Death Records
Once the document has been filed properly, the requested copies are certified and directed to the requesting authority.
How to Obtain a Certified Death Record
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Online
- Fee is $15; additional copies of the same death certificate requested the same day are $6 each. A convenience fee also applies to your order total.
- Order certified copies of death records online.
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In Person
- At any of the Ottawa County Clerk locations (see right-side column).
- Fee is $15; additional copies of the same death certificate requested the same day are $6 each. Cash, check, money order or Visa, MasterCard or Discover are acceptable as payment.
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By Mail
- Complete the application for certified death record (PDF). Use only one form per record request.
- Fee is $15; additional copies of the same death certificate requested the same day are $6 each. Method of payment includes checks/money orders payable to OTTAWA COUNTY CLERK.
- Mail the completed application and the appropriate fee:
Ottawa County Clerk
12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130
West Olive, MI 49460
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By Email
- Complete the Certified Death Certificate Application (PDF)
- Fee is $15; additional copies of the same record are $6. Please contact the County Clerk at (616) 994-4531 for payment method.
- Scan the completed application and send to the following email address: countyclerk@miottawa.org. Call (616) 994-4531 with payment information.
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By Fax
- Complete the application for certified death record (PDF). Use only one form per record request.
- Fax the application to (616) 994-4538.
- Fee is $15; additional copies of the same death certificate requested the same day are $6 each. Visa, MasterCard or Discover are the only acceptable method of payment when faxing.
Certification of Documents
The Ottawa County Clerk’s Office electronically certifies documents filed with the Clerk pursuant to MCL 565.232. However, certain entities may require a certified copy that contains a traditional raised seal on the document even though an electronic certification is legally permissible under Michigan law. In this event, you will need to provide the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office with appropriate written documentation from the entity indicating they refuse to accept an electronically certified copy prior to receiving a raised seal certified document. Furthermore, if you are requesting a certified copy of a Clerk record for purposes of submitting a passport application or for international issues, such as international marriage, adoption or custody issue, you most likely will need a traditional raised seal on the document.
Pursuant to MCL 750.248, any person who falsely makes, alters, forges or counterfeits a public record or a certificate or attestation of a Clerk of Court on an order or in relation to a matter in which the certificate or attestation may be received as legal proof with the intent to injure or defraud another person is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 14 years.
