Upon making a written request, a veteran is entitled to one certified copy of a vital record at no charge for the purpose of securing a bonus, pension or compensation (MCL 333.2891(6)). This certified copy will be marked with “For Veterans Benefits Only, Not For Personal Use” and will only be valid for the purpose indicated above. If the veteran is applying for his/her own birth record, photo identification is required.

If the veteran entitled to the record is deceased or mentally incompetent, the copy may be furnished to an eligible heir, legal guardian or legal representative. An agency (i.e. Veteran’s Administration) is not eligible to request a no-fee vital record; the request must come from the veteran or an eligible heir, legal guardian or legal representative.

To apply for the veteran’s benefit copy, please use a regular mail application form. You must indicate on the application that the purpose for requesting the vital record is to secure a veteran’s benefit or pension, and attach a copy of the DD-214 military discharge to the application, as well as photo identification if applying for a birth record.