Wayne County MI Birth Records

We are glad you came here seeking help. Our goal is to give you the best facts for your Wayne County Birth Records search. We know finding these records can feel hard. We will guide you to the right place. This page has details you need.

If you want to start your Wayne County Birth Records search right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/wayne-county-birth-records/. This resource may help you begin the process quickly. Use it if you prefer to jump straight into looking for records. It offers a direct path for those ready to search.

Main Office for Wayne County Birth Records

Wayne County Clerk's Office

The chief place to get Wayne County Birth Records is the Wayne County Clerk's Office. This office holds the official birth files for most people born in the county. They provide certified copies needed for many tasks. These tasks include getting a passport or driver's license. They also help with school enrollment or claiming benefits. You must go to the right office for these key papers.

The Birth & Death Records Division is inside the Wayne County building. The full street address is 400 Monroe Street, Suite 605, Detroit, MI 48226. Knowing the suite number helps find the right spot fast. The main phone line for this division is (313) 967-6938. Call them if you have questions before you visit or send mail. They can tell you what you need to bring. Make sure you have all items ready. This will save you time.

Office hours are key for planning a visit. They are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Thursdays, they stay open late until 7:00 PM. This helps people who work standard day hours. Note that the office closes for lunch each day. The lunch break is from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Plan your visit around this break. You can find more details on their website section for vital records. Check the site before going. It may have updates on hours or rules.

State Level Option for Birth Records

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

You can also get Michigan birth records from the state. The MDHHS Vital Records Office in Lansing holds records from all counties. This includes Wayne County. This is a good choice if you live far from Detroit. It is also good if you need records from other Michigan counties too. The state office keeps birth files going back to 1867. But, some very old records, like those before 1906, might not have been filed with the state back then. So, some older records may be missing from the state files. Always check if the record is likely to be there based on the birth year.

To ask for a record by mail from the state, use this address. Send your request form and payment to: Vital Records Request, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909. Using the P.O. Box ensures it gets to the right place. For questions, you can call (517) 335-8666. This number has recorded info and an option to talk to staff. Their website has forms and more details. Look at the MDHHS Vital Records page. Getting records from the state takes time by mail. They do offer a faster rush service for an extra fee if you need it quick.

Specific Locations within Wayne County

City of Detroit Birth Records

If you need a birth record for someone born in Detroit, you must go to the Wayne County Clerk. The City of Detroit's own vital records office closed in December 2013. All their birth and death files were moved to Wayne County. So, the process is the same as for anyone else born in Wayne County outside Detroit. Use the Wayne County Clerk's address: 400 Monroe Street, Suite 605, Detroit, MI 48226. Their phone is (313) 967-6938. Do not try to contact the old Detroit city office. It no longer handles these records.

Grosse Pointe Communities Birth Records

Birth records for people born in Grosse Pointe Farms or Grosse Pointe Woods are kept by the Wayne County Clerk. Use the main Wayne County Clerk's office information found in Section I. However, there is one key exception.

If the birth happened at Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital (which used to be Bon Secours Hospital), that record is different. You must get birth certificates from the City of Grosse Pointe Clerk's office for births at that hospital. Their office is at 17147 Maumee Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230. You can call them at (313) 885-5800. Be sure you know where the birth took place. This will tell you if you need to contact Wayne County or the City of Grosse Pointe Clerk.

How to Request Certified Copies from Wayne County Clerk

In-Person Requests

You can get a Wayne County Birth Record copy in person. But, you must make an appointment first. The Wayne County Clerk's office does not take walk-ins for vital records now. They have an online system called eScheduler to book your time slot. Check their website for the link to schedule. This rule helps manage wait times due to staff limits. Go to the Birth & Death Records Division at 400 Monroe Street, Suite 605, Detroit, MI 48226 for your set time.

Bring a valid photo ID with you. This can be your current driver's license. A state-issued ID card or a U.S. passport also works. You need ID to prove who you are and that you can get the record. For payment, they take cash or credit cards. They also accept money orders. Do not bring a personal check. The office does not take personal checks for vital records fees. The good part of going in person with an appointment is speed. They often provide same-day service for getting your certified copy.

Mail Requests

Requesting a birth certificate by mail is also an option. First, you should get the correct application form. You can usually find this form on the Wayne County Clerk's website. Fill out the form fully and clearly. You need to provide key details about the person on the birth record. This includes their full name at birth. You also need the exact date of birth. The city or township in Wayne County where they were born is needed. List the mother's full maiden name. Add the father's full name if he is on the record.

You must also include your own details. Write your full name, current address, and phone number. State your relationship to the person whose record you need. Send a clear photocopy of your valid photo ID with the application. For payment, you must use a money order, cashier's check, or certified check. Make it payable to "Wayne County Clerk". Remember, they do not accept personal checks sent by mail. Mail everything together to this address: Wayne County Clerk's Office, c/o Birth & Death Records Division, 400 Monroe Street, Suite 605, Detroit, MI 48226. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits. Processing time can vary.

