Clerk - Tuscola County

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Tuscola County Clerk

The County Clerk is an elected position, serving a four year term. The Clerk is responsible for issuing and maintaining records of Concealed Pistol Licenses, issuing and maintaining births records, marriage licenses, death records, assumed names, co-partnerships, veteran’s discharges, notary bonds, filings for Circuit Court and Family Court. The Clerk administers all election functions required by law, in addition to tabulating ballots and training all election inspectors within the County.

The Clerk also serves as the Chairperson of the Elections Scheduling Committee, Clerk of the Board of Canvassers, member of the Jury Board, member of the Plat Board, member of the Building Authority, Clerk of Circuit Court, Elections Commission and the Clerk of the County Board of Commissioners.

County Clerk's Office Options to Conduct Business Remotely HERE.

Tuscola County Clerk's Office Appointment Registration Form HERE.

Jodi Fetting - County Clerk

Information

Adoption Checklist

Birth Certificate Search

C.P.L.

Campaign Finance

D.B.A.

Death Certificate Search

Marriage Records Search

Notary Public

Veterans Discharge

Select an option, the information is displayed on the right or below

APPLYING FOR A CPL

NEW APPLICANTS:

$100 Application Fee payable to Tuscola County Clerk. Click Here
$15 Fingerprint Fee payable to entity taking prints. (Note: Fingerprints MUST be taken by LiveScan system). Acceptable forms of payment are Cashier's Check or Money Order. You mau also pay with a debt/credit card when setting up your appointment. No personal checks will be accepted.
Must present an original training certificate, which complies with Section 5j of 1927, PA 372, to the Clerks Office at the time of submitting the application. Training Certificate must be issued within 5 years of application. (EXCEPTION: Pistol safety training course requirement is waived for an applicant who is a retired police office or a retired law enforcement officer as defined in MCL 28.41(1)(j) )

RENEWAL APPLICANTS: (Previous license is not expired, or expired within 1 year period before date of application)

To apply in Person at the County Clerk's Office

$115 Application Fee payable to Tuscola County Clerk.
Bring Driver's License and current CPL Card.
No Fingerprints required.
Applicant must certify to a statement on application that he/she has completed at least three (3) hours of review of the pistol safety training course. Firearms Laws of Michigan
Applicant must certify that he/she has at least one hour of firing range time in the six months immediately preceding the renewal application.

To apply by mail the Michigan State Police

Mail completed Concealed Pistol License Application and $115 Application Fee check or money order payable to State of Michigan to:

Michigan State Police
Attn: Concealed Pistol License Unit
P.O. Box 30634
Lansing, MI. 48909

No Fingerprints required.
Applicant must certify to a statement on application that he/she has completed at least three (3) hours of review of the pistol safety training course.Firearms Laws of Michigan
Applicant must certify that he/she has at least one hour of firing range time in the six months immediately preceding the renewal application.

To apply online at www.michigan.gov/cplrenewal

Required Pin number you recieved in renewal letter from the County Clerk's Office
Applicant will need CPL number from CPL Card.
$115 Application Fee must be paid with a debt/credit card.
No Fingerprints required.
Applicant must certify to a statement on application that he/she has completed at least three (3) hours of review of the pistol safety training course.Firearms Laws of Michigan
Applicant must certify that he/she has at least one hour of firing range time in the six months immediately preceding the renewal application.

RENEWAL APPLICANTS: (Previous License expired more than 1 year)

$100 Application Fee payable to Tuscola County Clerk.
$15 Fingerprint Fee payable to entity taking prints. (Note: Fingerprints MUST be taken by LiveScan system. Acceptable forms of payment are Cashier's Check or Money Order. You may also pay with a debit/credit card when setting up your appointment. No personal checks will be accepted.
Must present an original training certificate, which complies with Section 5j of 1927, PA 372, to the Clerks Office at the time of submitting the application. Training Certificate must be issued within 5 years of application. (EXCEPTION: Pistol safety training course requirement is waived for an applicant who is a retired police office or a retired law enforcement officer as defined in MCL 28.41(1)(j) )

CPL's expire on the applicant's date of birth, and is valid not less than four years but no more than five years from date of issuance.

DBA / Assumed Name

For your convenience you can download and fill in the following form:

Business Registration Certificate

Someone doing business in a name other that their own is required to file a DBA/Co-Partnership Partnership in the County in which they are doing business. Documents filed at the County level are Assumed Names and Co-Partnerships.

