Search Clinton County Birth Records

Clinton County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in St. Johns, Michigan. The office has kept birth records since 1867 and accepts requests in person and by mail. Eligibility to obtain a certified copy is defined by MCL 333.2882(1)(a), which limits access to specific individuals. This page covers who can request a Clinton County birth certificate, the steps to follow, and how fees work.

Clinton County Clerk Birth Records

The Clinton County Clerk holds all birth records for the county. The office is in St. Johns. Records go back to 1867. Staff process requests in person and by mail. The clerk's office is the right starting point for any birth certificate request in Clinton County.

Access to Clinton County birth records is governed by MCL 333.2882(1)(a). The law defines who is eligible to receive a certified copy. The list includes: the person named on the certificate; a parent listed on the certificate; a legal guardian with court-appointed papers (custody papers alone are not enough); a legal licensed representative; an heir of a deceased person with proof of lineage; and anyone acting under a court order. Records that are 100 years old or older are public and can be requested by anyone.

One point worth noting: a legal guardian must have court-appointed papers. Custody papers do not qualify. This is a common source of confusion. If you are acting as a guardian and want to request a child's birth record, you will need the court appointment order, not just a custody agreement. The clerk's staff can clarify what documentation is required in your specific situation.

How to Get a Clinton County Birth Certificate

Clinton County accepts in-person and mail requests for birth certificates. In-person is the simplest method. Go to the clerk's office in St. Johns, bring your photo ID, and the staff will help you. In-person visits allow the clerk to confirm your identity and verify your eligibility on the spot. Most in-person requests are processed the same day.

For mail requests, your letter should include: the full name on the birth certificate, the date of birth, the names of both parents, your signature, your return address, and a phone number where you can be reached. Also include a copy of your photo ID. Without the ID copy, the clerk cannot verify your identity and will not process the request.

Payment for mail requests should be a check or money order made out to the Clinton County Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send everything to the clerk's office in St. Johns. The office at clinton-county.org/203/Birth-Records has the current mailing address and may also list any additional requirements.

The Clinton County birth records page shows the eligibility requirements, fees, and steps for requesting a certified birth certificate from the county clerk.

Clinton County Birth Certificate Fees

The fee for a certified birth certificate in Clinton County is $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Seniors age 65 or older who are requesting their own birth record pay a reduced rate of $7 for the first copy. These fees are set by state law under MCL 333.2888.

If the clerk searches for a record and cannot find it, the fee for the search may still be kept. That is why providing complete and accurate information matters. Include the full name at birth, exact date of birth, the county the birth took place in, and both parents' names. The more you give the clerk to work with, the better the chance of finding the record quickly.

POA requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you hold power of attorney for someone and want to request their birth record, contact the clerk's office first to find out what documentation they need. Not all POA arrangements qualify under Michigan law.

Note: Fees are subject to change. Confirm current fees with the Clinton County Clerk before submitting payment.

Michigan State Vital Records and Clinton County

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services handles statewide vital records. If you are unable to get the record you need from the county clerk, or if the county does not have a record on file, the state is an alternative. You can access MDHHS vital records information at michigan.gov MDHHS Vital Records and place an online order at michigan.gov order a record. State orders may also be placed through the VitalChek Michigan statewide portal.

The same eligibility rules apply through the state as at the county level. Michigan law at MCL 333.2882 controls access regardless of whether you request from the county or the state. The state's registration rules are in MCL 333.2813. Fees for state-issued copies fall under MCL 333.2888.

Cities in Clinton County

St. Johns is the county seat of Clinton County. The county also includes several smaller cities and townships in mid-Michigan.

No cities in Clinton County currently meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. For birth record requests, contact the county clerk in St. Johns.

Nearby Counties

Clinton County is centrally located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Several counties border it. If a birth was recorded near a county line, check the township to confirm which county holds the record.