Can I get a
certified copy of someone else's birth certificate (example:spouse or grandchild)?
No.State law states that Birth records are confidential and are
available only to the person or the parents of the person named in the
record.Heirs, legal
guardians, or legal representatives requesting a birth certificate
will need additional documentation.
Who can get a
death or marriage record?
Death
and marriage records are open to the public.Certified copies may be purchased from county clerks' offices.
Where
are vital records filed?
Birth
and Death records are filed in the county where the birth or death
occurred.Marriage
licenses are filed in the county where the license was applied for.
What if I
am adopted and I need a copy of my birth certificate?
Adopted persons' birth certificates are filed at the Michigan
Department of Community Health in Lansing.Also recorded in Lansing are records of birth that occurred
prior to September 30, 1978 if both parents were not married at the
time of the birth.
How can I
get a copy of a record?
You can either appear in person, or request the record in
writing by mail.Picture
ID is required in order to issue a certified copy of a record.If the request is by mail, a photocopy of the picture ID is
required.
How long
does it take to get a certificate?
In-person requests can almost always be processed while you
wait.If a request is
received via mail, we do our best to get it back in the mail the same
day.
There is a 3-day waiting
period after you apply for the license. For sufficient cause,
the County Clerk has the authority to waive the 3-day period; the
fee is $30.00.
How long
is the license valid?
30
days after the license is issued.
How much
does it cost?
$20.00
for Michigan residents; $30.00 for non-residents.
Do we both
have to appear to apply?
No.One of the parties may apply provided they have all the
required items for both people:1)
certified copy of birth certificate, 2) copy of photo ID, and 3) a
true copy of the divorce judgment if the divorce occurred within the
last year.
Where do I
apply for my license to marry?
If
you are Michigan resident, you will apply for the license in the
county in which you reside.If
you are both residents and you live in different counties, you may
apply in either county.The
license can be used anywhere in the state.If you are both non-residents but want to be married in
Michigan, you must apply in the county in which the wedding
will take place.
How much
does it cost to register my business name and how often do I have to
file?
The fee is $10.00 and the certificate needs to be renewed every 5
years.This office will
send a renewal notice at the end of the 5-year period to the business
address on record.
Why do I
have to file my business name?
Michigan
law (MCL 445.1) requires that a SOLE PROPRIETOR OR CO-PARTNERSHIP file
their business name (if other that the real name of the person) at the
county clerk's office.The
purpose of the law is to place on Public Record who is conducting or
transacting business under an assumed name.
Can I use
any name I want to?
There are a number of regulations that apply when a name is
chosen.The
Co-partnership Act and Fictitious Name Act require that the name of a
sole proprietorship or co-partnership cannot be the same or similar to
a name already on file with the county so as to cause confusion or
deception.It is the duty
of the county clerk to approve or disapprove a name selection.
What if I
do business in another county?
When you file an assumed name, you have to file in each county
in which you will be doing business.
I file in
this county; what if the next county has a business with the same
name-now what do I do?
If
you find that someone else is using the same name you will need to do
research to find out how long they have been using that name.If they have been in business for a long time, you might want
to change your assumed name so there is no confusion to the public.Filing your business name does not create substantive rights to
the use of that name.
What if my
business if incorporated?
If
you are incorporated, the ONLY place you should file an assumed name
is with the State of Michigan; the same as your Articles of
Incorporation.If your
bank is advising you that you need a DBA with the county, suggest that
the bank call the Corporation Division for verification of this
information.
Can I file
a DBA if I am less than 18 years old?
No.A person who is at least 18 years of age is an adult of
legal age for purposes of signing contracts.
Normal
processing is approximately 6 weeks.You can pay an extra fee to expedite the processing.The processing time is 2 weeks and the fee for this service is
an extra $60.00. With the increase in passport applications,
however, the expected time-frame has been increased to 12 weeks.
Please visit the
Passport Agency website for further
information.
How much
does a passport cost?
Passport Books: $75.00 (Effective 2/1/07) - for
persons 16 and older (10-year passport)
$60.00 (Effective 2/1/07) - for persons ages 15 and younger (5-year
passport).In
addition, Newaygo County's fee is $25.00 per passport.Fees MUST be paid separately.Passport Services requires their fee to be in the form of a
check or money order.Newaygo
County Clerk accepts cash, check, or money orders.
Passport Cards: $20.00 (Effective 2/1/07) - for persons ages 16 and older
(10-year passport)
$10.00 (Effective 2/1/07) - for persons ages 15 and younger (5-year
passport).
In
addition, Newaygo County's fee is $25.00 per passport.Fees MUST be paid separately.Passport Services requires their fee to be in the form of a
check or money order.Newaygo
County Clerk accepts cash, check, or money orders.
Where can
I get my passport photos taken?
This
office offers photos for a $10.00 fee. Otherwise, most
photography businesses will take them for you.Be sure to specify passport photos when you get your picture
taken--you will need 2 identical ones done.The business will know the specifications required.
What if I
don't have a driver's license for identification?
A state-issued ID
with your picture on it can be used.For other options, please contact this office.
How do I
get a passport for my children?
All
persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by both
parents listed on the child's birth certificate. Parents must
present a valid driver's license or state issued identification card
at time of application. If
only one parent is available, a written (original) statement by the
absent parent giving permission for the child's passport is required
at time of application.
1087
Newell Street PO Box 885
White Cloud MI 49349
Phone: (231) 689-7235 Fax: (231) 689-7241
email: laurie@co.newaygo.mi.us
OFFICE
HOURS
