Find Michigan Vital Records Online
Are Michigan Vital Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Michigan vital records are generally available to the public, depending on their age. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows public access to most vital records unless restricted by law or court order. Any individual can request a certified copy of death, marriage, or divorce records, as well as birth records that are over 100 years old, provided the request is made in writing and the necessary fees are paid.
What Information is Included in Michigan Vital Records?
Michigan vital records include important details about life events such as:
- Births
- Deaths
- Marriages
- Divorces
These records are maintained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and serve various legal, genealogical, and historical purposes.
How to Access Michigan Vital Records Online?
To access Michigan vital records online, requesters must provide specific information about the record. This includes:
- The location of the event (city, county, or state)
- The name of an individual involved
- The date of the event
- Additional details like parents' names or the presiding judge, if applicable
Requesters should also be prepared to pay any applicable fees, which may vary depending on the method of application. Online applications typically incur additional processing fees.
What Do I Need to Access Michigan Vital Records?
To obtain Michigan vital records, applicants must:
- Submit a request to the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.
- Provide a valid form of identification or proof of legal right to access the record.
- Pay the necessary fees, which may include a processing fee and additional charges for online applications.
For non-certified copies, requesters may apply for a record search and pay a fee of $11.50, even if the records are not found.
Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences
Certified copies are printed on special security paper and feature a raised embossed seal, making them valid for official purposes. They can only be received by mail after all conditions and fees are met. Informational copies, on the other hand, can be printed from online searches or obtained for a lesser fee but are not valid for official use.
Are Michigan Birth Records Available to the Public?
Michigan birth records are not publicly available until 100 years after the birth event. Until then, only the following individuals can access them:
- The person named on the record
- A parent named on the record
- A court-appointed legal guardian
- A legal representative
Once a birth record is over 100 years old, it becomes public information.
How to Access Michigan Birth Records?
To access Michigan birth records, requesters must:
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Submit a request online or to the Vital Records Office of the MDHHS.
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Complete the application form and attach payment in the form of a check or money order.
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Provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
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Enclose the application packet in a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail or submit it in person to:
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Are Birth Certificates Public in Michigan?
Michigan birth certificates are not public records. Access is restricted to the individual named on the record, their immediate family, legal representatives, or those with a court order, as outlined in Michigan Compiled Laws §333.2882.
Are Michigan Death Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Michigan death records are generally available to the public under the Michigan FOIA, unless restricted by law or court order.
How to Access Death Records in Michigan?
To access death records, requesters can:
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Perform a search on the Michigan Genealogical Death Indexing System for deaths over 100 years ago.
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Submit a death certificate search request to the MDHHS for more recent records.
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Complete the application form, attach a government-issued photo ID, and payment in the form of a money order or check.
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Enclose the application packet in a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail it to:
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Are Michigan Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Michigan marriage records are public information and can be accessed by the general public as per the Michigan FOIA.
How to Access Marriage Records in Michigan?
To access marriage records, requesters must:
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Submit a request to the MDHHS or the county clerk's office where the marriage license was issued.
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Complete the application form and attach payment (check or money order).
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Enclose the application packet in a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail or submit it in person to:
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Michigan
To obtain a marriage certificate, requesters must:
- Contact the county clerk's office where the marriage license was issued or the MDHHS.
- Provide valid identification and/or supporting documents to prove eligibility.
- Complete the application form and submit it along with the required fees.
Only the named individuals, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order are authorized to access a certified copy.
Are Michigan Divorce Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Michigan divorce records are public information under the Michigan FOIA, unless restricted by law or court order.
How to Get Divorce Records in Michigan?
To get divorce records, requesters can:
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Perform a search via trusted third-party websites or the state website.
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Submit a request to the Vital Records Office of the MDHHS by mail or in person.
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Complete the application form and attach payment (check or money order).
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Enclose the application packet in a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail it to:
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in Michigan
To obtain a certified divorce certificate, requesters must:
- Contact the county clerk's office where the divorce was granted or the MDHHS.
- Provide valid identification and/or supporting documents to prove eligibility.
- Complete the application form and submit it along with the required fees.
Only the named individuals, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order are authorized to access a certified copy.