BIRTH RECORDS

Birth records are available from 1867- to date. Birth records are confidential and are available only to the person or parents of the person named in the records. Birth certificates 110 years old or older are available for genealogy purposes. The cost of a birth certificate is $10 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy.

You need to bring a check or money order made payable to the Ionia County Clerk if you are a resident of Michigan, or a check or money order for $30.00 if you are not a resident of Michigan. To apply for a Marriage License, one of the parties must be a Michigan resident.

You need to bring information on both parties. Bringing Birth Certificates of both parties would be helpful. (see the Affidavid for License to Marry under the "Forms" section of this website for more details of the information that will be requested).

Adopted persons' Birth Records are not available through the County Clerk's office. You may contact the Michigan Department of Community Health in Lansing by calling (517) 335-8656. Also contact this office for records of births that occured prior to September 30, 1978 where parents were not married at the time of child's birth.

All Certified copies of Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates are $10.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Some records are not available for public review, please contact the County Clerk's office or see the "Services and Information" page of this website for more details.

Requests may be made by mail by completing the Request for Vital Records Form which may be found under the "Forms" section of this website. Mail requests are generally processed within 5 - 7 business days. Telephone requests cannot be accepted at this time.

A certified copy of the death certificate must be recorded. A new deed will not be issued; the original deed is still your deed to the property. The record simply shows that one of the owners has passed away.

There is a procedure called Petition for Assignment of Estate under $15,000.  You would have to file a petition with the court along with a death certificate, funeral bill, proof of who paid the funeral bill.  Upon this information being reviewed by the Judge he may authorize the transfer of those funds without formal probate proceedings.

A valid rabies certificate and a spay or neuter certificate. These may be obtained at your local 

veterinarian’s office.

State of Michigan law requires a dog to be licensed by the age of four months. You will purchase  a license in the month that your vaccination was given. For a one-year license, the rabies certificate must be valid the entire year. For a three-year license, the rabies certificate must be valid the entire three years.

1. A gun may be transported to the Sheriff's Office in the trunk of your vehicle, unloaded, and encased in some manner. You should not bring ammunition with you. If you vehicle does not have a trunk, the gun must be in a locked container not readily accessible to the occupants.

2. You will present your completed LTP or, if you hold a valid Carry Concealed Permit, the completed Pistol Sales Record and your CCP, along with the handgun, for inspection. Extra blank Pistol Sales Records may be obtained from the Sheriff's Office also.

3. A cursory inspection will take place where manufacturer, caliber, serial number, barrel length, and models are verified.

4. A Safety Inspection Certificate is issued. This procedure should take 15-20 minutes, but additional time may be needed if the office is experiencing a busy day.