In Michigan, birth certificates are filed in the county where the person is born, as well as with the Michigan Department of Community Health – Division of Vital Records & Health Statistics.
MCL 333.2882 limits who is eligible to receive a certified copy of a birth record less than 100 years old to the following:
- The individual who is the subject of the record
- A parent named on the record
- An heir of the individual who is the subject of the record
- A Legal Representative of the individual who is subject of the record
- Please note, a Power of Attorney is not acceptable.
- A Legal Guardian of the individual who is subject of the record
- A Court of Competent Jurisdiction
Verification of identity can be provided by photo identification. For a listing of acceptable forms of ID, please click here 
If you meet one of the above listed requirements, there are several options available to obtain a copy of a birth certificate.
Option 1
Send a written request that includes your name, date of birth, and your parents names.
For a request form, click here
You must also provide a photo copy of your picture identification. For a listing of acceptable forms of ID, please click here
The cost of a certified record is $10.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy. You may send a check or money order made payable to the Jackson County Clerk's Office. Our mailing address is: 312 S. Jackson Street, Jackson, MI 49201. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. All mail requests are answered the same day that they are received in our office.
Option 2
If you are in the Jackson area, you may come into our office to purchase certified copies of the record. Our office is located on the first floor of the Jackson County Courthouse, which is on the corner of South Jackson and Wesley Streets. It will take approximately 10 minutes to process your request. Be sure to have your picture ID.
The cost of a certified record is $10.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy. Cash, checks, Visa, or MasterCard are accepted.
Option 3
You may order your record online through the VitalChek Network. Please click on the following link to be redirected to that application: http://www.vitalchek.com/agency_locator.aspx?providerID=80986
Option 4
You may order your record from the Michigan Department of Community Health by completing the application contained in the following link: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/birthapp_6360_7.PDF
If you have additional questions, please call (517) 788-4265 to speak with a Deputy Clerk.
