Macomb Township Genealogy Records
Macomb Township genealogy records are held at the Macomb County Clerk's office in Mount Clemens. The township is one of the fastest-growing communities in Michigan, but its roots go back to 1834, and those early records can help you trace family lines well into the 1800s. If you need birth, death, or marriage records tied to Macomb Township, the county clerk is your main point of contact. The Macomb County genealogy page outlines what is available and how to request it. Most requests are handled in person during set research hours.
Macomb Township Overview
Macomb County Clerk Genealogy Records
The Macomb County Clerk handles all vital records for Macomb Township residents. The office is at 120 N. Main St. in Mount Clemens, MI 48043. The phone number for general inquiries is 586-469-5120. For genealogy-specific questions, call the Genealogy Hotline at 586-469-7953. Staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Genealogy research visits are not open all day. The clerk's office sets aside dedicated genealogy research hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. During those hours, you can view records in person and get help from staff. A FastPass system is available on the Macomb County genealogy page so you can schedule your visit in advance. That link also explains what to bring and what records are open for viewing.
Birth records from more than 100 years ago are open to the public. More recent birth records are restricted. Death records from 1867 to 1934 are available as an index. Records from 1934 to 1958 are stored off-site and need a two-day delay for retrieval. Death records from 1958 onward are certified copies only. Marriage records from 1819 to 1925 are open for viewing. Records from 1926 on are certified copies only. The fee for a first certified copy is $17. Extra copies of the same record cost $8 each. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card.
Under MCL 333.2882, county clerks must keep and certify vital records. That law sets the framework for how birth and death records are stored and accessed across Michigan, including Macomb County.
The screenshot below shows the Macomb County genealogy page, which is the hub for research requests and appointment scheduling.
The Macomb County genealogy page also lists extended hours that may be added during certain periods. Check the online calendar before you visit to confirm availability.
Macomb Township Vital Records Access
Macomb Township was established in 1834, and records from that era are among the oldest in the county. Township records pre-date any later city incorporation in the area, so you may find that early generations lived here under the original township structure. Those historical records can be key for tracing family lines back to the mid-1800s.
For records before 1935, you need to visit the county clerk in person or send a mail request. Birth and death records from 1935 onward can be ordered online through VitalChek. Marriage records from 1942 onward are also available online. Certified copies come by regular mail at no extra cost, or by express mail for a fee if you need them faster.
Under MCL 333.2884, birth and death records are registered at the local level and forwarded to the state. That means the county clerk holds records that were originally created when an event happened in the township. If a Macomb Township resident was born or died here, the county clerk should have that record.
Military discharge records (DD-214s) are also available at the Macomb County Clerk. If the veteran is alive and has a letter from the Veterans Administration, the copy is free. For a deceased veteran, a family member must show the death certificate and proof of relationship. These records go back to World War I.
Note: Mail requests take longer to process. If time matters, schedule an in-person visit using the FastPass system.
Online Genealogy Resources for Macomb Township
Michiganology is a free state resource that includes death certificates from 1897 to 1952. Many Macomb Township residents from that period have records on the site. You can search by name, county, and year. No account is needed. This is a good first step before you visit the county clerk.
FamilySearch has a Michigan wiki page that covers Macomb County in detail. You can find links to digitized records, research guides, and local genealogical resources there. MIGenWeb also has a Macomb County page at migenweb.net/macomb with transcribed records and volunteer-contributed data going back to the earliest settlement years.
The Macomb County Historical Society keeps local historical records that may help fill in gaps. Their collections focus on people and events tied to the county, including Macomb Township's early settler families. For broader vital records ordering, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) handles state-level copies. Call 517-335-8666 or visit the MDHHS site to order by mail.
Under MCL 333.2885, the state registrar keeps a statewide record of all births and deaths. So if a county record is missing or hard to access, the state may have a duplicate. This is worth knowing if your county-level search hits a dead end.
Nearby Cities
These are other qualifying cities in Macomb County and nearby areas. Each city page covers local genealogy resources and how records are handled in that area.
Macomb County Genealogy Records
Macomb Township is part of Macomb County, and all vital records filings go through the county clerk. The county page covers the full range of records available, local research hours, fees, and links to online tools. It also lists the county's genealogy hotline and FastPass scheduling system.