Clerk, Frequently Asked Questions
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 with State issued I.D.
- Mother or father with State issued I.D.
- Legal guardian with State issued I.D. plus guardianship papers.
- State or adoption agency with Agency issued I.D. and State issued I.D.
A birth certificate can be requested through a mail-in application. 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 ($20 for first copy, $5 for each additional copy)
- A mail application applies to person named on the record with a copy of State issued I.D., mother or father with a copy of State issued I.D. or legal guardian with guardianship papers attached.
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 $20, and $5 for each additional copy. Click here for a mail-in application.
In addition, you may order a certified copy of a death record online using your credit card through the City's only approved Internet ordering service, VitalChek Network Inc.
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.
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 the polling location.
If applied for at 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.
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. This information can also be found online.
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, $8, rabies vaccination papers are necessary. Expires 2/28 of each yr.
- Garage sale, $5 for first 3-day sale of calendar year and $15 for second 3-day sale in the same year.
- Solicitor, $35/yr. to go door to door selling for profit. A police check is necessary before license is issued.
- Ice cream sales or food wagon, $150/yr. for the truck and $35/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, Department of Public Information., Department of Public Works and at the Libraries.