How to obtain a death certificate in Michigan

After a loved one passes away, obtaining a death certificate is one of the most important steps that needs to be taken. This document is crucial for arranging the funeral, carrying out organ donation, executing the will, and other such actions.

The process of obtaining a death certificate varies from state to state and even from county to county. To make the process easier, we have compiled the information you need to obtain a death certificate based on your location.

If your loved one passed away in Michigan, you may order their death certificate online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Details for obtaining a death certificate in these different ways are below:

  1. Online

    To get a death certificate online, visit VitalChek, a third-party entity, and follow the prompts. You may be charged a fee for their services in addition to the fee for obtaining a death certificate.

  2. By Phone

    To get a death certificate by phone, call VitalChek, a third-party entity at (866) 443-9897. You will need to have a credit card on hand for payment.

  3. By Mail

    To get a death certificate by mail, print and fill out this application and attach a copy of your ID and a payment (options specified on application). Mail all documents to this address:

    Vital Records Requests

    PO Box 30721

    Lansing, MI 48909

  4. In Person

    To get a death certificate in person, bring your ID and a form of payment (money order, credit card, or cash) to the address below, which is open M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

South Grand Building 1st Floor

333 S Grand Avenue

Lansing, MI 48933 

(corner of Grand & Kalamazoo)