Arenac County was formed from Bay County in 1883, so county records prior to that year may be found in Bay County. Beginning 5 April 1867, the State of Michigan required cities and townships to take an annual assessment of births, but many births prior to 1900 were unrecorded.  For early births, baptism or christening records may provide results. Before 1885, records were usually kept by visiting or circuit pastors who appeared seasonally to baptize, christen and marry the non-urban communities. These records most often did not become part of the church archive but remained a possession of the pastor.

All birth records more than 100 years old are public records. Individuals may request their own birth record or that of their child. Birth records of anyone 100 years old or more can be ordered online. An heir may request a birth record of a deceased person whose record is less than 100 years through a special request mailed to the State Vital Records office. MI Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics holds birth certificates from 1867 to the present, Arenac County from 1883. For online purchase, the site will send you to VitalChek. Ordering from the county office may be less expensive.