Michigan Application to Correct a Death Record (DCH-0856-CHGDX)

Who can use this form

• The funeral director.
• The informant listed on the death certificate.
• Next of kin of the deceased, within 5 years of the date of death, with proof of the relationship if not listed on the certificate.
• A court order is required if next of kin cannot be determined or more than 5 years have passed since the death.
• Medical details, date of death, and place of death can only be corrected by the certifying physician or medical examiner on a separate form.

What to send with it

• The completed, signed application.
• A copy of a current, valid government-issued ID.
• In general, 1 or 2 dated documents proving the correct information. A driver's license or state ID is not accepted as evidence.
• A court order naming the surviving spouse to change marital status or the surviving spouse's name, except for minor spelling fixes or a funeral home error.
• 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 04/30/2025

Source

Official government page