Wayne County vital records in Detroit: How to Reach Them

05 After a crash: reports, claims and records

Wayne County

Records

By appointment

Issues certified death and birth certificates for Detroit and the rest of Wayne County. A certified death certificate is usually needed for insurance, estate and wrongful death matters.

What it is

The Wayne County Clerk's vital records division holds birth and death records for the whole county, including the City of Detroit. Orders can be placed in person by appointment, by mail or online through VitalChek.

Why it matters

After a fatal crash or wrongful death, families are asked for certified death certificates again and again, by insurers, banks, the probate court and lawyers. Ordering several copies at once saves time.

What to know first

Walk-ins are not accepted, so book online first. Detroit and non-Detroit records are handled in different suites of the same building on Monroe Street.

Limits and eligibility

Death certificates are public records anyone can order; certified copies cost $24 for the first and $7 for each additional copy, and corrections must go through the State of Michigan.

What to have ready

Full name of the person
Date and city of death (or birth)
Copy of your driver's license or state ID
Payment: cash in person, money order by mail

How to reach them