How and where can I register to vote?

You may register to vote at the City Clerk’s Office or any Secretary of State branch office. Registration is also available by mail – just call the City Clerk’s Office for information.

A voter registration card, will be mailed to the voter within two weeks. The card will state the voter name, address, precinct number and name of the building with the address where the voter is registered.

What do I have to do to get a birth certificate?

State law mandates that birth certificates be released only to:

• person named on certificate
• mother or father
• legal guardian
• state or adoption agency

If applied for over our counter, a driver’s license, passport or State I.D. must be shown. In lieu of picture I.D., click here for further ID requirements.

If a relative (grandparent, sibling, etc.) applies over the counter, I.D. from the individual is required. The birth certificate must be mailed to the person named on the certificate. Once payment has been made, the process will be completed.

A birth certificate can also be requested through the mail. A letter with the following information is required:

• person’s name at time of birth
• mother’s name including maiden name
• father’s name
• signature
• return address
• check or money order payable to City of Dearborn ($14 for first copy, $4 for each additional copy)
• A mail application applies to person named on the record, mother or father, or legal guardian with guardianship papers attached.
  Click here for ID requirements

Will a birth certificate have a raised seal?

Yes, to be considered a legal document, it must have the raised seal.

How do I get a death certificate?

These records are public information. Any person can apply for legal certified copies over the counter or through the mail. If applied for through the mail, we need the decedent’s name and date of death. If exact date of death is unknown, the year of death would be helpful. Mail request must include the decedent’s name, at least approximate year of death, and check or money order payable to the City of Dearborn. The first copy is $14, and $4 for each additional copy.

How do I get the father's name on the birth certificate?

This procedure is presently handled on the state level. An Affidavit of Parentage must be completed with the Office of the State Registrar (517-335-8666). A correction form along with a fee must be submitted

Can you tell me what the city's ordinance is regarding _________________?

We have a 2-volume “Code of Ordinances” and a “Zoning Ordinance” book. If we have an ordinance on the subject, it will be found here.

Do I need a license for _____ and what do I need to do?

The City Clerk’s Office issues 102 different licenses. Some are for contractors and businesses. The average citizen might need a license for the following:

• dog, $7, rabies vaccination papers are necessary. Expires 2/28 of each yr.
• garage sale, $3 for first 3-day sale of calendar year and $15 for second 3-day sale in the same year.
• solicitor, $30/yr. to go door to door selling for profit. A police check is necessary before license is issued.
• ice cream sales or food wagon, $141/yr. for the truck and $30/yr. for the driver. A police check for the driver and two inspections and insurance is needed. This license expires December first each year.

Where can I get information regarding Absentee Ballots?

Call 943-2014 for more information.

Can someone in the Clerk's Office notarize my signature?

Yes, there is a notary in the Clerk’s Office that will notarize a legal document the charge for this service is $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents

Where can I get a Yard Waste Sticker?

Stickers are available in the Mayor’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, City Clerk’s Office, Citizen Resources & Information Dept., Department of Public Works and at the Libraries.