Genesee County Genealogy Records

Genesee County genealogy records go back to 1836 and are kept at the County Clerk's office in Flint. Researchers looking for birth, death, marriage, and other vital records can access them through the clerk, through Michiganology, and through the Flint Genealogical Society's free online databases. This county has one of the strongest local genealogical research communities in mid-Michigan, with digitized indexes that cover records from the mid-1800s forward.

Genesee County Clerk Vital Records

The Genesee County Clerk is the main office for vital records in the county. Birth, death, and marriage records are all held here. The clerk's office has been collecting these records since 1867, and some go back even further to 1836. You can request records in person, by mail, or by phone. Staff can confirm whether a record exists and explain what ID or documents you need to bring.

Birth records in Genesee County are restricted under MCL 333.2882. You can only get a certified copy if you are the person named on the record, a parent, a legal guardian, or have a court order. Death and marriage records are open to the public. The fee for any certified copy is $15. Under MCL 333.2885, the county clerk and local registrar are both authorized to issue certified copies of vital records.

Note: Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Genesee County Clerk, along with a copy of your ID and a written description of the record you need.

Flint Genealogical Society Records

The Flint Genealogical Society maintains one of the most useful free genealogy databases in Michigan. Their Redbook Vital Record Indexes cover births, deaths, marriages, and divorces from 1867 through 1930. All of it is searchable online at no cost. This is a great first stop before contacting the county clerk, because you can confirm whether a record exists and get the case details before paying for a certified copy.

The society also holds regular educational programs and meetings for people doing family research in Genesee County and the surrounding region. If your ancestors lived in Flint or anywhere in the county during the late 1800s or early 1900s, the society's database is likely to have something on them. The online search covers a broad range of record types and is updated as volunteers index new material.

The screenshot below shows the Flint Genealogical Society's website, where you can access their free vital record indexes.

The Flint Genealogical Society's Redbook database indexes births, deaths, marriages, and divorces from 1867 to 1930 and is free to use online.

Online Genealogy Records for Genesee County

Several databases cover Genesee County genealogy records. Michiganology is the state's main free portal for death certificates from 1897 to 1952. You can search by name and view the full image of the certificate at no cost. Death certificates from this era often include the deceased's birthplace, parents' names, and other details useful for family research.

The FamilySearch Wiki for Genesee County lists the major record collections available for this county and tells you where to find them. FamilySearch itself holds digitized land records, probate records, and some vital records for Genesee County. The Genesee MIGenWeb page has local resources, links, and volunteer-contributed research specific to this county. The Archives of Michigan at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing (517-373-1408) holds older state records and can be contacted at archives@michigan.gov for research assistance.

For copies of vital records from the state level, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909 or call 517-335-8666.

Genesee County Historical Resources

The Genesee Historical Collections Center at the University of Michigan-Flint holds local history materials, archives, and manuscripts related to the county. This is a good resource for records that fall outside the standard vital records system, such as church records, school records, and old newspapers. The Genesee County Historical Society also maintains publications and local historical records that can help trace families in the area.

For genealogy research going beyond vital records, the state Archives of Michigan holds naturalization records, early land patents, and military records. These are open to the public at the archives location in Lansing. The Library of Michigan at michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan also holds genealogy collections including census records on microfilm and city directories that can help place ancestors in specific years and neighborhoods.

Under MCL 333.2884, the state registrar sets the fee schedule for vital records copies. The current fee is $15 per certified copy, which applies at both the county level and through the state MDHHS office.

Cities in Genesee County

Flint is the county seat and the largest city in Genesee County. All vital records for Flint residents are filed through the Genesee County Clerk. Other communities in the county include Burton, Grand Blanc, Fenton, Swartz Creek, and Davison, none of which have separate vital records offices.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Genesee County. Each has its own clerk's office and vital records going back to the mid-to-late 1800s.