County Clerk

Birth Certificates (1867 - present)

Only the mother, father, legal guardian, or the individual named on the certificate may order/receive a copy of the birth certificate. Legal Guardian must show guardianship papers. (MCL 333.2882)

Anyone may obtain a copy of a birth record more than 100 years old. If the desired record is less than 100 years old, and the individual is deceased, an heir may obtain it by providing a death certificate and documents to prove heir's relationship.

How to Obtain a Certified Birth Certificate

In Person

The charge for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $10.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record when requested in-person at the Clerk's office. Must present a valid driver's license or other government issued photo ID. Only the mother, father, legal guardian, or the individual named on the certificate may receive a copy.

Online

The search fee for a birth certificate is $10 and includes one certified copy. Additional copies of the same record are $3 for each copy. A convenience fee also applies to your order total for online requests. Search and convenience fees are non-refundable.

Only the mother, father, legal guardian, or the individual named on the certificate may order/receive a copy. Credit card must be in the name of the person eligible.

Mail-In

The search fee for a birth certificate is $10 and includes one certified copy. Additional copies of the same record are $3 for each copy.

Only the mother, father, legal guardian, or the individual named on the certificate may order/receive a copy.

Print and mail the following form:

State of Michigan Birth Records

The following must be obtained from the State of Michigan:

  • Births that occurred outside of Kent County
  • Adoptions before 1979
  • Those born before 1979 and parents were not married
  • Application to correct a certificate of birth
  • Application to name a father on a certificate of birth
  • Affidavit of parentage*

*Affidavit of Parentage

Forms are obtained in accordance with when they were filed.

  • If filed after June 1, 1997, contact the MDCH.
  • If filed prior to June 1, 1997, contact the Probate Court in the county the mother resided at the time of signing, or the Probate Court in the county the child was born.