Your Baby's Birth Certificate

The goal of the University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital is to make sure that your baby’s birth certificate is complete, correct, and available to you as soon as possible after delivery. You will receive a Birth Certificate Worksheet Information form from your nurse at the hospital. Some important things to know about birth certificates:

  • The birth certificate information needs to be completed and signed before leaving the hospital after your baby is born. You need to decide the baby’s name and how you want it spelled before leaving the hospital.
  • If you make any changes or corrections to the birth certificate after you leave the hospital, you will be charged a fee by Washtenaw County before receiving a new birth certificate.
  • Birth certificates are not mailed to you automatically. You need to phone the Washtenaw County Clerk’s Office (734-222-6720) after 6 weeks to receive a copy of the birth certificate.
  • If the birth certificate worksheet is completed and signed in the hospital, Social Security cards will be mailed automatically in about 4 months. If this is not done in the hospital, or if you need the baby’s social security number before 4 months (for taxes, passport, etc.), call your local Social Security office.
  • Your baby’s birth certificate can be picked up at the Washtenaw County Clerk’s Office (734-222-6720) approximately four weeks after birth. The office is located on the corner of North Main and Ann Streets, at 200 N. Main St, Suite 100. More information about obtaining your child’s birth certificate is available in the packet given to you at the hospital.

Information for Single Parents If you want to claim paternity: In order to document paternity for your baby, both parents need to complete and sign the  AFFIDAVIT OF PARENTAGE form in the presence of a hospital Notary Public, a medical records clerk in the hospital. You and the father of the baby must have a current valid driver’s license or state-issued picture I.D. when signing the Affidavit of Parentage. If you do not claim paternity the father’s name cannot be on the birth certificate.  If you choose not to identify the father of the baby please sign and date section 3J on the Birth Certificate worksheet.

Information for Recently Divorced Parents of Less Than 12 Months

If you want to claim paternity other than your ex-husband: You must bring to the hospital your final divorce papers. Divorce papers must state clearly that your ex-husband is not the baby’s father in order to file Paternity. To claim paternity you will need to complete and sign the AFFIDAVIT OF PARENTAGE form in the presence of a hospital Notary Public, a medical records clerk in the hospital. You and the father of the baby must have a current valid driver’s license or state-issued picture I.D. when signing the Affidavit of Parentage.