Genesee County Marriage License Records
Genesee County marriage licenses are issued through the Genesee County Clerk's Vital Records Division in Flint. County Clerk Domonique D. Clemons oversees the office, which processes new license applications and maintains historical marriage records. Whether you need to apply for a new Genesee County marriage license or search records from a past ceremony, this page covers the addresses, fees, required documents, waiting period rules, and how to access the county's online records portal.
Genesee County Overview
Genesee County Clerk and Vital Records Office
The Genesee County Clerk operates three locations relevant to marriage licenses and vital records. The Vital Records Division, where marriage licenses are issued, is at 1101 Beach Street in Flint. The County Administration building is at 324 S. Saginaw Street, First Floor, also in Flint. Circuit Court records are kept at 900 S. Saginaw Street. All three addresses in Flint serve different purposes, so make sure you go to the right location for what you need.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends and county holidays. For questions, call (810) 257-3225. The Genesee County Clerk page lists current contact information and links to the vital records section.
| Office | Genesee County Clerk - Vital Records Division |
|---|---|
| Vital Records Address | 1101 Beach St, Flint, MI 48502 |
| Admin Address | 324 S. Saginaw St, First Floor, Flint, MI 48502 |
| Phone | (810) 257-3225 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | Genesee County Vital Records |
The screenshot below shows the Genesee County marriage license application portal, where applicants can begin the process online before visiting the clerk's office.
The online application portal lets Genesee County couples start their marriage license application and submit information before arriving at the Vital Records Division in Flint.
Applying for a Genesee County Marriage License
Under MCL 551.101, Michigan residents must apply for a marriage license in the county where they live. If you live in Genesee County, you apply here. Out-of-state applicants who plan to marry in Genesee County must also apply in Genesee County and must hold their ceremony here. These rules are stricter than some other Michigan counties, so pay close attention if you're coming from outside Michigan.
Genesee County has specific document requirements. You must bring a completed marriage application, a certified birth certificate or valid passport (no exceptions on this point), and a valid state-issued photo ID that shows your current residential address. If you recently moved and your ID still reflects your old address, visit a Michigan Secretary of State branch to get an address update sticker applied before you come in. The clerk will verify the address on your ID matches your stated county of residence. Social Security numbers for both parties are also required under MCL 551.102.
Both applicants must be 18 or older. Parental consent is required for 16- or 17-year-olds under MCL 551.103.
Note: Genesee County requires a certified birth certificate or valid passport for every applicant, and the clerk does not accept substitutes for this document.
Fees and Waiting Period in Genesee County
The fee for a Genesee County marriage license is $20 for Michigan residents. Out-of-state applicants pay $30, plus an additional $10 processing fee. A three-day waiting period waiver costs $25. Certified copies of a marriage certificate are $25 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. If you're paying by mail, use a money order made payable to Genesee County Clerk.
After the clerk issues your Genesee County marriage license, the standard three-day waiting period under MCL 551.103a begins. You cannot hold your ceremony until those three days have passed. The license is valid for 33 days from the issue date. If your ceremony falls after that window, the license expires and you'll need to apply again. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Genesee County Clerk within 10 days under MCL 551.104.
Genesee County Marriage Records Search
Genesee County provides an online records portal through Fidlar Technologies at the Genesee County records search portal. This tool lets you search for marriage records filed in the county. It's one of the more capable county-level search systems in Michigan and a good first step before contacting the office directly. You can search by name and narrow results by date range or record type.
For certified copies by mail, send a money order payable to Genesee County Clerk to the Circuit Court Records office at 900 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502. Include the names of both parties, the date and year of the marriage, and a return address. The fee is $25 for the first certified copy and $10 for each additional copy.
The Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office maintains statewide marriage records since 1867. Call (517) 335-8666 or order online. For older or historical Genesee County records useful in genealogy research, Michiganology offers a free searchable database of Michigan vital records.
The screenshot below shows the Genesee County records search portal, where you can look up marriage records without visiting the clerk's office in person.
The online search portal covers Genesee County marriage records and lets users search by name and date to locate specific marriage filings on file with the clerk.
Who Can Officiate in Genesee County
Michigan law under MCL 551.7 sets out who can legally perform a wedding ceremony. Judges, magistrates, mayors, ordained ministers, and county clerks all qualify. For couples marrying in Flint or elsewhere in Genesee County, there are many options. The Michigan Courts website provides guidance on civil ceremony procedures and authorized officiants statewide. Make sure your officiant is properly authorized before the ceremony to avoid complications with the returned license.
Once your ceremony is complete, the officiant signs the license and must return it to the Genesee County Clerk at the Vital Records Division within 10 days. That returned license becomes the official record of your marriage. Delays in returning the license can cause problems when you later request certified copies, so follow up with your officiant promptly after the wedding.
Name Changes After a Genesee County Marriage
After your Genesee County marriage license is recorded, start name change steps at the Social Security Administration. Visit ssa.gov to update your SSA card. You'll need your certified marriage certificate and current photo ID. After updating with SSA, go to a Michigan Secretary of State office to update your driver's license or state ID. Both agencies require the certified copy from Genesee County, not just a photocopied version.
Cities in Genesee County
Flint is the qualifying city in Genesee County with a dedicated marriage license page.
Nearby Counties
Genesee County is bordered by several other Michigan counties. Check your county of residence before applying for a marriage license.