Frequently Asked Questions
- Marriage Licenses
- Birth, Death, and Marriage Records
- Business Names
- Passports
- Register of Deeds
How much does it cost to get a marriage license?
$20 for Michigan residents, and $30 for non-residents.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Michigan?
There is a 3 day waiting period between the date of application and picking up the license.
Do both people have to come to apply for the marriage license?
No. If only one applicant is present, however, please be sure to bring all the required items for the other person. A photocopy of the front and back of the other person's driver's license, rather than the original, is sufficient.
How do I know what county to get my marriage license in?
The answer depends on whether or not you are a Michigan resident. If you are, you need to apply for your marriage license in the county in which either you or your fiancé reside. The license can then be used anywhere in the state of Michigan. If you are not a Michigan resident, you must apply for your license in the county where you are to be married in order for it to be valid.
Must witnesses to marriages be 18 years old?
Yes, witnesses must be 18 years of age or older.
How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate?
All certified copies (of birth, death, or marriage certificates) are $15 for the first copy and $5 for additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time. Senior citizens (65 and older) requesting a copy of their own birth certificate pay $5 for the 1st copy.
I live far away. How can I get a copy of my birth or marriage certificate? Do I have to come in person?
Requests may be made by mail or from our website; however, telephone requests cannot be accepted at this time. Forms to request certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates are available online.
How long does it take to get a copy of a birth certificate or other document?
In-person requests for certified copies of birth's, death's, or marriages already on file with the Clerk's office can generally be filled on the same day as the request. You may also request certified copies online. Mail requests require 2-3 weeks for processing.
Can I get a copy of someone else's birth, death, or marriage certificate?
Birth records are confidential and are available only to the person or parents of the person named in the record. If you are an heir, legal guardian, or legal representative of the person whose birth certificate you are requesting, additional documentation is required. Contact this office at (734) 222-6720. Death and marriage certificates are available on request.
I am adopted and want a copy of my original birth certificate. Can I get it from this office?
Adopted persons' birth records may not be available through this office. Contact the Michigan Department of Community Health in Lansing, at (517) 335-8656. Contact the Lansing office also for records of births that occurred prior to September 30, 1978 if parents were not married at the time of birth.Business Names
Why do I have to register my business name with the county?
Michigan law requires that persons who own, conduct or transact business in a county register their business names in that county as a matter of public record.
How do I find information on obtaining tax ID #'s, licensing, trademarks, patents, non-profits, and corporations?
Please click here for phone numbers and address information.
How much does it cost to file my business name?
The fee is $10.00, and the certificate must be renewed every five years. A person filing an assumed name and presenting an out-of-state driver's license or state-issued ID will also need to complete a consent to service form and pay an additional $2.00 filing fee.My business has been incorporated with the state. Do I also have to file with the county?
No. Corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and non-profit organizations do not file at the county level.
How much does it cost to get a passport?
For persons 16 and over the passport fee is $75.00
For persons 15 and under the passport fee is $60.00
The same Washtenaw County processing fee of $25.00 applies to all applicants.
My child is under 16 what do I need to apply for their passport?
For a person under the age of 16 you must have the following documents: a certified birth certificate showing parents names, two passport photos and a completed DS11 form. Parents named on the birth record must appear at time of application. If both parents are not available, the absent parent must complete a "Statement of Consent" form DS3053 (which must be notorized). Forms may be obtained at www.travel.state.gov . If the child has had a previous passport you must still have a certified copy of their birth certificate to apply.
Do you take passport photos at your office?
No. We do not, but the Elections/Administration office (Suite 120) does.
I am 16, but I don't have a driver's license to use as ID for my passport. Is there anything else I can use?
Anyone under 18 must have parent permission to obtain a passport. If you do not have a driver's license or state issued ID your parents' identification is used.
I need to get passports for my children. Do they have to come to the office in person?
Anyone applying for a passport required to appear in person when submitting their applications. You must accompany any child 17 years and under who comes to apply for a passport.
How can I get my passport in less than 6 weeks?
Normal passport processing time is 6-8 weeks. You may expedite the passport for an additional fee of $60.00 per passport (3-4 weeks processing time). You may also express mail the application for an additional fee (2-3 weeks). Register of Deeds
What are the hours of the Register of Deeds Office?
The office is open Monday Through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. real and personal property documents presented after 4:00p.m. will be recorded or filed on the following working day. You may also search for and order deeds online.
What are the recording fees?
The recording fee for a deed, mortgage, lis pendens or other real estate instrument is $14.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page. Any document which assigns or discharges more than one instrument, $3.00 shall be added to the recording fee for each additional instrument so assigned or discharged.
How do I find who owns certain property?
If you do not know the property owner's name, you may contact the County Equalization Department or, if the property is in the City Assessor's Office. These offices will provide you with the name(s) that appear on the tax roll, which may or may not be the owner(s). With these names, you can then search our office for any recorded information. If you have a name and approximate year to search, our office may provide you with recorded information.
How do I search for a deed?
You need a grantor or grantee name to search any land record information and you should have an approximate year to search.Board of Commissioners
When are the Board of Commissioners meetings?
Regular meetings and meetings of the Ways & Means committee are on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m.. Board Working Sessions meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. See the meeting calendar on the Board of Commissioners page for the latest amended schedule.Where are the meetings held?
In the Board Room of the Administration Building, which is located at 220 N. Main St., Ann Arbor.
