Michigan Birth Records

Welcome. We are glad you are here. Our team will work hard to give you the best facts for your Michigan Birth Records search needs on this page. We aim to help you find what you seek fast.

If you need to start a search for Michigan Birth Records right now, you can go to this site: https://michiganofficialrecords.com/birth-records/. This path lets you begin your search right off. It helps people look for records quick. Use their tools to find the birth facts you need. It is a good place to start your task now.

Understanding Michigan Birth Records

What are Michigan Birth Records?

Michigan birth records are key papers. They note a person's birth in the state. The state office holds records since 1867. Some old births, like pre-1906, might not be on file there. These files have names, dates, and places of birth. They also list parent names. These records are official state files. They prove identity and age. You need them for many life tasks. Getting a passport needs one. School entry may ask for one. Social Security uses them too. The State of Michigan keeps these records safe. Access is limited by law.

Types of Birth Certificates

Michigan offers two main types of birth certificates. The most common is a certified copy. This copy has a raised seal. It shows the state or county mark. This type is official proof. Use it for legal needs. Think passports or driver's licenses. The second type is an informational copy. This might not have the seal. It is often used for family trees. Or for personal facts. It is not usually good for legal proof. Make sure you ask for the right type. Most people need the certified copy. State law controls who can get a certified copy.

Who Can Request Michigan Birth Records? (Eligibility)

Michigan law restricts who can get a birth record. This protects private facts. Birth records are not public, unless they are 100 years old. You can ask for a copy if you are:

• The person named on the record (if 18+ or emancipated).

• A parent named on the record. Adoptive parents count if adopted.

• A legal guardian of the person. You must show court papers proving this.

• A legal representative (like a lawyer). They need a letter on firm paper. It must list their state bar number. It must name the client.

• An heir of a dead person named on the record. You must show proof. This includes the person's death date and place. State how you are related. A death certificate may be needed if they died out of state.

• A court order can grant access.

You must show valid photo ID. This proves you are allowed to ask.

How to Obtain Michigan Birth Records

Ordering Online

The State of Michigan does not offer direct online ordering via its own site. But, they work with a known service. This service takes online requests. You will pay extra fees for this. There is a fee for using the service. There is also a credit card fee. Rush service is often an option online. This adds more cost. Online orders often process faster. UPS delivery takes 1-2 work days. Regular mail takes about two weeks. Check the official state site for links to approved online vendors. Do not use just any site you find. Use the one the state points to. This keeps your data safe.

Ordering by Mail

You can order a Michigan birth record by mail. Send your request to the state office. You need an application form. You can get this from the state vital records site. Or call them to ask for one. Fill out the form with all facts. Include the full name at birth. Add the date and place of birth. List the parents' full names. Include the mother's maiden name. You must include:

• A filled-out application form.

• A clear copy of your valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport).

• Your signature on the form.

• Payment for the fee.

Make checks or money orders payable to "State of Michigan". The fee pays for the search. It includes one certified copy if found. If no record is found, you get a notice saying so. Mail everything to: Vital Records Request P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909

Mail processing takes time. Allow several weeks. Add mail time both ways. For faster mail service, you can pay an extra rush fee. Mark "RUSH" clearly on the outside envelope if you pay this fee. Send rush requests to the same P.O. Box but add "RUSH" to the address line.

Ordering In-Person (State & Local Offices)

State Vital Records Office (Lansing)

You may visit the state office in person. This is often faster than mail for simple requests. The office address is: South Grand Building 333 S. Grand Ave. 1st Floor Lansing, MI 48933

Check the official Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website for current hours. Office hours are often Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They close on state holidays. It is wise to call ahead or check online. Sometimes hours change. Their phone number for questions is (517) 335-8666. Press option #3 to talk to a person. You will need your valid photo ID. You also need payment. They may take cash, check, money order, or cards. In-person requests might be filled the same day. This depends on how busy they are. Complex cases take more time.

