Get a Death Certificate in Bay County, MI
Here's what to expect at the County Clerk — fees, what to bring, and where to go.
Birth certificates page: "FIRST COPY: $15.00 EACH ADDITIONAL COPY: $5". source ↗ Michigan caps this: MCL § 333.2891(4) sets $34.00 for a search including one certified copy, and § 2891(18)(a) lets the county adopt fees “less than or equal to” that — which is why Bay County's figure is lower.
What to bring
- The name of the deceased, the date of death, and the county where the death occurred.
- Photo identification for yourself. Unlike a birth record, a Michigan death record is NOT restricted — MCL 333.2882(1)(c) has the registrar issue a certified copy "to any applicant", cause of death included — but the office will still identify you and record the request.
- Payment in a form this office takes — several Michigan clerks are cash, check or money order only at the counter.
If you need several copies, ask for them in one visit: the additional-copy rate is lower than the first-copy rate everywhere it is published.
Births and deaths in Michigan are held by the county where the event happened, and the county clerk acts as local registrar (MCL § 333.2815). The state registrar in Lansing can also issue a copy by post for $34.00, so the counter is usually cheaper and faster. Call (989) 895-4280 to confirm.
This is the STATE postal application. Your County Clerk can usually issue a copy over the counter for less — try there first. Fees on this form: $34.00 base, $12.00 per extra year searched, $16.00 per additional copy, $12.00 to expedite.
This page shows the best information we have for Bay County. Fees and hours may vary — call ahead to confirm before visiting.