Order Certified Death Records Online
Certified copies can be conveniently ordered online. Orders are processed and mailed within 5 business days. A convenience fee also applies to your order.
Other Ways to Obtain a Certified Death Record
Purchase In-Person
Death certificates can be purchased at any of the Ottawa County Clerk locations.
- Must present a valid driver’s license or other government issued photo ID.
- Method of payment includes cash, check, money order or Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
Order by Mail
- Complete the Application for Certified Death Record (PDF)
- Include a check or money order payable to Ottawa County Clerk ($15 for the first copy, $6 for additional copies of the same record).
- Send the completed application and payment to:
Ottawa County Clerk
12220 Fillmore Street, Room 130
West Olive, MI 49460
Please do not mail applications to other locations.
Fees
Certified copy
Additional copies (same record, same day)
Certification of Documents
The Ottawa County Clerk’s Office electronically certifies some 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.