How do I get a copy of a death 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

Note: Michigan death certificates are PUBLIC RECORDS - no proof of relationship required; any person may request in writing with prepayment of the search fee.
Choose your method:
IN PERSON (Lansing): MDHHS Division of Vital Records, 333 South Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933; appointment preferred; same-day service when available
BY MAIL: Complete death certificate application; include copy 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
ONLINE (RUSH): Online at michigan.gov/mdhhs/vitalrecords using debit or credit card; RUSH fee $12 additional; VitalChek handling fee $11.50
PHONE: (517) 335-8666
Submit with valid ID copy (required for identification even though record is public)
Pay the fee

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Completed death certificate application
Copy of valid photo ID (for identification purposes)
Payment: check or money order to "State of Michigan" for mail; card for online/in-person

Fee

$34.00 basic search fee (includes one certified copy; same fee if not found); each additional copy of same record ordered at same time: $16.00; RUSH online: additional $12.00 + VitalChek $11.50 handling

Processing Time

In person: same day (when available); mail: several weeks; online RUSH: expedited

Online Option

Yes - michigan.gov/mdhhs/vitalrecords; VitalChek

Where to Go

MDHHS Division of Vital Records, 333 South Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933; mail: P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909

Michigan Notes

Important state-specific details

Michigan death certificates are PUBLIC RECORDS - any person may request; no relationship proof needed.
Same applies to marriage and divorce records.
Records available from 1867; some pre-1897 deaths were not filed with the state.
$34 fee is non-refundable if no record found (covers search cost).
Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
Funeral homes assist with initial filing for recent deaths.

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