The DBA/Co-Partnership is valid for 5 years from date of filing.
The County Clerk’s Office will notify businesses by mail when it is time to renew the filing.
You must be at least 18 years of age to file a DBA/Co-Partnership.
Filing fee is $10.00.
Dissolution fee is $10.00.
Name Change is $10.00.
Address Change is no charge.
Two certified copies are provide at time of filing DBA/Co-Partnership.
Certified copies of business names already on file are $10.00 for a certified copy and $1.00 for a regular copy.
Application for a DBA/Co-Partnership may be made by mail or in person. Signatures must be notarized at time of signing.

Documents filed at the State level are Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships and Non-Profit Organizations. For further information, please contact Corporation, Securities and Land Development Bureau of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services at (517) 241-6470 for name availability and appropriate forms.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I need to file a DBA (Doing Business as Assumed)?

The law requires that a sole proprietor or co-partners file their business (other than the real name of the person) at the County Clerk’s Office [MCL 445.1]. The law also requires that corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships be filed with the State of Michigan. Therefore, corporations shall not be filed with the County Clerk. 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?

There are a number of regulations that apply when a company name is chosen. The general rules governing names for Corporations, Non-profit Corporations, Limited Liability Companies and Limited Partnerships only apply to those entities. 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 not to cause confusion or deception.

What if I do business in the next county?

When you file an assumed name as a sole proprietorship or Co-Partnership, you have to file in each county in which you will be doing business.

I filed 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 then you need to do some 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.

Can I use a different name in a second county that I am doing business in?

If the business is a separate business with a different name, you would file with the actual name you are doing business under. However, if you are doing business with the same name as in the first county you should file with the same name in the second county.

I need a DBA today for my bank, but I have my business incorporated, what should I do?

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 you need the name to be filed quickly, you may file using the new electronic filing system, MICH-ELF. The instructions and application for filing electronically can be found on the State of Michigan’s website www.cis.state.mi.us/corp/. When using MICH-ELF, your document will be reviewed within 24 hours. The bank should not be advising corporations to file at the county. You might suggest that the bank call the Corporation Division at (517) 241-6470 for verification of this information.

Can I file the business name with the county and state that I am incorporated?

No. If you are incorporated the only place you should file an assumed name is with the State, the same as your Articles of Incorporation. Filings at the county level are for sole proprietorships and Co-Partnerships only.

Can I file to do a DBA today and when my attorney has my corporation papers filed can I dissolve the DBA?

You can file a Reservation of Corporate Name with the State of Michigan to hold your corporate name. If you are incorporated, the only place you should file is with the State.

If I file a DBA in all 83 counties of Michigan, will that protect my business name?

No. Filing your business name does not create substantive rights to the use of that name. This is the same whether it is a Corporate name, Limited Liability Company name, Limited Partnership name, Sole Proprietorship name or Co-Partnership name.

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.

Can I be a partner in 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.

Compiled by the Second District of the Michigan Association of County Clerks and the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services.

The County Clerk generates and proofreads the ballots for all elections held in Tuscola County. Accurate election results are provided to the State of Michigan. Precinct workers are trained for all elections. The County Clerk directs all recall and recount activities in Tuscola County. There are approximately 42,017 registered voters in the county. For citizens who wish to run for public office, the County Clerk's office distributes nominating petitions and monitors campaign finance reports in compliance with state election laws.

2024-09-09 Tuscola County Election Commission Meeting Notice

2024-09-13 Tuscola County Election Commission Meeting Notice

Michigan Voter Registration Form

SOS Elections in Michigan

Tuscola County Election Results and sample ballots

Absent Voter Ballot Application

Important Campaign Finance Requirements

Several bills recently signed into law by the Govenor have made significant changes to the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. These changes impact the reporting requirements of Candidate Committees and Political Action Committees. In addition to the pre-election, post-election, and annual campaign statements, Candidate Committees and PACs registered on the local level must file two additional quarterly campaign statements in July and October as follows:

Candidate Committee - calendar year in which the candidate is not on the ballot.
PAC - calendar year in which the committee is not supporting/opposing candidates.

Additional Resources

General Requirements

State Law: The State of Michigan through MCL 551.101, 104, 106 requires all parties intending to be married to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk of the county in which either applicant resides.
In-State Residents: must apply for license in the county in which they live. The marriage may then occur in any county in the State of Michigan.
Out-of-State Residents: must apply for license in the county in which they will be married.
Educational Materials: The County Clerk is required to provide applicants with educational materials on the transmission and prevention of venereal disease and HIV infection.

