Clerk FAQ

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 marriage 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?
  11. Where do I vote?
City Clerk - Frequently Asked Questions
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 City Hall on the 1st Floor.

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How do I get a birth certificate for my child?
The City Clerks office does not currently issue Birth Certificates and Death Certificates. Please go to the Oakland County Clerk's office at 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan to obtain one. You may also obtain one online through the Oakland County website by clicking here.

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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.

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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).

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How do I get a death certificate?
The City Clerks office does not currently issue Birth Certificates and Death Certificates. Please go to the Oakland County Clerk's office at 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, Michigan to obtain one. You may also obtain one online through the Oakland County website by clicking here.

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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.

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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.

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Where do I register to vote?
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.

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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.

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What is the deadline to register to vote?
The voter registration deadline is 15 days before election day if you submit this form through a voter registration drive or deliver it to a county clerk or secretary of state office. If you mail the form, it must be postmarked at least 15 days before the election. You can register any time up through Election Day by going to the City Clerk's office with residency verification.  Click here to download the Voter Registration Application.

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Where do I vote?
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://mvic.sos.state.mi.us

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