Departments
City Clerk - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?
2. How do I get a birth certificate for my child?
3. Where do I get a marraige license?
4. How do I get a "Doing Business As" DBA?
5. How do I get a death certificate?
6. How do I obtain an absentee ballot to vote?
7. May I pick up an absentee ballot application for someone else?
8. Where do I register to vote?
9. Must I re-register to vote if I move?
10. What is the deadline to register to vote?
Do I need a permit for a garage sale?
The Clerk's Office doesn't do permits--the Licensing Division of Community Development does--they are currently located in the lower level of the Pontiac Library located at 60 E. Pike St.
How do I get a birth certificate for my child?
If the child was born either inside the city limits of Pontiac or at one of the Hospitals in Pontiac (St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, North Oakland Medical Center or Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital) and between 1967 and the present, the certificate is available at the Pontiac City Clerk's Office, either in person or by mail. Cost is $15 for the first copy per child and $5 for each additional copy obtained at the same time. Only personal checks and cash are accepted. Only the parents listed on the birth certificate or the child, if at least 15 years of age, may obtain copies. Legal guardians may obtain copies if they bring the guardianship papers. Photo ID must be presented.
Where do I get a marriage license?
Marriage licenses are obtained through the County Clerk's Office in the county in which one of the two individuals lives. For example, Pontiac residents could visit the Oakland County Clerk's Office, 1200 North Telegraph Road.
How do I get a "Doing Business As" (DBA)?
DBAs (assumed names) for Oakland County businesses are obtained at the Oakland County Clerk's Office in Pontiac. The office is located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, just north of Elizabeth Lake Road; telephone (248) 858-1000 (main County number).
How do I get a death certificate?
If the person died in Pontiac between 1996 and the present, the certificate is available at the Pontiac City Clerk's Office in City Hall in the Municipal Complex. Copies are $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy obtained at the same time. Cash or personal checks only please.
How do I obtain an absentee ballot to vote?
An absentee ballot may be obtained either in person or by mail at the Pontiac City Clerk's Office, or may be printed out from the City's Web site. Absentee ballot application must be completed and either brought in or mailed to the Clerk's Office. If you mail the application back, the ballot will be mailed to you. If you bring the application back in person, you may receive your ballot in person at that time.
May I pick up an absentee ballot application for someone else?
You may pick up an application; however, each person must complete their own application and return it to City Hall.
You may register to vote at the City Clerk's Office in Pontiac City Hall; at any Secretary of State's Office; or by mail. Those registering by mail who are under 60 years of age must vote in-person the first time they vote after registering.
Must I re-register to vote if I move?
Yes, if you move to a new community. If you move, but stay in the same community, you may change your address by calling the City Clerk's Office at Pontiac City Hall, (248) 758-3200.
What is the deadline to register to vote?
You must register at least 30 days prior to an election.
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You may call the City Clerk’s Office to find out your Voting location, the number is (248) 758-3200. Or go to the State of Michigan site: https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/