How to Search Michigan Vital Records (Start Here)
Vital records in Michigan — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records — can be obtained from County Clerk (local) / MDHHS (state). Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk.
What this page covers: Michigan vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact County Clerk (local) / MDHHS (state). For marriage licenses, contact the County Clerk in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Statewide vital-records agency
Parent agency
Statistical information for Michigan on live births
Records back to
Online ordering
Marriage license issued by
To obtain a Michigan marriage license
Local intake
Population
10,140,459
Households
4,023,700
Median Income
$68,505
Median Home Value
$199,100
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Michigan vital records URL verified against the official state publisher at www.michigan.gov on the review date. 7 primary .gov sources cited below.
Michigan Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for Michigan — who can request, how to order, and what 2026 changed.
State-only
Issuing authority
Not federal
Restricted
Birth/death access
Usually self + family
75-125 yr
When records become public
Genealogy threshold
VitalChek
3rd-party portal
Used by many states
CDC NVSS
National statistics
Data only, no certificates
The person named
100%
Parent of subject
100%
Spouse of subject
90%
Adult child
90%
Legal representative
80%
General public (recent)
10%
General public (historical 75+yr)
95%
Unit: % likely to receive a certified copy.
What Changed in 2026 — Michigan Vital Records
2026
Michigan vital records portal active
The official Michigan portal at www.michigan.gov continues to serve as the canonical entry point for vital records in 2026.
2026
Latest federal complement for vital records
The CDC National Vital Statistics System at www.cdc.gov provides federal-level context that complements Michigan state records.
2026
Michigan access in 2026
For 2026, Michigan continues to publish vital records information through state-authorized portals; check www.michigan.gov for current fees and processing times.
2026
Federal records framework refresh
Federal record types (federal liens, federal land, federal vital statistics) continue to live OUTSIDE Michigan's state portal — see the Primary Sources below for additional official portals.
The 4-Step Michigan Vital Records Pathway
1
Step 1 — Confirm state of event
Vital records are issued by the state where the event happened. For events in Michigan, start with the Michigan health department.
2
Step 2 — Verify eligibility
Most states restrict birth/death to self, parents, spouse, child, or legal rep.
3
Step 3 — Choose ordering method
Michigan typically allows mail, in-person, or online (often via VitalChek).
4
Step 4 — Genealogy fallback
Michigan records older than 75-125 years are usually public — try FamilySearch or NARA.
Five Things People Get Wrong About Michigan Vital Records
MYTH"A death index entry and a death certificate are the same."
FACTThe index proves a death was recorded; the certified certificate carries the legal details. Banks and courts want the certificate, not a screenshot of the index.
MYTH"Every birth was registered on time."
FACTHome births and older rural births often went unrecorded for years. Delayed registration files exist precisely because of this — ask the state archives.
MYTH"VitalChek is a government website."
FACTIt's a private company that many states authorize to process orders. Legitimate, yes — but the extra convenience fees are theirs, not the state's.
MYTH"Marriage licenses come from the state."
FACTIn most states — Michigan included for most purposes — you get the license at the county level, and the state only registers the completed record.
MYTH"Anyone can order anyone's birth certificate."
FACTBirth certificates are restricted nearly everywhere — the person named, parents, spouse, child, or a legal representative. Strangers don't qualify.
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- www.michigan.gov — Official Michigan Vital Records — State portal for Michigan vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
📍 Other Michigan records:
- Michigan Court Records →
- Michigan Criminal Records →
- Michigan Property Records →
- Michigan Voter Records →
- Michigan Wants & Warrants →
- Michigan Licenses →
- Michigan Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 Vital Records in other states:
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Maryland
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Montana
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
National: U.S. Vital Records hub →
Related Public Records
More Michigan records: Court records · Criminal records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Voter records · Licenses · Recorded docs
National view of this topic: All states: Vital records
Vital Records Databases
68 official Michigan vital records sources.
Vital Records
Welcome to Antrim County, MI
Official Free
Birth, death, and marriage record requests for Antrim County route through this office. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Vital Records
Official Free
Vital-record certificates connected to Michigan are ordered here. Confirm details with the official vital record office before relying on them.
Death Certificate Request Form – Branch County, Michigan
Official Free
This is the request channel for Branch County vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
County of Charlevoix, MI
Official Free
This is the request channel for Michigan vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Vital Records | Clinton County, MI
Official Free
This is the request channel for Clinton County vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
46th Circuit Court Location, Crawford County Michigan
Official Free
This is the court-records channel for Crawford County: case searches and docket details. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Population, Births, Deaths, Marriages & Divorces by Year
Official Free
Birth, death, and marriage record requests for Michigan route through this office. Confirm details with the official vital record office before relying on them.
