Michigan Death Certificate Copies for Probate

Michigan death certificates are often the first records a family needs after a death. Banks, life insurance companies, vehicle title offices, probate courts, and county recorders may ask for certified copies.

Michigan MDHHS says its state records division registers, preserves, and issues certified copies of records for events that occurred in Michigan.

Who Can Order a Michigan Death Record

Michigan MDHHS says anyone can request a certified copy of a Michigan death, marriage, or divorce record if the person makes the request in writing and prepays the required search fee.

Death records differ from restricted birth records. For a Michigan death record, the requester usually does not need to be the personal representative.

Cost

A Michigan death record costs $34 for the search plus one certified copy, and $16 for each additional identical copy ordered at the same time. Those figures are set by statute, MCL 333.2891(4)(a) and (b), not by policy.

The second number is the one families miss, and it changes the arithmetic:

Ordering ten copies does not cost ten times $34. It costs $178. The discount applies only to identical copies ordered at the same time, so a second order placed later starts again at the $34 search fee. That is the practical reason to decide the number up front rather than ordering more later.

If no record is found, MDHHS sends an official statement that the record is not on file with the State of Michigan, and the $34 search fee still applies.

Online orders can cost more because VitalChek or rush handling may add fees.

How to Order

Michigan families can order through the state vital records process. MDHHS identifies VitalChek as the authorized online service provider. Mail ordering may also be available through MDHHS.

County clerks may issue local death records, but local availability and instructions vary by county.

How Many Copies to Get

Many estates start with 5 to 10 certified copies, which is $98 to $178 when ordered together. The right number depends on the assets.

You may need copies for:

• Probate court filings
• Life insurance claims
• Bank or investment accounts
• Vehicle title transfer
• Real estate survivorship or recording steps
• Retirement accounts
• Employer benefits
• Final tax work

Some companies return a certified copy. Others keep it. Ask before mailing an original certified copy.

Certified Copy vs. Photocopy

A certified copy has official security features and a seal. A photocopy may help for family records, but many agencies and financial companies ask for a certified copy.

For Michigan vehicle title transfers, Secretary of State instructions can require a death certificate copy or proof of death depending on the title path.

Next Steps

1. Order enough certified copies for known assets.
2. Keep one copy for the estate file.
3. Ask each company whether it will return the certified copy.
4. Track where each copy went.
5. Use county-specific vital records instructions when ordering from a county clerk.

For transfer steps after the record arrives, read Transfer Property After Death in Michigan and Michigan Vehicle Title Transfer After Death. For filing and copy costs, see Michigan probate costs and court fees.

This guide is general information about Michigan law. It is not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the county probate court or qualified Michigan counsel before acting.

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Related Guides

• The Michigan Probate Guide

Sources

• Title: MCL 333.2891(4), Search for vital record; fees. Publisher: Michigan Legislature. Publication Date: Michigan Compiled Laws current through PA 14 of 2026. URL: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-333-2891
• Title: Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Records. Publisher: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Publication Date: not listed. URL: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords
• Title: Certified Copies. Publisher: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Publication Date: not listed. URL: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords/eligibility/certifiedcopy/certified-copies
• Title: Fees. Publisher: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Publication Date: not listed. URL: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords/additonal-information/fees_1
• Title: Titles. Publisher: Michigan Department of State, Secretary of State. Publication Date: not listed. URL: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/titles

This guide provides general Michigan death certificate information. Verify current fees, ordering methods, and county clerk options before ordering.