Kent County MI Birth Records

Thank you for visiting. We aim to give you the best help for your Kent County Birth Records search. This page has key facts you need. We hope you find this guide of great use as you look for these records.

If you want to begin a search for Kent County Birth Records right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/kent-county-birth-records/. This site can help you start the process if you prefer to search online right away for Kent County Birth Records and access related public record information promptly. Check their site for search options and how to use their tools.

Where to Get Kent County Birth Records

You can get Kent County Birth Records from two main places. The first is the Kent County Clerk. The second is the State of Michigan office. Where you go may depend on the record date and facts. Most births in Kent County can be found at the Clerk's office. But some older or special cases must go to the state.

Kent County Clerk's Office

The Kent County Clerk keeps vital records for the county. This includes most birth records for people born in Kent County. The Clerk files, stores, and keeps these key papers. They give out certified copies to folks who can get them by law. This office helps the public get the birth records they need for many uses. They work hard to keep records safe and easy to find. You can ask for records in person or by mail here. They have forms and staff to help you.

• Address: Kent County Administration Building, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

• Office Location for Service: Floor 1

• Phone: (616) 632-7640

• Fax: (616) 632-7645

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:45 pm

• Website: Kent County Clerk Vital Records

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

The State of Michigan Vital Records office keeps records for the whole state. This office has birth records from 1867 on. You must use the state office for some records. If the birth was in Michigan but not Kent County, go to the state. If it was an adoption before 1979, use the state. If the birth was before 1979 and the parents were not wed, use the state. Also ask the state to fix a birth record. Or ask the state for an Affidavit of Parentage filed after June 1, 1997. The state office is in Lansing. You can mail requests there. Or you may order online through their site or partners.

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

• Phone: (517) 335-8666 (Press 3 for customer service)

• Website: MDHHS Vital Records

Who Can Get a Kent County Birth Record?

Michigan law limits who can get birth records less than 100 years old. This is to keep private facts safe. The law is found in the Michigan Compiled Laws, section 333.2882. You must prove who you are. You need a good photo ID like a driver's license. Or use a state ID card or passport. If you do not have photo ID, ask the Clerk or State office about other proof you can use.

People Eligible to Request

The law, MCL 333.2882, states who can ask for these records:

• The person named on the birth record.

• A parent named on the birth record.

• The legal guardian of the person on the record. You must show court papers proving you are the guardian.

• A legal representative, like a lawyer, for the person. They must show proof they act for the person. They need ID for themself and the client.

• An heir if the person on the record has died. You must state how you are related. You need to prove the death. Give the date and place of death. If death was out of state, bring a copy of the death certificate.

• A court that asks for the record with a court order.

Birth records over 100 years old are public. Any person can ask for a copy of these old records.

How to Ask for Kent County Birth Records

There are three main ways to ask for a birth record. You can go in person to the Kent County Clerk. You can send a request by mail to the Kent County Clerk. Or you can order online through the state system for some records. Choose the way that works best for you. Be sure you have all the needed facts and ID.

In-Person Requests

Go to the Kent County Clerk's office in Grand Rapids. Bring your valid photo ID. Fill out the request form there. Pay the fee. If all is in order, you can often get the record the same day. This is the fast way if you live near or can travel there. The staff can help you if you have questions. Make sure you are eligible before you go. Check their hours before you visit.

• Location: Kent County Clerk's Office, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Floor 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

• Hours: 8:00 am - 4:45 pm, Monday to Friday

Mail-In Requests

This method is good if you cannot go in person. You need to get the application form first. Download it from the Kent County Clerk website. They have forms in English and Spanish. Fill it out fully. Give the full name at birth. Add the date and place of birth. List the mother's full name. Add the father's full name if known and on the record. Make a clear copy of your valid photo ID. Get a check or money order for the fee. Make it payable to "Kent County Clerk". Put the form, ID copy, and payment in an envelope. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope too. This helps them send the record back to you. Mail it all to the Clerk's office. This way takes more time. Plan for several weeks to get your record.

• Form Links:

  • Birth Certificate Request Form - English (PDF)

  • Birth Certificate Request Form - Spanish (PDF)

• Mailing Address: Kent County Clerk's Office, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Floor 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Online Requests (State Level)

You may be able to order some Kent County Birth Records online. This is usually done through the State of Michigan (MDHHS). They partner with firms like VitalChek. Check the MDHHS Vital Records website for links and how to order online. This can be easy but state fees apply. There might be extra service fees too. This works well if the record must come from the state. Or if you prefer to order from home online. Read all steps with care. Be sure to use the official state links or trusted partners listed on the state site.

Fees and Costs

There is a fee to search for and get a certified copy. The cost depends on where you order from. Kent County Clerk sets its own fees. The State of Michigan has set fees for state orders. Fees help cover the cost to keep and find records. Pay the right fee when you ask.

Kent County Clerk Fees

The Kent County Clerk website does not list the exact fee amount on its main pages. The fee amount should be on the downloadable request form. Or you can call the office at (616) 632-7640 to check the current cost. Be ready to pay when you ask. If you go in person, they take cash, checks, or credit cards. If you mail your request, send a check or money order. Make it payable to "Kent County Clerk". Do not send cash by mail.

State of Michigan Fees (MDHHS)

The state has set fees for vital records.

• The fee for a search and the first certified copy is $34.00.

• Each extra copy of the same record ordered at the same time is $16.00.

• If you are age 65 or older and ordering your own birth record, the first copy is $14.00.

• Rush service by mail costs an extra $12.00.

• Pay by check or money order made to "State of Michigan" for mail orders. Online orders use credit cards.

Special Birth Record Cases

Some birth records have special rules. Old records are easy to get. But things like adoption or home births need extra steps. The same is true for fixing errors. Or for adding a father's name. Know where to go for these needs.

Records Over 100 Years Old

Birth records from 100 years ago or more are open to the public. Anyone can ask for a copy. You do not need to be named on the record or related. You can ask the Kent County Clerk or the State MDHHS office. The normal search fees still apply. These old records are great for family history research.

Adoptions and Home Births

Adoption records have special rules. If the adoption was before 1979, you must contact the State MDHHS office. For adoptions after that, or for foreign birth record info, check with the Kent County Clerk first. They have info on their site. If you had a home birth in Kent County, you need to record it. The Kent County Clerk's office has the steps and forms for recording a home birth. Contact them for help.

Corrections and Adding a Father

If there is an error on a birth certificate, you must fix it through the State MDHHS office. The county clerk cannot make corrections. Get the form and info from the state website. If a father was not named on the birth record at first, he can be added later. This is often done using an Affidavit of Parentage form. Where you get this form depends on when it was filed. If filed after June 1, 1997, contact MDHHS. If filed before that date, contact the Probate Court. This would be the court in the county where the mother lived at the time. Or the court in the county where the child was born.