Anyone is eligible to receive a certified copy of a Michigan death, marriage or divorce record if he or she makes the request in writing and prepays the required search fee (MCL 333.2882(1c)) and (MCL 333.2882(1d)).  Anyone is also eligible to receive a birth record if that birth occurred at least 100 years ago (MCL 333.2882(1)(b)). A certified copy is printed on special safety paper and contains a raised, embossed seal. PHOTO IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED TO REQUEST A MICHIGAN BIRTH RECORD.

According to MCL 333.2882(1)(a)), only the following parties are eligible for a certified copy of a birth record that is not at least 100 years old:

• The person named on the record,
  
  
• A parent named on the record,
  
  
• A legal guardian of the person named on the record. With your application you must include a copy of the court-appointed legal guardianship papers.  Custody papers are NOT acceptable to request a birth record.
  
  
• A legal licensed representative of the person named on the record.  You must include with the application a letter having your official letterhead stating who you represent.  
  
  
• An heir if the person on the record is deceased.  A copy of a birth record can be released to an heir of a deceased person, but you must state your relationship to the person, provide the decedent's married name at the time of death, and date and place of death.
  
  
• A court of competent jurisdiction that supplies a court order (a Michigan court, a federal court or another jurisdiction whose laws are not in conflict with Michigan laws).
  
  

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Order a birth, death, marriage, or divorce record:
- Online using a credit card
- By mail