Michigan gives families two ways to request death certificates: through the state office in Lansing, or through the county clerk's office where the death was registered — which is almost always faster. Here's how to navigate both options, the actual cost, and how many copies your family will need.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Michigan?
State level: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics. Phone: (517) 335-8666. Address: 333 South Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933. Website: michigan.gov/mdhhs.
County level: Every Michigan county clerk's office also maintains death records for deaths registered in that county and can issue certified copies — typically much faster than going through the state office.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Michigan
- Online or by phone: Order through VitalChek, Michigan's only authorized online vendor, at 866-443-9897 (24/7). You can select in-person Will Call pickup (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.) as part of an online order.
- By mail: Mail a completed application, a photocopy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to the State of Michigan to the Lansing address above.
- Drop box: Leave a sealed envelope with your completed application, fee, and ID copy in the drop box in the main lobby at 333 S. Grand Ave., Lansing — available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- In person at MDHHS: By appointment only, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Walk-in same-day service is not currently available.
- County clerk's office: Contact the clerk of the county where the death was registered. Many counties process requests faster than the state and don't require a trip to Lansing.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can request certified copies as part of the death registration process.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Michigan?
MDHHS charges a $34 search fee for the first certified copy, and $16 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Online orders through VitalChek add a $14 online processing fee on top of the $34 search fee, plus VitalChek's own credit card handling charge, and a further $12 if you request rush processing. County clerk fees vary by county and are generally comparable to or lower than the state rate.
Pro tip
Michigan's additional-copy rate ($16 each) is far lower than the first copy ($34). If you need 10 copies from the state, mailing one application for all of them costs $34 + ($16 × 9) = $178 — much less than 10 separate requests. Order everything you'll need in one batch.
What will it cost in Michigan?
- First certified copy
- $34
- Each additional copy
- $16
- Total for 10 copies
- $178
- Typical across all states
- $137Above average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Plan for 8–10 certified copies. You'll need originals for banks and financial accounts, each insurance policy, the Michigan Probate Court, Social Security, vehicle title transfers, and any real estate transactions.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Michigan.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Michigan?
Michigan restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest: the surviving spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or other next of kin; the personal representative (Michigan's term for executor) of the estate; licensed attorneys; law enforcement with an authorized need; and persons with a documented legitimate purpose. You'll need to provide a copy of your government-issued ID and state your relationship to the decedent.
Processing Timeline
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| State (MDHHS), regular processing | 10–12 weeks |
| State (MDHHS), expedited processing | 8–10 weeks |
| Drop box | Same as regular mail processing once received |
| In-person appointment, Lansing | By appointment only; Tuesdays/Thursdays |
| County clerk | Often 1–3 business days |
| Through funeral home | Typically arranged in the first 1–2 weeks |
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Michigan. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Michigan may change. Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for guidance specific to your situation.