Services the Office of the  County Clerk and Register of Deeds Provides and helpful hints to access them:

Vital Records – (269) 673-0450

Marriage Licenses:

• Apply no sooner than 33 days prior to ceremony, no later than 3 days prior to event
• Bring a valid driver’s license or State ID
• $20 fee payable at time of application
• Will need some information from the couples’ birth certificates (but you need not present the certificates)
• Will need social security numbers for the couple
• There is a PDF worksheet of the application online at – http://cms.allegancounty.org/sites/Office/Clerk/VitalRecords/Vital%20Records%20Forms/Marriage%20License%20Application%20Form.pdf

Concealed Pistol Licenses (we strongly encourage phone calls for info on hours & payment methods):

·New and Renewals – completed application available at our office or online http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1878_1591_3503_4654-10929–,00.html

• New and Renewals – Valid driver’s license or State ID
• New and Renewals – Must appear in person
• New – bring in original valid training certificate
• Fees New $100 (additional $15 to Sheriff’s Department for fingerprinting) / Renewal $115

DBA’s & Co-Partnership Certificates:

• Completed form available at our office or online @http://cms.allegancounty.org/sites/Office/Clerk/VitalRecords/Vital%20Records%20Forms/DBA%20FORM.pdf
• Fee for filing is $10 (2 certified copies provided with the initial filing)
• Filing can be done in person or by mail

Certified Copies of Birth Certificates:

• Protected documents – only available to an individual named on the actual certificate (with a few exceptions – call the office for information)
• Bring a driver’s license or State ID
• Fee $10 for the first copy; $4 for each additional

File a Notary Bond:

• File the bond in the county where one resides
• Bring completed Application for Michigan Notary Public Commission & $10,000 Notary Bond
• Application available at our office or online @ https://www.michigan.gov/documents/sos/Application_for_Michigan_Notary_Public_194159_7.pdf
• Fee $10 and valid driver’s license or State ID
• Applicant will then send the application form to the Office of the Great Seal in Lansing.The commission card will be delivered from Lansing

DD 214’s

• Bring an original of DD214 stating “Honorable Discharge” and valid driver’s license or state ID (original document will be returned to the veteran)
• Fee NO CHARGE
• Certified Copies – Only the veteran or an heir can obtain copies.Fee NO CHARGE

REGISTER OF DEEDS- (269) 673-3282

Filing a Deed:

• For a quicker experience, make sure your original document is signed, notarized and properly prepared using the State of Michigan guidelines (under MCL 565.201).
• Recording fee is a flat rate of $30 (no matter how many pages).
• Real Estate Transfer Tax is collected at this time.
• The process takes a couple of days.

Plat Books:

• The most recent copy (2015) is ready for purchase in our office for $20 cash or check.
• Updated information for tax maps and property information is available at www.allegancounty.org under the Allegan County Department of Equalization.

Passport Services:

• Forms to apply for a passport are available at www.travel.state.gov and in our Office.
• The forms need to be processed at our office or another registered passport acceptance agency.
• Routine passports for adults cost $110 and minors $80 (check or money order – made out to U.S. Department of State) with a $25 per passport processing fee (cash, charge, check or money order made out to Allegan County Register of Deeds.
• Processing takes 4-6 weeks (or expedited to 2-3 weeks for a $60 fee).
• Customers will want to bring- a copy of their birth certificate, state ID, and passport photos.
• Unlike many other places, no appointment is necessary, but arriving before 4:30 is encouraged.
• Applications need to be filled out in black ink.