Genealogy

The Van Buren County Clerk’s Office follows the State Department of Public Health’s procedures for inspecting vital records. We welcome you to explore our indexes of marriages, deaths, and divorces on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that space is limited to two researchers at a time. We may need to pause inspections if they interfere with our services.

Births

Birth indexes are not open for public inspection. However, we can verify a birth record if it is on file. Our birth records date back to 1867.

Marriages & Deaths

Marriage and death record books are available for inspection if you are eligible for a certified copy and have a legitimate research interest. This applies when records cannot be found in the index or may not be properly recorded.

Requests & Payments

We can verify the following details upon written request and payment:

Name(s) on the vital record
Nature of the event
Date of the event
Place of the event
Date of filing

Fees

Record search fee: $1 per liber, per name.
Certified copies of death, marriage, or divorce records are available upon payment.
Certified birth records are issued only to authorized individuals.
First certified copy fee: $15; additional copies: $5 each.

Once we receive the correct fee, we will process your request promptly. Each liber covers several years.

Births

Liber A: 1867-1875
Liber B: 1875-1884
Liber C: 1884-1894
Liber D: 1894-1907
Liber E: 1907-1915
Liber F: 1914-1922
Liber G: 1922-1931
Liber H: 1930-1934
Liber A-K: 1935-1945
Liber L-Z: 1935-1945
Liber: 1946-1990
On Computer: 1990-present

Deaths

Liber B: 1867-1891
Liber C: 1891-1909
Liber D: 1909-1925
Liber E: 1924-1934
Liber A-K: 1935-1945
Liber L-Z: 1935-1945
Liber: 1946-1990
On Computer: 1990-present
Online: 1987-present at Van Buren County Clerk

Marriages

Liber A: 1836-1866
Liber B-1: 1866-1879
Liber B-2: 1867-1887
Liber C: 1887-1905
Liber D: 1905-1926
Liber E: 1927-1968
Liber 1: 1969-1978
Liber 2: 1979-1989
Liber 3: 1990-present
Online: 1974-present at Van Buren County Clerk

Documents & Forms

Vital Record Request Form (PDF)