Vital records office in Michigan
How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from Michigan for immigration filings, USCIS evidence, school enrollment, or any other purpose.
Michigan
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Birth
Event: Birth or Affidavit of Parentage Cost of copy: $34.00 (Rush fee additional $12.00) Address: Vital Records Request P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909 Remarks: State office has records of births that occurred and were filed with the state since 1867. Some of the records (especially pre-1906 births) were not filed with the state. Affidavit of Parentage records are on file in the Central Paternity Registry since June 1, 1997 and can be ordered from the State Office. Records prior to that date would have to be obtained from the court where they were filed. Personal check or money order should be made payable to State of Michigan . Fees are $34.00 for the search and first certified copy of any birth or Affidavit of Parentage record. Exception is Senior Citizen age 65+ ($14.00) requesting their own birth record. Additional copies of any record ordered at the same time are $16.00 each. To request an application call the recorded message at (517) 335-8666 and press option #1, to leave your name and mailing address with type of application needed. To speak to a customer service representative call 517-335-8666 and press option #3. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website . Michigan birth records and Affidavit of Parentage records are restricted documents and are available only to eligible individuals. A photocopy of an eligible individual’s current photo identification (state driver’s license, state personal ID card, or passport, etc. is required to be sent in, along with the signed application and appropriate fee. Copies of records may also be obtained from the County Clerk in county where event occurred. Fees vary from county to county. City of Detroit Vital Records office was closed effective 12/13/13 and all records transferred to Wayne County. You may obtain Detroit records from the State Office or the Wayne County Office. Death
Event: Death Cost of copy: $34.00 (Rush fee additional $12.00) Address: Vital Records Request P.O. Box 30721 Lansing, MI 48909 Remarks: State office has records of deaths that occurred and were filed with the state since 1867. Some of the records (especially pre-1897 deaths) were not filed with the state. Death records are not restricted so anyone can order. Personal check or money order should be made payable to State of Michigan . Fees are $34.00 for the search and first certified copy of any death record. Additional copies of any record ordered at the same time are $16.00 each. To request an application the telephone number is (517) 335-8666 and press option #1. This will be a recorded message. To speak to a customer service representative call 517-335-8666 and press option #3. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website . City of Detroit Vital Records office was
Michigan vital records office details
- CDC W2W (Where to Write) page: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/michigan.htm
Why immigrants need certified vital records
USCIS, courts, schools, and many other US agencies require certified vital records (not photocopies) for:
- I-130 family petition — birth certificate proves family relationship
- I-485 adjustment of status — birth certificate of applicant and beneficiaries
- N-400 naturalization — marriage certificate if applying under spouse-of-USC 3-year rule
- Apostille — for use of US documents in foreign countries (your home country may require US apostille)
- School enrollment — proof of date of birth
- Real ID applications — proof of identity
Apostille and authentication
If you need to use a Michigan vital record OUTSIDE the United States (e.g., for use at your home country’s consulate), you typically need an apostille from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office. See /procedures/apostille-document/ for the process.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — your home country’s transcription/legalization of US records
- Translate documents for USCIS — certified-translation standard
- Apostille (document legalization) — for use abroad
- USCIS Form I-130 — family petition — uses vital records as evidence
- USCIS Form N-400 — naturalization — vital records for marriage-based 3-year rule
Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the Michigan office.
Order vital records in Michigan
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by each state. Use your state's official guide:
- Michigan — how to order birth, death & marriage certificates (official CDC guide)
Birth certificate copy: about $34.00 (verify current fee)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get a US birth certificate from Michigan?
How do I get a marriage certificate from Michigan?
What if my certificate is in Spanish or another language?
Can I order vital records for someone else?
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.