Search Livonia Genealogy Records

Livonia genealogy records are filed through the Wayne County Clerk in Detroit. Livonia incorporated as a city in 1950, but the land was part of Livonia Township and Nankin Township before that, and Wayne County vital records go back to 1867 for births and deaths and to 1833 for marriages. With a population of around 95,000, Livonia is one of the larger cities in Wayne County. Researchers tracing family history here can work through the Wayne County Clerk, free online tools like Michiganology, and local resources at the Livonia Public Library.

Wayne County Clerk Vital Records

All Livonia vital records are processed by the Wayne County Clerk's Records Division. The office is at Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226. The main phone number is 313-224-0270. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The county website is at waynecounty.com.

Wayne County holds one of the deepest vital records collections in Michigan. Birth records date from 1867 and those under 100 years are restricted under MCL 333.2882. That law limits access to the person named on the record, a parent, legal guardian, or someone with a court order showing they are entitled to the record. Death records from 1867 are public and open to any requester. Marriage records reach back to 1833, which covers the period well before Livonia Township was formally organized.

Certified copies cost $15 for the first copy. You will need to bring valid photo ID when visiting in person and be ready to explain your relationship to the person on the record if it falls within the restricted window. For Livonia records tied to the period before city incorporation in 1950, you may need to search under the Livonia Township or Nankin Township name rather than the city name.

Wayne County probate records go back to 1797, which is older than most other counties in Michigan. Estate files from 1797 to 1901 have been moved to the Archives of Michigan for long-term preservation. For Livonia families in the 1800s, probate records can reveal heirs, property, and family relationships that are not captured anywhere else. Call the Wayne County Probate Court at 313-224-5454 to ask about older estate files.

Livonia Public Library Local History

The Livonia Public Library has a local history collection that can support genealogy research for Livonia and the surrounding area. The library is a practical first stop before committing to an in-person research trip to the county courthouse in Detroit. Staff can help you identify relevant local materials and point you toward county and state resources that match your research period.

The screenshot below shows the Livonia Public Library website, where you can find current hours, contact information, and available research services.

Public libraries throughout Wayne County often provide in-library access to Ancestry Library Edition, which gives free access to billions of genealogy records when you visit in person. This is a useful option if you need to search national databases without paying for a home subscription. The Westland Michigan FamilySearch Center in the area is another free resource, staffed by volunteers who can assist with both online searches and paper record research.

Livonia was formed from Livonia Township and parts of Nankin Township. Township records from before 1950 may still carry the township name in county indexes. When you search for pre-1950 Livonia family records, try both township names if the first search does not return results.

Note: Call the Livonia Public Library ahead of your visit to confirm which genealogy databases are available in-library and whether a librarian is on hand to assist with research sessions.

Free Online Resources for Livonia Genealogy

Michiganology is a free state database with Michigan death certificates from 1897 to 1952. Wayne County records are well represented, and many Livonia-area families from that era appear in the database. Searches are free with no account needed. You can search by last name and filter by county. This tool covers the period right after statewide death registration began, which is key for tracing early Livonia families.

FamilySearch has indexed Wayne County records across multiple types, including birth, death, marriage, and census data. Many records have been digitized by volunteers and are searchable for free after you create an account. The FamilySearch catalog also shows what microfilm holdings exist for Wayne County. For Livonia families in the 1800s, census records are often the most useful way to confirm names, ages, and family members before formal registration was consistent.

Under MCL 333.2884, births and deaths must be registered locally at the time they occur. This means the Wayne County Clerk holds the original records for events in Livonia. If a county record is not found, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) may have a copy at the state level.

The Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library is one of the strongest genealogy resources in the region for Wayne County families. It holds marriage records from 1832 to 1869, Wayne County death indexes for much of the 20th century, city directories going back to 1837, and extensive newspaper archives. Visits are by appointment. Contact the collection at 313-481-1401 or bhc@detroitpubliclibrary.org. The website is at detroitpubliclibrary.org.

MDHHS State Records

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) maintains certified copies of statewide vital records, including those tied to Livonia. You can reach MDHHS at 517-335-8666 or mail a request to P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909. Mail requests typically take three to five weeks to process. In-person visits to 333 S. Grand Ave. in Lansing offer same-day service for records from 1906 forward.

A certified copy from MDHHS costs $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy of the same record. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com, with convenience fees of $12 to $20. The MDHHS vital records page is at michigan.gov/mdhhs. Under MCL 333.2885, the state issues certified copies from the statewide vital records system. If the county clerk does not have what you need, MDHHS is the right next call.

The Archives of Michigan at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing holds historical records that predate much of the formal registration era. Wayne County estate files from 1797 to 1901 are preserved there. For Livonia-area families from the earliest township decades, archival records in Lansing may be the only surviving documentation.

Nearby Cities

These qualifying cities are in Wayne County or nearby. Each city page covers how genealogy records are handled in that area.

Wayne County Genealogy Records

Livonia is in Wayne County. The Wayne County Clerk in Detroit handles all vital records for Livonia residents, as well as the earlier Livonia Township and Nankin Township records. The county page covers the full range of records available, fees, ordering options, and additional genealogy resources across Wayne County.

View Wayne County Genealogy Records