Information Needed to Apply

Age and Date of Birth: for both applicants. Each applicant must be at least 18 years old. However, a 16 or 17 year old can apply with written consent of a parent or guardian. The consent must be notarized. Forms are available from the County Clerk's Office.
Birthplace: for both applicants, provide city and state of birth.
Parent Information: provide parents' full names including mother's maiden name and state of birth or country if not USA.
Social Security Number: for both applicants.

Documentation Required to Obtain License

Government Issued Pictured Identification: for both applicants such as a driver's license or state identification. A passport can be used for pictured identification if one of the following additional pieces of documentation is included to show residency. (Michigan Title & Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, Pay Stub or W2, or Utility Bill).

How to Apply

Apply in Person: applicants may appear in person at the Tuscola County Clerk’s Office with the required information, documentation, and amount owed. There is a required 3-day waiting period to obtain the license after you submit your application.
Marriage License Application: CLICK HERE for a copy of the marriage license application.

Fees

Michigan Residents: $20.00
Out-of-State Residents: $30.00
Waiver of 3-day period: $20.00

Time Constraint Requirements

Waiting Period: there is a required 3-day waiting period to obtain a license after submitting an application. To be granted a waiver for the 3-day waiting period an additional form must be completed with reason provided explaining need for the waiver and an extra fee of $20.00 will be charged.
Application Expiration: marriage must take place within 33 days from date of application.

Genealogy Information

Print and mail the following form:

Vital Records Request Form

Genealogy is the study of ancestors. At the Tuscola County Clerk's Office one can request a search on family history or family ties through the birth, death, marriage and military documents. The fee for the search is $5.00 per name. The search will only provide if the clerk’s office has the document or not. You may purchase a certified copy of the record to obtain more information. Certified records are $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of same record when purchased at the same time.

In Person

Tuscola County Clerk's Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Certified copy of death or marriage certificates are $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of same record when purchased at the same time.
Anyone may obtain a copy of a birth record more than 100 years old. If the desired record is less than 100 years old and the individual is deceased, an heir may obtain it by providing a copy of the death certificate. Birth indexes are not open to the public.
State of Michigan offers a free website: www.seekingmichigan.org. This website includes 2.5 million death records over the years 1921 through 1939. The website also has searchable indexes and documents for the years 1897 through 1920.
Other websites of interest include: www.familysearch.org & www.ancestry.com

By Mail

When submitting written requests, please include the name(s) of the individual(s) and the date of the event. If the date is unknown, please supply an approximate date. Please allow 7 to 10 days for your search to be completed.

Please complete the appropriate form below and include payment (check/money order). The fee is $15.00 for the first certified copy and $5.00 for each additional certified copy of the same record when purchased at the same time. Include a self addressed stamped envelope to mail the copies back to you. There is a search fee of $5.00 per name, therefore if you are not sure there is a record, please include payment in the form of two checks/money orders, one for $5.00 and one for $10.00. If a record is found, we will process both payments. If no record is found, we will process only the payment of $5.00 and return the remaining balance. Please make check/money order payable to Tuscola County Clerk.

Birth Certificates Only - Archived Birth Certificates are available. Anyone may obtain a copy of a birth record more than 100 years old. If the desired record is less than 100 years old and the individual is deceased, an heir may obtain it by providing a copy of the death certificate. If requesting a birth certificate less than 100 years old, a copy of a valid driver's license or other government issued photo ID must be provided. Please note: Birth indexes are not open to the public.

Marriage & Death Certificates – Records are open to the public.

Juror's Application To Be Excused From Jury Service - Click Here

Circuit Court

For reporting information, please call 989-672-3770. To submit a request to be excused from jury duty, please email juryclerk@tuscolacounty.org

Legal Records

Search and Copy Requests - In order for the Clerk’s office to complete a search request for a Circuit Court case, either Civil or Criminal, please complete the Search Request Form following the instructions included. Once a case number has been obtained, please complete and mail in the Copy Request Form. Please be sure to include a Self Addressed Stamped envelope so any information found can be returned.

