding obituaries, birth announcements, and marriage notices going back well into the 1800s. Newspaper records can fill in details that official vital records do not capture.
The screenshot below shows the Flint Public Library website where you can find library hours and contact information for the local history department.
The Slosson Genealogical Collection is housed at the Flint Public Library. This is a curated collection of genealogy materials with a focus on Genesee County and the Flint area. If you are doing serious family research tied to Flint, the Slosson Collection should be on your research list. Staff in the local history department can help you navigate the collection and point you toward the most relevant materials.
The library may also provide in-building access to subscription genealogy databases. Check with the library directly about what is available for in-person use. Subscription databases can dramatically speed up a search that might otherwise take hours of manual research.
Genesee Historical Collections Center
The Genesee Historical Collections Center is located at the University of Michigan-Flint campus. It focuses on local history and genealogy with archives, manuscripts, and primary source materials related to Flint and Genesee County. This is not a place to get certified copies of vital records, but it is a strong research resource if you want to understand the historical context for your family's time in Flint.
The Genesee County Historical Society also maintains local historical records and publications. Their materials can complement what you find at the county clerk and the genealogical society.
For early 20th-century death certificates, Michiganology offers free access to statewide records from 1897 to 1952. Many Flint residents from that period appear in the database. You can search by name and county with no account required. The MIGenWeb Genesee County page at migenweb.net/genesee has transcribed records and volunteer-contributed data that can supplement official sources.
Under MCL 333.2885, the state registrar keeps a statewide record of all births and deaths filed in Michigan. If a county record is unavailable or damaged, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) may have a parallel copy. Call MDHHS at 517-335-8666 to ask about state-level records for Flint residents.
Note: Genesee County MIGenWeb at migenweb.net/genesee has free transcribed records contributed by volunteers and is worth searching before spending money on certified copies.
Nearby Cities
Flint is the main qualifying city in Genesee County. These nearby cities in surrounding counties also have genealogy records pages.
Genesee County Genealogy Records
Flint is the county seat of Genesee County. All vital records for Flint residents are filed with the Genesee County Clerk at 900 Saginaw St. The county page covers the full range of records available, fees, hours, and links to the Flint Genealogical Society and other local resources.