Local County Clerk Offices

You can also get birth records from the County Clerk. This is for the county where the birth took place. Fees and hours vary by county. Check the specific county clerk's website. Or call them first. For example, Washtenaw County Clerk is at 200 North Main, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Their phone is (734) 222-6720. Their hours are Mon-Fri, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Vital Records). Jackson County Clerk is at 120 W. Michigan Ave, 12th FL, Jackson, MI 49201. Their phone is (517) 788-4265. Their hours are Mon-Fri, 8 am to 4 pm. Many counties offer mail-in or online options too. Local offices can be a good choice. Especially if you live near the county seat. They often have shorter wait times than the state by mail. Some records, like Detroit births after Dec 13, 2013, may be at Wayne County or the state office. A directory of county clerks can often be found through the Michigan Association of County Clerks website or the main state government site.

Fees and Processing Times for Michigan Birth Records

Standard Request Fees

The basic fee for a search and one certified copy is $34.00. This fee applies to state office requests. This fee covers the search for the record. It includes one certified copy if the record is found. If you order more copies at the same time, they cost $16.00 each. There is an exception for seniors. A person age 65 or older pays less. The fee is $14.00 for their own birth record. Additional copies are still $16.00 each. County Clerk fees vary. Jackson County charges $15 for the first copy. $5 for each extra copy. Seniors (65+) pay $7 for the first copy. $3 for extras. Washtenaw County charges $15 for the first copy. $5 for extra copies. Seniors (65+) pay $5 for their own record. Always check the current fee. Fees can change. Pay with check or money order to "State of Michigan" for state orders. Counties list their payment options.

Expedited Service Fees

If you need a record fast, use rush service. The state charges an extra $12.00 fee for rush mail requests. Mark "RUSH" on your envelope. Online orders through the approved vendor have rush options. Their rush fees can differ. They add their own service fees too. An online order rush fee might be $12.00 (state rush) plus $12.50 (vendor fee). Check the vendor site for exact costs. Expedited service speeds up the search process. It does not always guarantee next-day service. Delivery method also affects speed. UPS is faster than regular mail.

Current Processing Timeframes

Standard mail requests take time. Allow several weeks for the state office. This includes mail time both ways. Rush mail requests at the state office take less time. Check the MDHHS website for current estimates. Online orders are often faster. UPS delivery takes about 1-2 business days after processing. Regular mail delivery takes about 2 weeks after processing. In-person requests at the state or county office can sometimes be same-day. This is for simple, recent records. Older records or complex cases take longer. Processing times can change based on workload. Check the MDHHS Vital Records section for updates.

Amending or Correcting Michigan Birth Records

Reasons for Amendment

Sometimes a birth record has wrong facts. Or facts may change over time. Common reasons to change a record include:

• Fixing a spelling error in a name.

• Correcting a wrong date of birth.

• Adding a first name if left blank.

• Changing gender marker.

• Legal name changes ordered by a court.

• Adding a father's name after birth. (Requires specific forms/process).

• Changes due to adoption.

• Removing a person listed as parent who is not the biological parent (needs court order).

• Updating parents' names if they marry after the birth. (Needs marriage record).

Process for Correction

To fix a Michigan birth record, you must apply. Use the "Application to Correct or Change a Michigan Birth Record" form (DCH-0847). You can find this form on the MDHHS website. The process depends on the age of the person. It also depends on the type of change needed. You must prove your identity. You must prove you are eligible to ask for the change. You need documents to prove the correct facts. For example, a court order is needed for a legal name change. A marriage certificate is needed to update parents' names after marriage. Send the form, ID copy, proof documents, and fee by mail.

The fee to file an application to correct a record is $50.00. This fee includes one certified copy of the new record. Extra copies are $16.00 each. Rush processing costs an extra $25.00. Normal processing takes 5-6 weeks after all papers are received. Rush processing takes 2-3 weeks after all papers are received. Mail correction requests to: Vital Records Changes P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909 (Add "RUSH" to the address line and include the rush fee for faster service).

Required Documentation

The exact documents needed depend on the change. Always include a copy of your valid photo ID. Examples of other needed documents:

• Minor spelling errors (under age 1): May need hospital record copies.

• Major corrections (age 1+): Need strong proof like early school records, census records, or baptismal certificates showing the correct fact from near the time of birth.

