Vital Records Online (VRO) is a US-based service that provides a safe, secure, and simple way to order Michigan vital records online. Through VRO, you can conveniently obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates. Rest assured that your vital records will be securely delivered to your address, ensuring the confidentiality of your private information.
Summary:
Michigan, “the Great Lakes State,” has a population estimated to be 20 million by 2022. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is a principal department of the state of Michigan, headquartered in Lansing.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics (DVR) registers, preserves, and issues certified copies of vital records. The records include birth, death, fetal death, marriage, and divorce certificates for all events in Michigan, dating back to 1867. Michigan birth records are not public until 100 years after the event. The person named on the record, parents, guardians, or legal representatives may order certified copies. Michigan’s marriage and death records are most available to the public and those showing cause. Some records may be sealed by court order.
If you are embarking on a genealogy project, the Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics may be able to help you, or you can try many of the public archives. Find out what information they contain, where you can obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for MI vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records are critical documents that can be used to prove your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. They are essential for many life events, such as marriage, enrolling in school, joining the military, or traveling. Vital records can also help settle legal disputes, claim an inheritance, and investigate family history. They provide essential details about your ancestors, including their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations. If you have lost a birth, marriage, or death certificate, it is critical to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. Additional information about the uses of vital records can be found in the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued centrally by the Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS or in the county where the event occurred. To order Michigan vital records, you have multiple options available. You can choose to order online, in person, or via mail. In the United States, vital records are maintained at the county and state levels. Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing records for events that occur within its jurisdiction. You can find a complete list of Michigan County vital record issuing agencies, which includes locations, contact information, and access to online applications for requesting birth, death, and marriage certificates.
In Michigan, you can request birth, death, or marriage certificates through the state (online or by mail) or by contacting the County Clerk where the event occurred. In-person ordering is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Drop-box options are also available on weekdays from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Michigan, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Michigan residents have multiple options for requesting vital records from their home state. Online requests are often the most reliable and commonly used method. The Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS is responsible for producing and certifying vital record copies. Each type of record has different requirements, costs, eligibility criteria, and processing times. It is necessary to carefully review the steps and conditions before requesting a certified copy of a vital record. Ensure that all the required documents, application forms, and payments are sent to the correct vital record location that issues certified copies of the original records.
Ordering Michigan Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can apply online to order a Michigan birth, death, or marriage certificate. Before applying, make sure you have the required documents ready. During the secure online application process, you will need to upload copies of these documents. Vital Records Online offers a simplified system that helps you quickly gather and generate the necessary documents. It also guides you to the appropriate application and submits your packet to the vital records office of the health department that issues the certified record. The user-friendly application can be completed from any device with an internet connection. The entire process can be finished in as little as five minutes. By following Vital Records Online’s process, you can avoid application rejections due to common mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
Applying in person is practical for individuals who live within traveling distance of the state health department office that issues certified copies of original vital records. For those living abroad, ordering online can be the most convenient method for requesting vital records. Ordering by mail or online can also be a more efficient approach to avoid difficulties when applying in person. If the local vital records office is closed or you prefer to avoid potentially long queues, you can rely on mail or online ordering. Mail is also suitable for individuals living out of state. Similarly, online ordering is typically the most convenient method for residents living abroad. The steps for applying for vital records are generally the same whether you decide to apply in person or by mail.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
Vital Records Online offers services for replacing birth, death, or marriage certificates for you or a family member. Each certificate type has unique requirements for who can request a certified replacement. Vital Records Online can help simplify the process and reduce mistakes, leading to quicker processing time.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Before gathering the documents for your vital record application, it is essential to understand the conditions and requirements.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS requires all applicants to provide proof of their identity. For most types of vital records, a driver’s license or a state-issued photo ID will be sufficient (please check for other acceptable IDs based on the specific certificate needed). They require 2-3 IDs, depending on the type. If you don’t have a valid primary ID, you can submit 2-3 forms of secondary identification. If your ID has expired within the past 5 years, you can combine it with an accepted secondary form of ID. If you request a certified birth certificate, you must verify your identity by providing a valid, government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) or two to three secondary forms of identity accepted by the MDHHS. However, if you are requesting a certified marriage or death certificate, providing an ID is not necessary.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Michigan?
