Get a Birth Certificate in Ontonagon County, MI
Here's what to expect at the County Clerk — fees, what to bring, and where to go.
"$10 fee for first copy of any vital record", $3.00 for each additional. 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 Ontonagon County's figure is lower.
What to bring — and who is allowed to ask
- Photo identification. A Michigan birth record is restricted: MCL 333.2882(1)(a) lets the registrar issue a certified copy only to the person named on it, a parent named in the record, an heir, legal representative or legal guardian, or a court — so you will be asked to prove which of those you are.
- Proof of relationship if you are not the subject. A parent who is not named on the record, and a sibling, grandparent or cousin, are not on the statutory list; an heir or legal representative brings the document that makes them one.
- The name at birth, the date, and the county of birth. The clerk holds records for births that happened in this county.
- Payment in a form this office takes — several Michigan clerks are cash, check or money order only at the counter.
A birth record 100 or more years old is open to anyone under MCL 333.2882(1)(b), so genealogy requests that far back need no relationship at all.
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 906-884-4255 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 ($14.00 if you are 65+ requesting your own record), $12.00 per extra year searched, $16.00 per additional copy, $12.00 to expedite.
This page shows the best information we have for Ontonagon County. Fees and hours may vary — call ahead to confirm before visiting.