Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Records
The State of Michigan Vital Records Department is open with limited capacity and by appointment only.
See below for options in performing each service and read the corresponding web page carefully on how to proceed:
Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Records
The Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics registers, preserves, and issues certified copies of vital records. This includes birth, death, fetal death, marriage, and divorce certificates for all events that occur in Michigan, with records dating back to 1867. Vital statistics are compiled from these event registries, and from Michigan’s Central Cancer Registry and Birth Defects Registry, to support public health, policy, and biomedical research.
Order Certificates
The following records are on file with the Michigan Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics for events that occurred in the State of Michigan:
Affidavit of Parentage
June 1, 1997-present (Records filed prior to 1997 may be obtained from the court where they were filed.)
Order by Mail
- Order A Record by Mail Via US Postal Service by downloading and completing the application from this website. Mail the completed application, a photocopy of your valid ID (if applicable), and the fee to the PO Box address listed on the application. Vital records fees are $34. Optional RUSH fees and processing times are listed on each application.**
Order Online
- Order A Record Online from www.VitalChek.com. Fees are $34.00 for the search, $14.00 for the VitalChek processing fee, and $12.00 optional rush fee (This is a two-week processing time). There is an optional overnight delivery fee of $19.75, and you should receive the record in 1-3 business days. Exemplified records are $42.00 plus $14.00 VitalChek processing and optional $25 rush fee. Applying the apostille at the Office of the Great Seal for any request takes an additional 1-2 weeks.**
Order by Phone
- Order A Record by Phone using VitalChek at 866-443-9897. Same processing and fees apply.
Order in Person
Order by Using the Drop Box
- Drop off your completed application along with the proper fee and any necessary ID and/or documentation. All required documents and fees must be in a sealed envelope. Drop Box is located in the main lobby of 333 S. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 and available Monday-Friday, 7:00am - 5:30pm.
Will Call
- Will-Call pick-up is available by using VitalChek. Order online and pick-up your Vital Record within 2-5 business days. Will-Call Dates and Times are limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00am - 2:00pm. Applicant who ordered must pick-up and have valid ID and e-mail confirmation upon arrival. Click here for Will-Call.
Correct a Vital Record
Requests to correct or change Michigan birth and death certificates must be sent through the mail with the appropriate applications and proof. Select a link below for more information.
- Correct a Birth Record
- Correct a Death Record
Please contact our office at 517-335-8666 or VRCustomerService@michigan.gov if you have questions or concerns pertaining to vital records.
Customer Service phone lines will be unavailable from 1:00pm-2:30pm EST on September 18th, 2024.
The State Vital Records Office is closed on recognized state holidays.
**Processing and mail times may be delayed. Applying for a Michigan Vital Record does not guarantee that a record will be found. All search fees are non-refundable.