"The law does not permit this court to give legal advice or to assist in the preparation of legal papers. MCL 600.916(1)"

Records civil/criminal - 989-672-3775

As constitutional clerk of the 54th Judicial Circuit Court, this office has various functions and responsibilities. The office provides record-keeping and support services for the courts. All Circuit Court cases are maintained through this office. The files are the official record of the court and are utilized by the judiciary and made available for public inspection. The clerk's office also processes felony criminal cases bound over from the 71B District Court.

Civil Cases

Civil cases include all appeals from district court and removal from district court, civil damage suits which include personal injury, auto negligence, medical malpractice and other damage suits. Other civil matters which include business claims, contract and others. Process appeals from other agencies such as Probate Court, MESC and drivers license restoration cases.

Domestic Relations

Domestic relations which include divorces, paternity and general family matters. Forms are available at the Friend of the Court office at 440 S. State St. Caro, MI 48723.

Personal Protection Orders are also filed in the County Clerk's office. Forms for filing a PPO and assistance in the completion of them can be obtained from Victims Services in the Sheriff's office. (989) 673-8161 ext. 2241

Circuit Court Fees

Civil Cases $175.00
Divorce Involving Minor Children $255.00
Divorce Not Involving Minor Children $175.00
Petition for Driver's Restoration $175.00
Restoration of Gun Rights $175.00
Appeal from Circuit Court $25.00
Jury Fee $85.00
Motion Fee for Open Case $20.00
Motion Fees for Closed Cases:

-Standard Motion $20.00
-Child Support Motion $60.00
-Parenting Time or Domicile etc. $100.00

Bar Admission $25.00
Subpoena/Writs $15.00
Fee for copies of documents from Circuit Court files are $1.00 per page.
Certified copies are $10.00 for the 1st page and $1.00 each additional page per document.
True copies are $1.00 per page.

Veterans Discharge (DD214)

When a veteran is discharged from any branch of the military it is recommended the DD214 papers be filed with the local county clerk's office. These are not for public inspection. There is no fee for this service. At any time the veteran may get certified copies of his/her DD214 free of charge.

DD214 Request

Notary Public

A Notary Public's job is to certify that the person(s) signing a document in front of him/her has produced the proper legal identification proving that they are said person.

Application Requirements and Procedure

Can read and write English.
Must be 18 years of age.
U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence and a resident of the county in which you request appointment or maintain a principal place of business.
No felony or misdemeanor convictions or violations, as specified by law and not be imprisoned in any state, county or federal correctional facility.
File a $10,000 surety bond with the County Clerk (available through insurance agencies or bonding companies), if applicable. Attorneys licensed in Michigan who are in good standing do not need a bond.
Begin the Notary proccess by visiting this link: www.Michigan.gov/sos/notary-services
There is a $10 application fee payable to the County Clerk.
The County Clerk will administer an oath of office and a declaration for applicant signature to verify that you have complied with all requirements and that all information on your application is correct, that you have read and understand the laws and that you will perform all notary acts faithfully.
The Notary's Commission Card and Certificate will be downloaded from the Applicants MILogin account.

Please note - you may not act as a notary public until the Secretary of State sends you your commission.

Vital Records Check

Tuscola County Clerk (Vital Records) does not accept credit cards for online orders; however, for your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent company that we have partnered with to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc. VitalChek can be reached either through its website, http://www.vitalchek.com or by phone at 1-800-255-2414. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for using this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®.

Vital Records

Marriage Certificates - New

One of the parties must reside in Tuscola County. If both parties are non-residents of Michigan, they must apply in the county in which the marriage is to be performed. One of the parties must apply in person.

Eighteen is the legal age for marrying without parental consent or 16 with parental consent. Parents, or the custodial parent decreed by divorce, must accompany 16 or 17 year old applicants. These applicants must provide a certified copy of their birth certificate; parental identification is also required.

The fee is $20 if one or both parties are Michigan residents or $30 if both parties are out-of-state residents. Applicants may pay by cash, personal check, money order or debit/credit card.

A three-day waiting period is required after applying before the license may be issued and used. A marriage license is void unless the marriage is performed within 33 days from the date of the application. This license may be used only in Michigan.

Click here to print and fill out a form containing all necessary information to obtain a marriage license

Marriage Certificates - Search

Marriage certificates are filed in the county where the marriage occured. A marriage certificate can be obtained for a married that occured in Tuscola County. If you mail your search request, please allow 7-10 days for processing.

Click here for the marriage certificate search request form

Click here for the marriage certificate verification form

Birth Certificates - Search

Requests must be for persons born in Tuscola County.

