Find Genealogy Records in Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights is in Macomb County and is the second-largest city in the county. Genealogy records for Sterling Heights residents are held at the Macomb County Clerk in Mt. Clemens. Because Sterling Heights was not incorporated until 1968, records for families living in this area before that date fall under Warren Township and Macomb County records. Knowing where to look is the key to finding the right documents.
Sterling Heights Overview
Macomb County Clerk Records for Sterling Heights
All vital records for Sterling Heights are handled by the Macomb County Clerk. Their genealogy office is at 120 N. Main St., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043. Phone: 586-469-5120. The genealogy walk-in hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Staff are available specifically for genealogy requests during those hours. Outside of those times, you can submit written requests by mail.
Macomb County holds birth records from 1867, death records from 1867, and marriage records from 1819. Under MCL 333.2882, Michigan birth records less than 100 years old are restricted. To get a certified copy, you must document your relationship to the person named on the record. Death and marriage records are generally open to the public. The standard fee is $15 per certified copy. The genealogy page at macombgov.org/departments/clerk-register-deeds/genealogy explains what to bring and how to request records.
| Office | Macomb County Clerk - Genealogy |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 N. Main St., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 |
| Phone | 586-469-5120 |
| Genealogy Hours | Tue/Wed/Thu: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
The Macomb County Clerk genealogy page covers all available record types, dates, fees, and access requirements for Sterling Heights and all other Macomb County communities.
Sterling Heights Before 1968: Warren Township Records
Sterling Heights was incorporated as a city in 1968. Before that date, the area was part of Warren Township. This is one of the most important facts to know when searching for Sterling Heights family records. Any birth, death, or marriage that occurred in this area before 1968 will be recorded under Warren Township or Macomb County, not under Sterling Heights.
Researchers looking for ancestors who lived here in the 1800s or early-to-mid 1900s need to search Warren Township records and broader Macomb County records. The Macomb County Clerk holds these older documents. When you search, use the address or township name rather than the city name for pre-1968 events. The area grew quickly after World War II as part of the Detroit suburban expansion. Many families moved here in the 1950s and 1960s from Detroit and other parts of Wayne County. Records for those families may be split between Wayne County and Macomb County depending on when they moved.
Note: Early death records for this area appear in Michiganology's free database at michiganology.org, covering 1897 to 1952. Search by county (Macomb) and narrow by name for the fastest results.
Online Genealogy Resources for Sterling Heights
Several online tools can help you search Sterling Heights genealogy records without visiting an office. Michiganology at the Archives of Michigan is free and covers statewide death certificates from 1897 to 1952. For Macomb County, this is the fastest starting point for early death record searches. The database is searchable by name, county, and year.
FamilySearch has digitized microfilm collections for Macomb County, including some vital records and church registers. Searching the FamilySearch catalog for Macomb County, Michigan shows what is available online and what requires a visit to a local Family History Center. The Macomb County MIGenWeb site has volunteer-contributed transcriptions, cemetery readings, and historical data for the county. These free resources can fill gaps when official records are incomplete or hard to access.
The Library of Michigan at michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan provides access to several subscription genealogy databases for Michigan residents with a library card. These include newspaper archives, vital records databases, and military service records. The Sterling Heights Public Library also has a local history collection and can help direct you to research resources specific to this area.
Under MCL 333.2884 and MCL 333.2885, Michigan sets clear rules on who can access different types of vital records. Death records are the most accessible. Birth records require authorization. Knowing these rules before you submit a request saves time.
Archives of Michigan and State Resources
For older or harder-to-find records, the Archives of Michigan in Lansing are a valuable resource. Their address is 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48909, phone 517-373-1408. The Archives hold state-level vital records, naturalization records, military records, and historical collections. For Sterling Heights families with roots that go back to the 1800s or earlier in Macomb County, the Archives may have records not available at the county level.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at 517-335-8666 handles requests for vital records when county offices cannot fulfill them. MDHHS holds copies of birth and death records for the whole state. For marriage records, the county clerk is typically the primary source, but MDHHS can sometimes provide records when county copies are unavailable.
Probate records for Macomb County are held at the Macomb County Probate Court. Estate files, will records, and guardianship papers can provide important genealogical data including relationships, ages, and property details. The Archives of Michigan hold older probate records from many counties, including some Macomb County estate files from the 1800s.
Nearby Cities
Warren is adjacent to Sterling Heights and shares the same Macomb County records system. Clinton Township and Macomb Township are also nearby Macomb County communities with genealogy records at the same county office.
Macomb County Genealogy Records
Sterling Heights is in Macomb County. The Macomb County Clerk in Mt. Clemens handles all vital records for the county, including the older Warren Township records that predate the city. The county page has full details on record types, access rules, fees, and hours.