Farmington Hills Marriage Records Search
Marriage records for Farmington Hills residents are handled by the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds. Farmington Hills is an Oakland County city with access to both the Troy branch office and the main Pontiac office for marriage license applications and certified copy requests. The city clerk at Farmington Hills City Hall does not handle vital records.
Farmington Hills Overview
Where to Get Farmington Hills Marriage Records
Farmington Hills residents get marriage licenses and certified copies at the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds. There are two office locations available. The Troy branch at 1151 Crooks Rd is closer to Farmington Hills and operates by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The main Pontiac office at 1200 N. Telegraph Road has more hours. The Farmington Hills City Hall at 31555 W 11 Mile Rd handles local permits and elections but not marriage records.
| Troy Branch Office | 1151 Crooks Rd Troy, MI 48084 |
|---|---|
| Troy Branch Hours | Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (appointment required) |
| Troy Branch Phone | (248) 858-0571 |
| Main Pontiac Office | 1200 N. Telegraph Road Pontiac, MI 48341 |
| Genealogy Search | courts.oakgov.com - Oakland Genealogy |
| Certified Copies Online | apps.oakgov.com - Buy Marriage Certificate |
| City Clerk | 31555 W 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336 | (248) 871-2410 |
The Troy branch is the more convenient option for Farmington Hills residents. Call (248) 858-0571 ahead of time to make an appointment. Walk-ins are not always accommodated. If you cannot get an appointment at the Troy branch on your preferred day, the Pontiac main office typically has more available slots and operates regular business hours throughout the week.
How to Search Farmington Hills Marriage Records
Oakland County has several ways to search for marriage records. Farmington Hills residents can use online tools, the county clerk's office, or third-party databases depending on what kind of record they need.
Oakland County's Court Explorer at courtexplorer.oakgov.com is a free online portal for searching Oakland County court records. You can search by name or case number. This system covers Oakland County Circuit Court filings and is useful for finding records tied to legal proceedings related to marriages. For records not connected to court cases, the genealogy search or the clerk's office is more appropriate.
The Oakland County genealogy search at courts.oakgov.com/OakGnlg is the best free tool for searching historical Oakland County marriage records. You can look up records by last name and filter by year range and record type. This database covers older records and is well-suited to genealogy and family history research. It is run by Oakland County and is free to use without creating an account.
For ordering certified copies directly online, Oakland County has a purchase portal at apps.oakgov.com. You can order certified marriage certificates to be mailed to you. This is one of the more convenient options Oakland County offers compared to many Michigan counties that require in-person visits for certified copies.
The screenshot below shows the Oakland County Court Explorer case search system.
The Oakland County Court Explorer at courtexplorer.oakgov.com lets Farmington Hills residents search for Oakland County court records, including cases related to marriage filings.
Marriage License Requirements
Oakland County follows Michigan state law for marriage license applications. Both people getting married must appear in person. This is required by MCL 551.101 and cannot be waived. Farmington Hills residents can use the Troy branch office or the Pontiac main office for this visit. Call ahead for an appointment at the Troy location.
Both applicants must bring the following documents:
- Valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
- Proof of birth date, such as a birth certificate or passport
- Social Security number for each applicant
- Final divorce decree if either person was previously divorced
- Death certificate if a prior spouse has passed away
The fee for an Oakland County marriage license is $20 for Michigan residents. Michigan requires a 3-day waiting period under MCL 551.103 after you apply. Once you have the license, it is valid for 33 days. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need written parental consent. No one under 16 can get a marriage license in Michigan. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the county clerk within 10 days so it becomes part of the official record.
Certified Copies of Marriage Records
If you need an official certified copy of a marriage record, Oakland County makes this relatively accessible. You can order certified copies online, in person at the Troy branch or Pontiac office, or through the state MDHHS using VitalChek. Certified copies are needed for name changes, passport applications, insurance updates, and legal proceedings.
The Oakland County online purchase portal at apps.oakgov.com lets you order certified marriage certificates directly and have them mailed to your address. For state-level certified copies through MDHHS, use VitalChek. The state fee is $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Both the county and state options are valid for legal purposes.
The screenshot below shows the Oakland County certified marriage certificate ordering portal.
Oakland County's online portal at apps.oakgov.com allows Farmington Hills residents to order certified marriage certificates without visiting a clerk's office in person.
Historical and Genealogy Records
For older marriage records and genealogy research, Oakland County has strong online resources. The genealogy search at courts.oakgov.com covers historical records going back many decades. The Library of Michigan's Michiganology.org database includes digitized Oakland County vital records from the 1800s and early 1900s. These are free to search and are among the best tools available for tracing family history in the Oakland County area.
Michigan has a 75-year rule under MCL 333.2882 that limits access to recent vital records. Marriage records less than 75 years old are restricted to the people named in the record, their immediate family, and those with a legal need. Records older than 75 years are public and can be accessed through the county clerk or genealogy databases without restrictions. If you are researching records from before the 1950s, start with the free Michiganology database before contacting the county clerk.
Oakland County Marriage Records
Farmington Hills is in Oakland County. Marriage licenses and certified copies are handled by the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds. The county page has full details on office locations including the Troy branch, all fees, hours, and online ordering tools.
Nearby Cities
Other Oakland County communities near Farmington Hills also use the Oakland County Clerk for marriage records.