Eligibility and Identification Requirements (Michigan Law)

Who Can Request

Not just anyone can get a certified copy of a Michigan birth record. State law makes these records confidential. Access is limited to protect people's privacy and identity. You must be eligible to receive a certified copy. Eligible people include:

• The person named on the birth certificate (the registrant).

• A parent whose name is on the birth certificate.

• A legal guardian of the person on the certificate (you need to show proof of guardianship).

• A legal representative (like an attorney) acting for one of the eligible people (proof is required).

• An heir of the person named on the certificate, if that person is deceased. You must show proof of death and proof of your relationship (like your own birth certificate).

Valid Identification Needed

When you request a birth certificate, you must prove your identity. This rule applies whether you ask in person or by mail. You need to provide a copy of a valid, government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms of ID usually include:

• A current driver's license from any U.S. state.

• A state-issued non-driver photo ID card.

• A valid U.S. Passport or passport card.

• A valid foreign passport.

• U.S. Military identification card. Check with the Wayne County Clerk or MDHHS if you have questions about acceptable ID. They need to be sure you are who you say you are. They also need to confirm you are eligible to get the record. This step is required by law.

Confidentiality

Michigan law protects vital records. The Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 333.2895) states that information in vital records is confidential. It cannot be disclosed to the general public. Birth records are not public records open to inspection. They are specifically excluded from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under MCL 333.2888(1). Only eligible people, as defined by law (MCL 333.2882), can get certified copies after proving identity and paying the fee. These rules help prevent identity theft and fraud.

Fees for Birth Records

Wayne County Clerk Fees

The cost to get a certified copy of a Wayne County Birth Record from the Clerk's office needs checking. Their website clearly lists fees for death certificates. It is likely the birth certificate fees are the same. The listed fee structure is:

• $24.00 for the first certified copy. This fee usually includes the search cost.

• $7.00 for each additional copy of the same record, if you order them at the same time. It is best to call the Clerk's office at (313) 967-6938 to confirm the exact fee for birth records before sending payment or visiting. Remember the payment types accepted: cash, credit card, money order, cashier's check, or certified check (no personal checks).

State of Michigan (MDHHS) Fees

If you order from the State Vital Records office (MDHHS), the fees are set by state law (MCL 333.2891). The current state fees are:

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

• $16.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.

• $12.00 extra if you need them to search more than one year.

• $12.00 extra for expedited (rush) service.

• $14.00 special rate for seniors (age 65 or older) requesting their own birth record (first copy only). State fees can be paid by personal check or money order. Make it payable to "State of Michigan".

Record Availability and Types

Certified Copies

The main type of record issued is a certified copy. This is an official copy printed on special security paper. It has a raised seal and the signature of the registrar (County Clerk or State Registrar). Certified copies are needed for most legal purposes. These include proving age, identity, or parentage. You need them for things like getting a social security card or applying for benefits. Uncertified copies or simple printouts are usually not accepted for official use. Both Wayne County and the State of Michigan issue certified copies.

Historical Scope

Birth registration became required in Michigan in 1867. Both the state (MDHHS) and Wayne County should have records dating back close to that year. However, compliance was not perfect in the early years. Records for births before about 1906 might be missing or incomplete. They may not have been filed correctly at the time. If you seek a very old record, be aware it might be hard to find. Records after the early 1900s are generally much more complete.

Affidavit of Parentage Records

The State Vital Records office (MDHHS) also handles Affidavit of Parentage records. These documents are used to legally establish paternity, often when parents are not married at the time of birth. The state's Central Paternity Registry has these records filed since June 1, 1997. You can order copies from MDHHS using the same process as birth records. Affidavits filed before that date must be obtained from the court where they were originally filed.

Amending or Correcting Records

Sometimes, a birth certificate contains an error. It might be a misspelled name or wrong date. Michigan law allows for corrections or amendments to birth records. This process is handled by the State Registrar at MDHHS, not the county clerk. You need to submit an application to amend the record. You also need documents proving the correct information.

There are fees for amending records, set by MCL 333.2891.

• The fee is $50.00 to apply for an amendment if it's more than one year after the birth. This covers adding info or fixing errors.

• The fee is also $50.00 to create a new certificate after events like adoption, legal name change, or establishing parentage.

• There is an extra $25.00 fee if you request expedited processing for the amendment. Contact MDHHS Vital Records directly for forms and specific instructions on how to amend a birth record.

Relevant Michigan Laws and Codes

Several Michigan laws and rules govern vital records like birth certificates. Understanding these can be helpful.

• Michigan Public Health Code: The main law covering vital records starts around section MCL 333.2801. This part of the code sets up the system for recording births, deaths, marriages, etc.

• Eligibility and Access: MCL 333.2882 defines who is allowed to get certified copies.

• Fees: MCL 333.2891 lists the fees the state registrar must charge for copies, searches, and amendments. County fees are often similar but can vary slightly.

• Confidentiality: MCL 333.2888 and MCL 333.2895 establish that birth records are confidential and not public under FOIA.

• Record Preparation Standards: Rules like Mich. Admin. Code R. 325.3206 specify how vital records must be filled out (e.g., using black ink, required signatures) to be accepted for filing. These laws ensure records are accurate and secure.