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Michigan · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics (state level - Lansing)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Michigan birth records less than 100 years old are RESTRICTED. Eligible requesters: the person named on the record (if adult), parents named on the record, legal heir of the person named, court-appointed guardian, Power of Attorney (must specifically grant access to vital records), or licensed attorney representing any of the above. IMPORTANT: Michigan law does NOT allow a spouse to order their partner's birth record - the person named must place their own order.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (Lansing - appointment preferred): MDHHS Division of Vital Records, 333 South Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933; schedule appointment online; in-person orders processed same day when available
  4. DROP BOX: Drop box available at Vital Records office for applications; processed within standard timeframes
  5. BY MAIL: Complete Michigan birth certificate application; include photocopy of valid photo ID; check or money order payable to "State of Michigan"; mail to: Vital Records Request, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909
  6. ONLINE (RUSH): Order online at michigan.gov/mdhhs/vitalrecords using debit or credit card; RUSH fee of $12 additional per order; VitalChek charges additional $11.50 credit card handling fee
  7. PHONE: Call (517) 335-8666 - press option for ordering
  8. Submit with valid photo ID copy
  9. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate application (specific to birth records)
  • Valid photo ID copy
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another
  • Payment: check or money order to "State of Michigan" for mail; debit/credit card for online/in-person
Fee
$34.00 basic search fee (includes one certified copy if record found; same fee if not found); each additional copy of same record ordered at same time: $16.00; SENIOR DISCOUNT: age 65+ requesting own record: $14.00; RUSH online order: additional $12.00 (plus VitalChek $11.50)
Processing Time
In person: same day (when available); mail: several weeks; online RUSH: expedited
Online Option
Yes - online RUSH order at michigan.gov/mdhhs/vitalrecords; or VitalChek; RUSH fee applies
Where to Go
MDHHS Division of Vital Records, 333 South Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 (by appointment); P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909 (mail)
Michigan Notes

Important state-specific details

  • IMPORTANT: Michigan law prohibits spouses from ordering each other's birth records - the person named on the record must order their own.
  • Michigan birth records restricted for 100 years; after 100 years, accessible to anyone.
  • Records available since 1867; some pre-1906 records were not filed with the state.
  • Senior discount: age 65+ requesting own birth record: $14 (vs. standard $34).
  • RUSH online order adds $12 state fee plus VitalChek $11.50 handling - significant extra cost.
  • Death, marriage, and divorce records in Michigan are PUBLIC RECORDS - anyone can request.
  • Wayne County: may also obtain records from Wayne County Health Department.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Michigan MDHHS Division of Vital Records - michigan.gov/mdhhs/vitalrecords | (517) 335-8666 | 333 South Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933; mail: P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909