Wexford County Birth Records

Wexford County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in Cadillac, Michigan. The clerk holds certified birth certificates going back to 1867 and processes requests from county residents, family members, legal representatives, and genealogical researchers. Whether you need a certified copy for legal use or you are tracking down a historical record, you can request documents in person at the Cadillac courthouse, by mail, or through the state's online ordering service. This page explains how each option works, who qualifies, and what to include in your request.

Wexford County Clerk Office

The Wexford County Clerk in Cadillac is the local office responsible for birth records in this county. The clerk stores original birth registrations, issues certified copies to qualified requesters, and manages the process for correcting errors or amending existing records. All births registered in Wexford County since 1867 are part of the permanent archive that the clerk maintains.

Cadillac is the county seat of Wexford County and sits along US-131 in the northern lower peninsula. The courthouse is in Cadillac and houses the clerk's office. Staff can answer questions over the phone and help you prepare a complete request before you visit or send it by mail. Wexford County covers a moderate-sized area with multiple townships and communities, and the clerk handles all birth record requests across the county regardless of where specifically the birth occurred.

How to Request Wexford County Birth Certificates

There are three ways to get a certified birth certificate from Wexford County. In person is the fastest. Mail is a good option for those who cannot travel. Online services work when you need to order from home or need state-level certification.

Visiting the clerk in Cadillac in person is the most direct method. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, complete the request form at the counter, and pay the fee. Most same-day requests are handled without a problem when the record is on file. In-person is especially useful when timing is important or when you want to speak with staff about a specific record issue.

Mail requests are common for people who cannot easily get to Cadillac. Write a request letter with the full name on the birth certificate, the date and place of birth, the mother's maiden name, the father's name if listed, your full name and mailing address, and a clear statement of your relationship to the person on the record. Include a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order payable to the Wexford County Clerk. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow two to four weeks for the complete process.

Online options include the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records portal and VitalChek. The MDHHS office can be reached at (517) 335-8666. State-issued copies cost $34 for the first copy versus $15 at the county. Going through the Wexford County Clerk directly is the more affordable option.

The screenshot below is from the Michigan MDHHS vital records site, showing the statewide system that Wexford County records feed into through the state's registry.

The site covers all ways to request a Michigan birth certificate, whether through a county clerk like the one in Cadillac or directly through the state office in Lansing.

Who Can Request a Wexford County Birth Record

Michigan law under MCL 333.2882 controls who can receive a certified copy of a birth record. Qualified requesters include the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), a parent or legal guardian listed on the record, a spouse, an adult child, a sibling, and a legal agent acting under written authorization from an eligible person. The general public cannot get certified copies of recent records without one of these qualifying connections.

Records 100 years old or more are open to the public. Under MCL 333.2891, Wexford County birth records from 1926 and earlier are available to anyone without a need to show family ties. Researchers and genealogists often use these older documents to trace family lines in northern Michigan counties like Wexford, where records go back to the county's early settlement and logging era.

Note: If ordering as an agent for an eligible person, include both your photo ID and a signed letter of authorization from that person.

Fees and What a Record Contains

Wexford County charges $15 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy requested at the same time. These fees follow Michigan's standard county fee schedule in MCL 333.2888. In-person payments can be made by cash, check, or money order. Mail requests require a check or money order. Fees are not refunded after a search begins, so confirm the birth occurred in Wexford County before sending payment.

A certified birth certificate from Wexford County shows the person's full legal name, the date and location of birth within the county, both parents' full names including the mother's maiden name, the attending physician or midwife, and the date the birth was registered. It is printed on security paper with an official county and state seal. Under MCL 333.2813, Michigan sets consistent standards for what must appear on a birth record at the time of registration. These certificates are accepted as legal proof of identity and citizenship for passports, driver's licenses, Social Security applications, and more.

If a record has an error, the clerk handles amendments. Supporting documentation such as a hospital record or affidavit is required for corrections.

Cities in Wexford County

Wexford County does not have cities that meet the population threshold for dedicated pages on this site. Residents of Cadillac and all surrounding townships and communities can access birth records through the Wexford County Clerk in Cadillac. The clerk handles all birth certificate requests for any birth that occurred within county boundaries.

Nearby Counties

Wexford County borders many counties in the northern lower peninsula. If you need a birth record from a neighboring county, contact that county's clerk directly. Use the birth location to determine the right office.