REQUESTING A MICHIGAN DEATH RECORD
The Michigan Vital Records Office has records of deaths that occurred in Michigan and were filed with the state since 1867.
Some records were not filed with the state; some records are missing from the pre-1906 files. Death records are not restricted
documents in Michigan. Anyone can request that a search be conducted if the application is completed, signed, and submitted
with the required fee paid.
Short Form versus Long Form – A short form record includes pertinent facts of who is deceased, when and where the death
occurred, but no medical information or manner of death. A long form record includes the full death registration including the
medical conditions reported and other circumstances which led to death.
PROCESSING TIMES FOR MAILED REQUESTS
Approximately 4 to 6 weeks of in-office processing at MDHHS, plus an additional 1 to 2 weeks at the Secretary of State’s
Office of the Great Seal. Then sent via regular mail. Completion time may vary, depending on volume of requests received.
Approximately 2 to 3 weeks of in-office processing at MDHHS, plus an additional 1 to 2 weeks at the Secretary of State’s
Office of the Great Seal. Then sent via regular mail.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Results are sent USPS First Class Mail, Pre-Paid envelopes will NOT be accepted
If you find that the above processing times do not meet your needs, please visit www.michigan.gov/vitalrecords or call our
Eligibility Unit at 517-335-8666 to speak with a customer service representative about available options.
MAIL APPLICATION (WITH CHECK OR MONEY ORDER)
Vital Records Requests
P.O. Box 30721
Vital Records RUSH
P.O. Box 30721
ALTERNATIVE ORDERING OPTIONS
Visit www.michigan.gov/vitalrecords to place an online order via VitalChek. There is an additional $14.00 processing fee.
There is an optional UPS Air delivery fee of $19.75, Rush processing would also be added, and the record would be
received in approx. 7 to 14 business days.
A credit or debit card is required for payment at the time of ordering online. VitalChek is the ONLY authorized service
provider for online ordering for the State of Michigan Vital Records Office.
Call 866-443-9897 to place a phone order via VitalChek. There is an additional $14.00 processing fee.
There is an optional UPS Air delivery fee of $19.75, Rush processing would also be added, and the record would be
received in approx. 7 to 14 business days.
A credit or debit card is required for payment at the time of placing your phone order. VitalChek is the ONLY authorized
service provider for the State of Michigan Vital Records Office.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) does not discriminate against any individual or group because of race, religion, age,
national origin, color, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political belief, or disability.
DCH-0569-DX-AUTH (Rev. 10-23) By Authority of MCL 333.2882(1)(a)(b) and MCL 333.2891(1-4) (8)