How to get birth certificates, marriage licenses and more

When major life events occur, such as a marriage, the birth of a baby, or the death of a loved one, it can be confusing to know what to do next and challenging to have everything organized. But the Oakland County Clerk’s Office is here to help residents obtain certified documents. 

While many services can be conducted online or by mail, sometimes an in-person visit is required. The Clerk’s Office has two locations: 

Marriage Licenses 

Engaged couples can submit a marriage license application, which costs $20 for Michigan residents in person or through the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds webpage. If the couple is not from Michigan but is getting married in Oakland County, the cost is $30, and the license is valid only in Oakland County. If the couple lives in different Michigan counties, they can apply in either county, and the license is valid statewide.  

When filling out the online application, couples will need to provide their: 

• Full names 

• Genders (optional) 

• Addresses 

• Birthplaces 

• Social Security numbers 

• How many times each person has been married 

Couples will also need to provide information for their parents: 

• Full names 

• Addresses 

• Birthplaces 

After applying, couples must pick up the marriage license at the Oakland County Clerk’s Office, following a three-day waiting period, or couples can pay an additional $5 to waive the waiting period. Only one person needs to be present, but they must bring:  

• Confirmation number 

• Valid driver’s licenses or state IDs with current address, which is required of both parties if one is not an Oakland County resident 

• Birth certificates or valid passports for both parties. If a passport is used, full names of both parents and the state or country where they were born must be provided at the time of application. 

• Social Security numbers for both parties 

Marriage licenses expire 33 days from the date of application. If couples pay the extra $5 to waive the waiting period, the license expires in 30 days. 

Unlike other states, Michigan does not allow common law marriages, which is a marriage that exists by agreement, cohabitation, and behaving and speaking as though the couple was married. However, Michigan will recognize common law marriages that occurred: 

• Before 1957 

• In a state that recognizes common law marriage

Obtaining Copies of Marriage, Birth and Death Certificates 

Residents can order a certified copy of their marriage certificate online via the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds webpage, in person or by mail.

The Oakland County Clerk’s Office maintains birth records for births that occurred in Oakland County. Certified copies of birth certificates can be purchased on the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds webpage, in person or by mail. Birth certificates are only available to the person or parent named on the record or a legal guardian. Requestors must provide a copy of a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport, either in person, online, or via US mail. In addition to a driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport, legal guardians, legal representatives, or heirs of the person named on the birth certificate must submit these items: 

• Death certificate of the person
• Heirs must also provide their birth certificates
• Guardianship documents
• Custody orders
• Legal representative documents 

Residents can buy certified copies of death certificates through the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds webpage, in person or by mail. If they don’t know the date of death, they can use the Genealogy Research Service. 

The cost is $15 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies. Service fees apply for online orders. Express mail (2-3 business days) costs $31.40, while regular mail (7-10 business days) is free.

Divorce 

With any legal proceeding, consult with an attorney to make sure all applicable laws and rules of court procedure are followed. If that is not an option, michiganlegalhelp.org contains information on divorce, including divorce with children involved and without children involved, as well as other legal matters.

More legal resources are available at oakgov.com/community/resources. 

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