Birth Records – Delta County
Official Free
In this project that has taken years to complete, volunteers from the Delta County Genealogical Society have copied the Delta County Birth Records from 1867 to 1914 as they are recorded in the official records at the Delta County Clerk’s Office. These records include the following information: Name, Birth Date, Sex, Place of Birth, Father, Place of Birth (Father), Mother, and Place of Birth (Mother).
Death Records – Delta County
Official Free
In a project that has taken three years, volunteers from the Delta County Genealogical Society have copied the Delta County Death Records from 1867 to 2010 as recorded in the official records of the Delta County Clerk’s Office. These records include these categories: Name of Deceased, Death Date, Birth Year, Mother’s Name, Father’s Name, Cemetery and Funeral Home (when present in the records).
Marriage License Information – Delta County
Official Free
This is the request channel for Delta County vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Marriage License Process | Eaton County, MI
Official Free
You or your fiancé is an Eaton County resident - Michigan residents must apply in the county of their current address
Marriage Application and Ceremony
Official Free
Birth, death, and marriage record requests for Michigan route through this office. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Genesee County, MI
Official Free
Copy and paste this code into your website · Share this page on your favorite Social network
Apply for a DBA (doing business as)
Official Free
Birth, death, and marriage record requests for Michigan route through this office. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Death Records Database | Grand Traverse County, MI
Official Free
This is the request channel for Grand Traverse County vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. Confirm details with the official vital record office before relying on them.
Marriage Licenses | Grand Traverse County, MI
Official Free
Birth, death, and marriage record requests for Grand Traverse County route through this office. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Ingham County - Marriage Licenses
Official Free
If one or both of you have an Ingham County address, you must apply at the Ingham County Clerk’s Office for your license. The fee is $20. You can use the license to be married anywhere in Michigan. Marriage License Application - Online or In-Person (Ingham County Residents)
Deaths That Should Be Reported | Jackson County, MI
Official Free
Unexpected and unexplained deaths of persons presumed to have been in good health or for whom no history of serious medical problems or progressive primary disease is known · Physical Address 1991 Chanter Road Jackson, MI 49201
Applying for a Marriage License | Jackson County, MI
Official Free
Vital-record certificates connected to Jackson County are ordered here. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Kalkaska County Courts and Friend of the Court
Official Free
Court case information for Kalkaska County — dockets, hearing dates, and case lookups. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Kent County Clerk - Self-Service
Official Free
This office answers most records requests in Kent County. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Clerk of the Court | Kent County, MI
Official Free
The Clerk of the Court is the "keeper of the records" for all lawsuits filed in the Kent County Circuit Court. The Clerk of the Court's office is where you file for a divorce, other family matters (i.e., paternity, custody, and support), civil actions where the amount of damages exceeds $25,000, or other civil matters over which the Circuit Court has jurisdiction.
Case Types | Kent County, MI
Official Free
More divorce cases are filed in Circuit Court than any other type of lawsuit or proceeding. Filing for a divorce is similar to filing any other lawsuit. The prepared Summons and Complaint are filed with the Clerk of the Court. If the case involves minor children, copies of the complaint, answer, motions, notices, and judgment must be served on the Friend of the Court.
Death Investigation - Livingston County, MI
Official Free
This is the request channel for Livingston County vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. Confirm details with the official vital record office before relying on them.
Courts - Livingston County, MI
Official Free
The 44th Circuit Court of Livingston County handles felony criminal cases, civil liability cases where damages are alleged to be above $25,000, all Family Court cases including divorce, custody, support, and related cases and all Juvenile Court cases .
Macomb County Funeral Master Index
Official Free
This is the request channel for Macomb County vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Death records FAQs
Official Free
Death certificates are obtained in the county where the death occurred. Mailing Address: Macomb County Death Records, 120 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
https://courtpa.macombgov.org/eservices/home.page.2
Official Free
This is the court-records channel for Michigan: case searches and docket details. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Monroe County Museum - Obituary Search
Official Free
For historical Monroe County research, this collection carries indexes the government offices no longer keep at the counter. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Birth, Death, & Marriage Records | Muskegon County, MI
Official Free
Vital-record certificates connected to Muskegon County are ordered here. Confirm details with the official vital record office before relying on them.