Confirm the eligibility conditions and requirements for certified Michigan birth, death, and marriage replacements. The Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS defines unique conditions for each type of certificate and personal circumstance.
❗️ Without proper ID (for birth certificates) and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Out-of-State Driver's License, Passport, State Driver's License, US Military ID, US Passport Card |
Bank Statement, Baptismal Certificate, College ID, Corrections ID, DD-214 Form, Divorce Certificate, Expired Primary ID, Health Insurance Card, Hospital Bill, Letter from Government Agency, Marriage Certificate, Military ID, Pay Stub, Rental Agreement, School Records, Social Security Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, W-2 Form, Work ID, Your Child´s Birth Certificate |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Place of Birth, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, SSN, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Out-of-State Driver's License, Passport, State Driver's License, US Military ID, US Passport Card |
|
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride Parents' Names, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Groom Parents' Names, Mailing Address, Place of Marriage, Place where License Was Issued, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Out-of-State Driver's License, Passport, State Driver's License, US Military ID, US Passport Card |
The eligibility to request a certified copy of vital records depends on the type of certificate and the relationship to the person on record. The person on record can order their own vital records, but they must provide proof of identity. For birth certificates, authorized third-party applicants can request on behalf of the person on record. In contrast, death and marriage records can be requested by anyone who can provide the required information. Legal representatives and guardians must provide proof of authorization to act on behalf of the person on record. It is essential to check the eligibility requirements for each certificate type when requesting on behalf of someone else.
The Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS allows third parties with a familial or legal relationship to the person on record who can provide proof to make lawful requests. Additional documentation may be required for legal guardians, representatives, and heirs. To request a vital record as a third party, the eligible requester must sign the Vital Records Authorization Form and copies of the person on record’s primary ID and the requester’s ID must be presented.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Heir, Legal Guardian, Parents, Person on Record |
| Death Certificate | Not Restricted |
| Marriage Certificate | Not Restricted |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
Do I need a notary with my application?
When ordering vital records from the Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS, notarized statements are not required for birth, marriage, or death certificates. This applies to requests made online, by mail, telephone, or in person.
Under certain conditions, notaries are required for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records. More information about these conditions can be found in the FAQs below. You can also visit the MDHHS-DVRHS website at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords for additional details about unique circumstances that may require a notary with your application.
✔︎ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Michigan vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
The costs for vital record replacements vary depending on the fees set by the MDHHS-DVRHS for each type of certificate. The total cost is influenced by factors such as the method of application submission and whether a notary is required to verify your identity. When ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the online Application Assistant starts at $29. The MDHHS-DVRHS charges a fee of $34.00 for a certified copy of a birth, marriage, or death certificate. For expedited orders, there is an additional rush fee of $12.00. If ordering more than one copy of the same certificate type, each additional copy incurs a fee of $16.00.
Please note that the ordering process and fees may be subject to change.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $34.00 | $16.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Michigan?
The processing and replacement times for birth, death, or marriage certificates can vary. Check the current processing and delivery times listed in the table below. The total amount of time until you receive your vital record in the mail can also be influenced by the method you choose to submit your application and documents. Ordering through Vital Records Online offers the advantage of simplifying the process of gathering documents and submitting your application packet. Additionally, you have the option to expedite your order for quicker processing. Please note that these times may change depending on the volume of requests the MDHHS-DVRHS receives.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 4 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 4 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | 4 to 5 weeks | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | 5 to 7 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by the MDHHS-DVRHS may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
After you submit your application through Vital Records Online, you can monitor the order and processing status. You can also track your application packet to the Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS with the prepaid mail postage included with your order. If you mail the application packet manually to the Vital Records Health Department, remember to purchase first-class mail tracking to know when your application arrives successfully. The Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS ships all vital records to your home via USPS first-class mail for protection but does not claim responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates. Immediately file a report if your birth certificate is lost. It is important to note that a simple error or typo could expose your personal information if sent to the wrong address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Michigan counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required for vital records submitted to a foreign government. The Department of State Office of the Great Seal issues the apostille for vital records initially filed with the MDHHS-DVRHS.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The only way to obtain an apostille for Michigan vital records is through the Department of State Office of the Great Seal or Vital Records Online. Vital Records Online offers reliable apostille services across all 50 US states and is acknowledged by various governments and organizations with legal validity in over 100 countries. The service covers apostilles for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, all with professional assistance. Starting at $149 (plus government fees), the entire process can be conveniently completed online in just three steps.