Birth records are closed to the public. You can only obtain a birth certificate for yourself, your child, or if you are a descendant or heir of the deceased.

Individuals may appear in person or send a written request to obtain copies. If you appear in person, picture identification is required and copies will be made while you wait. If you mail your request, allow 7-10 days for processing. Please provide your full name, date of birth, city of birth, father’s full name, mother’s full name including maiden name, phone number, a photo copy of your drivers license, and your full legal signature notarized.

Click here for the birth certificate search request form Click here for the birth certificate verification form

Death Certificates - Search

Death certificates are filed in the county where the death occurred. A death certificate can be obtained for anyone who died in Tuscola County. If you mail your request allow 7-10 days for processing. Please provide date of death and full name of deceased.

Click here for the death certificate search request form Click here for the birth certificate verification form

Fees for Vital Records

The fee is $15.00 for one certified copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate purchased at the same time. The fee for senior citizens requesting their own birth record is $14.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy.

Please send a money order and a self addressed, stamped envelope to Tuscola County Clerk when ordering by mail. Cash, money order, personal checks and debit/credit cards are accepted when appearing in person.

Birth Certificate Search

Print and mail the following form:

Vital Records Request Form

Only the mother, father, legal guardian, or the individual named on the certificate may order/receive a copy of the birth certificate. Legal Guardian must show guardianship papers. (MCL 333.2882)

Anyone may obtain a copy of a birth record more than 100 years old. If the desired record is less than 100 years old, and the individual is deceased, an heir may obtain it by providing a death certificate and documents to prove heir's relationship.

How to Obtain a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate

Forms of Acceptable ID to Obtain a Birth Certificate - CLICK HERE

In Person

The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record when purchased at the same time.

A valid driver's license or other government issued photo ID must be provided. Only the mother, father, legal guardian, or the individual named on the certificate may receive a copy if the birth certificate is less than 100 years old.

Mail-In

The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record when purchased at the same time.

Only the mother, father, legal guardian, or the individual named on the certificate may order/receive a copy if the birth certificate is less than 100 years old.

Please complete form and include a copy of photo identification, (drivers license/State ID), and include payment (check/money order). Your signature must be notarized on the request form. The fee is $15.00 for the first certified copy and $5.00 for each additional certified copy purchased at the same time. Include a self addressed stamped envelope to mail the copies back to you. There is a search fee of $5.00 per name, therefore if you are not sure there is a record, please include payment in the form of two checks/money orders, one for $5.00 and one for $10.00. If a record is found, we will process both payments. If no record is found, we will process only the payment of $5.00 and return the remaining balance. Please make check/money order payable to Tuscola County Clerk.

Death Certificate Search

Print and Mail the following form:

Vital Records Request Form

Anyone can purchase a death certificate as long as they have the name of the person at the time of death and the date of death.

How to Obtain a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate

In Person

Death records can be purchased at the Tuscola County Clerk's office. The charge for a certified copy is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record purchased at the same time.

By Mail

The fee for a certified copy of a death certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record when purchased at the same time.

Please complete the form and include payment (check/money order). The fee is $15.00 for the first certified copy and $5.00 for each additional certified copy purchased at the same time. Include a self addressed stamped envelope to mail the copies back to you. There is a search fee of $5.00 per name, therefore if you are not sure there is a record, please include payment in the form of two checks/money orders, one for $5.00 and one for $10.00. If a record is found, we will process both payments. If no record is found, we will process only the payment of $5.00 and return the remaining balance. Please make check/money order payable to Tuscola County Clerk.

Marriage Records Search

Print and mail the following form:

Vital Records Request Form

Marriage records are public, anyone may purchase a copy of a marriage license.

Obtain a Certified Copy of an Existing Marriage Record

In Person

Marriage records can be purchased at the Tuscola County Clerk's office. The charge for a certified copy is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record when purchased at the same time.

By Mail

The fee for a certified copy of a marriage record is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record when purchased at the same time.

Adoption Checklist

Tuscola County Relative or Step Parent Adoption Checklist

Tuscola County Adult Adoption Checklist

Legal Name Changes

For Legal Name Change Procedure for Persons 22 Years of Age and Older, Click Here.
For Legal Name Change Procedure for Persons 18-21 Years of Age, Click Here.
For Legal Name Change Procedure for Persons 17 Years of Age and Under, Click Here.