Michigan Application to Add a Parent on a Birth Record (DCH-0848-BX-ADD-PARENT)
Official state formParentage and paternityForm DCH-0848-BX-ADD-PARENTFree downloadLast verified November 10, 2026
Application to add a parent to a Michigan birth record based on an Affidavit of Parentage or a court order. It is mailed with ID, documents, and the fee to the MDHHS Vital Records Changes unit in Lansing.
Who can use this form
- The person named on the record, if at least 18 or legally emancipated.
- A parent of the child.
- A legal guardian, with a copy of the court guardianship documents.
- A licensed attorney for the person named on the record, with a letter on letterhead, bar number, and ID for attorney and client.
- To change a minor's name, all parents listed on the record must sign. A child over 15 must also sign unless the name change is court ordered.
What to send with it
- The completed, signed application.
- A copy of a current, valid government-issued ID. To change a child's name, ID for all parents listed on the record (one parent if court ordered).
- One of these: an original signed and notarized Affidavit of Parentage, a court order of filiation or parentage, or a certified copy of a Paternity Acknowledgement filed with the Probate Court before June 1, 1997.
- If the Affidavit of Parentage is already on file with the Central Parentage Registry, check that box instead.
- A check or money order made out to the "State of Michigan".
- For rush service, add the rush fee and address the envelope to "Vital Records Changes RUSH" at the same P.O. box.
Where to send it
- Mail to
- Vital Records Changes P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909
- State fee
- $50 application fee (non-refundable, includes one copy); $16 per additional certified copy; $25 rush processing fee.
- Typical processing
- Regular: 5 to 6 weeks once all required documents are received. Rush: 2 to 3 weeks once all required documents are received. Not guaranteed.
- Form revision
- Rev 03-2025
- Source
- Official government page