• Legal Name Change: Certified copy of the court order.

• Parents Married After Birth: Certified copy of the parents' marriage certificate.

• Adding Father (if no father listed): Use a different form, like an Affidavit of Parentage.

• Removing Father: Certified copy of a court order determining parentage. Do not send original documents unless asked. Copies are usually fine. The state will not return original documents sent. Read the application form instructions with care. They list specific proof needed.

Relevant Forms (Link)

The main form is the Application to Correct or Change a Michigan Birth Record.

• Find the form here: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Folder1/Folder3/DCH-0847-CHGBX.pdf?rev=56c268fc673449ad8dfe09c572ad5849 Other forms exist for adding a father or for adoptions. Check the MDHHS site for all vital record forms.

Michigan Adoption Records

Accessing Adoption Records

Michigan adoption records laws are complex. Access depends on when the adoption took place. Michigan is sometimes called a “donut hole” state. This refers to a gap in access laws. Records are sealed after adoption. But some people can get information. Adult adoptees (18+) can request data. Adoptive parents of minors can ask. Birth parents and adult birth siblings can too. The type of info released varies. It depends on the adoption date. It also depends on consent forms filed by birth parents.

Non-identifying information is often available. This includes health history of birth parents. It includes their general description. It tells the reason for adoption. It does not give names or addresses. Identifying information (like names) access depends on the law at the time of adoption. For adoptions before May 28, 1945, or after Sept 12, 1980: Identifying info can be released. Unless a birth parent filed a form denying release. For adoptions between May 28, 1945, and Sept 12, 1980: Identifying info is released ONLY if birth parents filed consent forms. The adult adoptee can get their original birth certificate in some cases. This requires a clearance form from the Central Adoption Registry or a court order.

Central Adoption Registry

Michigan has a Central Adoption Registry. It is run by MDHHS. Birth parents and adult former siblings can file statements here. They can consent to release their identifying info. Or they can deny release. These statements can be filed or changed at any time. When an adult adoptee asks for info, the state checks this registry. The registry reply tells what info can be shared.

Relevant Laws/Statutes (Link)

Adoption records are covered in the Michigan Adoption Code (part of the Probate Code). Access rules are detailed there. Key parts of the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) include:

• MCL 710.68: Governs release of adoption information. [You can search for this section on the Michigan Legislature website: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL]

• MCL 333.2882: Governs issuance of birth certificates, including original birth certificates for adoptees. [See: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL%3FobjectName%3DMCL-333-2882]

• Confidential Intermediary Program rules may also apply for the "donut hole" period adoptions. Courts handle this program.

Key Resources and Contact Information

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records Office

This is the main state office for birth records.

• Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords

• Mailing Address: Vital Records Request, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909

• Physical Address (for in-person): 333 S. Grand Ave., 1st Floor, Lansing, MI 48933

• Phone (Recorded Info/Request Forms): (517) 335-8666 (Option 1)

• Phone (Customer Service): (517) 335-8666 (Option 3)

• Phone (Changes/Corrections): (517) 335-8660

Link to Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) regarding Vital Records

State laws about vital records are in the Public Health Code. Part 28 covers Vital Records.

• Michigan Legislature Website (Search Laws): https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL

• Key Section on Confidentiality: MCL 333.2888 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-333-2888]

County Clerk Directory (Link)

To find your local county clerk for birth records:

• Michigan Association of County Clerks (MACC) Directory: While a direct link to a statewide, official directory isn't always stable on one state page, the MACC website or a search on the main Michigan.gov portal for "County Clerk Directory" is useful. Individual county websites (like Washtenaw, Jackson, Eaton found in searches) provide direct contact details. Example links from search:

  • Jackson County Clerk: https://www.co.jackson.mi.us/304/Birth-Records

  • Washtenaw County Clerk: https://www.washtenaw.org/265/Vital-Records

  • Eaton County Clerk: https://www.eatoncounty.org/279/Vital-Records---Birth-Marriage-Death

Helpful Resources

Michigan Inmate Search | Maryland Inmate Search | Michigan Divorce Records