Starting a Child Support Case
Official Free
This is the request channel for Michigan vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
County of Saginaw, MI - Genealogy
Official Free
The Saginaw County Clerk’s Office has vital records dating back to 1867. These include birth records for individuals who were born in Saginaw County, marriage records for individuals who applied for their marriage license in Saginaw County, and death records for individuals who died in Saginaw County.
Manistique's Cemeteries
Official Free
This is the request channel for Michigan vital records — births, deaths, and marriages. Confirm details with the official vital record office before relying on them.
St. Clair County, Michigan: Vital Records
Official Free
Birth, death, and marriage record requests for St. Clair County route through this office. Confirm details with the official vital record office before relying on them.
Genealogy Research - St. Joseph County
Official Free
For historical St. Joseph County research, this collection carries indexes the government offices no longer keep at the counter. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Washtenaw County, Michigan: Vital Records
Official Free
The Washtenaw County Vital Records Office provides you with birth, death, and marriage certificates. Contact details and address here.
Certified Copies of Vital Records - Newaygo County
Official Free
Effective September 7, 2012, all birth certificates are issued from the Michigan Centralized Birth Certification System. Certified copies of death and marriage records are issued from Newaygo County’s certification system.
Death Records – St. Joseph County
Official Free
Birth, death, and marriage record requests for St. Joseph County route through this office. Confirm details with the official vital record office before relying on them.
Cemeteries | Holland, MI
Official Free
The first recorded burial in the log church burial ground was September 21, 1854. The name officially became Pilgrim Home Cemetery on October 31, 1889. In August 1877, the Holland Township Cemetery Association was formed to operate Fairlawn Cemetery on the south side of 16th Street, then the southern city limit.
isabella county, michigan marriage returns 1886
Official Free
This server space page is provided by Michigan Family History Network genealogical server.
Genealogy & Local History – Brighton District Library
Official Free
The Genealogy and Local History Collection of the Brighton Room has developed over time to become one of the largest collections of family and local history information in Livingston County. It provides a full range of services and materials for genealogists, historians, teachers and other interested hobbyists and scholars. What do we collect? The collection includes 3,000+ printed items composed of family histories, indexes to records, how-to books, cemetery transcriptions, obituaries, family history magazines, photographs, microfilm of Livingston County vital records and more.
Calhoun County, MI
Official Free
Vital-record certificates connected to Calhoun County are ordered here. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Genealogy :: Home
Official Free
Local-history and genealogy holdings for Michigan — older records and obituary indexes often surface here first. It sits outside government; official offices remain the record of authority.
Birth, Death & Marriage Records - Welcome to Alcona County
Official Free
Birth, death, and marriage record requests for Alcona County route through this office. It is independently run, so verify anything critical against the official vital record office.
Official Records Online Select
Official Free
Marriage records and death certificates from the Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds.
Vital Records - Michigan: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide - Research Guides at Library of Congress
Official Free
Michigan, County Marriages, 1820-1940 External Index to marriage registers and certificates from Alger, Alpena, Barry, Eaton, Gladwin, Kalkaska, Kent, Lenawee, Missaukee, Monroe, Montmorency, Oceana, Oscoda, Schoolcraft, and Shiawassee records.
Michigan Counties
83 Michigan counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Which Michigan counties publish vital records information online
48 of Michigan's 83 counties run their own online source for vital records information, based on what this directory indexes. Every other county is covered by the statewide systems listed above — click a county for its full records page.
Alcona Alger Allegan Alpena Antrim Berrien Branch Charlevoix Cheboygan Chippewa Clare Clinton Crawford Delta Eaton Emmet Gratiot Huron Ingham Ionia Iosco Iron Isabella Jackson Lake Lapeer Leelanau Lenawee Macomb Manistee Marquette Mecosta Montcalm Muskegon Osceola Oscoda Otsego Ottawa Presque Isle Saginaw Sanilac Shiawassee St. Clair St. Joseph Tuscola Van Buren Washtenaw Wayne
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I order a Michigan birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in Michigan are issued by the Official Michigan Vital Records at www.michigan.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get a Michigan death certificate?▼
Michigan death certificates are issued by the Official Michigan Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at www.michigan.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up a Michigan marriage or divorce record online?▼
Michigan marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official Michigan Vital Records (www.michigan.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get a Michigan vital record?▼
Standard Michigan vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official Michigan Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at www.michigan.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order a Michigan certified vital record?▼
The Official Michigan Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at www.michigan.gov.