Upon completing your apostille documentation, it will be dispatched to you through FedEx or DHL. Under most circumstances, acquiring a physical rendition of your papers isn’t necessary, allowing you to complete the procedure online. The delivery will arrive at your doorstep regardless of your location, in the US or elsewhere. We rely on esteemed courier services for global delivery.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Department of State Office of the Great Seal at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Michigan Department of State,
Office of the Great Seal,
7064 Crowner Drive,
Lansing, MI 48918
For standard mail, use the following address:
Michigan Department of State,
Office of the Great Seal,
7064 Crowner Drive,
Lansing, MI 48918
You can reach the office at 888-767-6424 or online at https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/document-authentication-and-apostille.
The MDHHS-DVRHS has provided a list of common scenarios to assist with acquiring an amendment to a person’s birth and marriage certificate. The Michigan MDHHS-DVRHS offers a straightforward process for correcting or amending a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a family member’s death certificate as authorized by law. Amendments are necessary when changes need to be made to a vital record, and different forms are required depending on the specific information that needs to be amended. Supplemental changes are added as addendums to the original vital record, but no entity can alter the original document. The requirements for requesting changes or amendments vary depending on the type of vital record that needs to be modified. In Michigan, many amendments require a court order, which often involves the assistance of an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Michigan vital records have certain restrictions and availability. Birth certificates in Michigan become public after 100 years, while death and marriage certificates are not restricted. Although finding free public records in Michigan can be complicated, many vital records are readily available to the public. You can search through Michigan’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records to find the desired information, but be prepared to spend a substantial amount of time reviewing the records.
Are Michigan Vital Records Open to the Public?
Most state records in Michigan are public, but access to these records depends on the type of record and the year of the birth, death, or marriage. Third-party websites can be helpful when researching specific types of vital records as they are not limited to a particular geographic location. However, it’s important to note that the data on these websites may differ from official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
Michigan residents have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Each state, county, and municipality creates unique vital records. It is crucial to verify the appearance of your Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate to ensure that you possess the official certified copy, as the documents may vary depending on the issuing municipality or agency. Informational copies of vital records can be distinguished by a stamp or prominent text on the document indicating that it is “Informational” and not a valid document for establishing identity. To ensure that your certificate is a certified copy, you can refer to the official, certified documents from the county where it was issued.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized or certified copies of vital records are legal documents that can be used as official identification. However, informational copies of vital records cannot be used to establish identity. Certified copies of vital records are only issued to individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the document. Death and marriage certificates are not restricted; anyone can order certified copies.
Informational Copy:
When someone wants to obtain a copy of a birth or marriage certificate for personal record-keeping or genealogical research, they can request an informational copy. These copies are also known as short-form or unofficial (non-certified) certificates, heirloom certificates, or commemorative certificates. It is important to note that informational copies are not official legal documents and cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. These copies are intended for display or personal reference only and do not hold the same legal weight as official certificates.
Individuals can order heirloom birth records (non-certified) online for themselves or their children. However, they must provide identification; only the individual on record or their parents can order. Record verifications are not certificates; anyone with the necessary information can request them. To request a verification, the applicant must provide the name(s) of the subject(s) on record, the date and place of the event, and the filing date. The form will be stamped “Yes” or “No,” depending on whether or not a record matching the information is found.
When requesting an informational copy, there is no need to provide a Sworn Statement. However, the Health Department still requires applicants to provide an accepted form of identification when requesting heirloom birth certificates.
In compliance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Michigan government website at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords
