Shiawassee County Birth Records

Shiawassee County birth records are stored at the County Clerk's office in Corunna, Michigan. The clerk has maintained certified birth certificates going back to 1867, making it possible to access over 150 years of births recorded within this county. If you need a certified birth certificate for a person born in Shiawassee County, you can request it in person in Corunna, by mail, or through the state's online ordering system. This page explains how each option works and what documentation you need to include.

Shiawassee County Clerk Office

The Shiawassee County Clerk in Corunna is the official office for birth records in this county. The clerk stores original birth registrations, issues certified copies to qualified requesters, handles amendments and corrections, and maintains the historical vital records archive. Shiawassee County covers communities including Owosso, Corunna, Perry, and Durand, all of which file births through the county clerk system.

Corunna is the county seat and the location of the courthouse. The clerk's office is inside the county building. Staff can answer questions about records over the phone before you visit or mail a request. For people in Owosso or other parts of the county who cannot easily travel to Corunna, mail requests are a practical alternative. The clerk processes mail orders on a regular basis and can confirm what documentation you need for your specific situation.

Requesting Shiawassee County Birth Certificates

You can request a certified birth certificate from Shiawassee County in person, by mail, or online. Here is how each method works.

Visiting the clerk in Corunna in person is the fastest option. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, complete the request form at the counter, and pay the fee. Many requests are processed the same day. This works well when you need the certificate for an urgent matter or when you want to make sure everything is in order before you leave.

For mail requests, send a written request that includes the full name on the birth certificate, the date and location of birth, the mother's maiden name, the father's name if known, your own name and mailing address, and your relationship to the person on the record. Include a clear copy of your photo ID and a check or money order payable to the Shiawassee County Clerk. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for return. Total turnaround by mail is typically two to four weeks.

Online ordering is available through Michigan MDHHS Vital Records or through VitalChek. The MDHHS state office can be reached at (517) 335-8666. State-issued certified copies cost $34 for the first copy. The county fee is $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, making the county the more affordable option.

The screenshot below is from the Michigan VERA vital events system, which links county birth records like those in Shiawassee County to the statewide database.

VERA allows the state to issue certified copies for any Michigan county without the requester needing to contact the local clerk in Corunna.

Who Can Request Shiawassee County Birth Records

Michigan law under MCL 333.2882 restricts certified birth certificate access. Qualified requesters include the person named on the record (if 18 or older), a parent or legal guardian listed on the certificate, a spouse, an adult child or sibling, or an authorized legal agent acting with proper written documentation. People who do not fall into one of these categories cannot get a certified copy of a recent record.

Birth records that are 100 years old or more are treated as public documents. Under MCL 333.2891, Shiawassee County records from 1926 and earlier are open to the public without any requirement to show a family connection. These older records are useful for genealogy research, especially for families tracing roots in central Michigan counties like Shiawassee. The county has a mix of agricultural and light industrial history that shaped its population through the early and mid 1900s, and older birth records can help researchers piece together family lines from that era.

Note: Always bring identification when visiting the clerk in person, even for older public records. The clerk may ask for ID to confirm your identity before processing any request.

Fees and Record Details

The fee for a certified birth certificate in Shiawassee County is $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. These fees are set under the Michigan standard fee schedule in MCL 333.2888. Fees are non-refundable once a search begins.

A certified birth certificate from Shiawassee County shows the full legal name of the person born, the date and place of birth, both parents' names including the mother's maiden name, the attending physician or midwife, and the date the birth was registered with the county. It carries an official county seal and is printed on security paper. These certificates are accepted as legal proof of identity and citizenship for passports, driver's licenses, school enrollment, and other official applications. Under MCL 333.2813, the state mandates what information must appear on a birth record at the time of registration, ensuring consistency across all Michigan counties including Shiawassee.

Cities in Shiawassee County

Shiawassee County does not currently have cities that meet the population threshold for dedicated pages on this site. Residents of Owosso, Corunna, Perry, Durand, and all other communities within the county can access birth records through the Shiawassee County Clerk in Corunna. The clerk handles all birth certificate requests regardless of which city or township the birth occurred in.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Shiawassee County in the central lower peninsula. If you are not sure which county holds the birth record you need, use the birth location to determine the right county and contact that clerk.