Michigan Public Records

We are glad you came here for help. Our team will work hard to aid your Michigan Public Records search. We want this page to be a top source for you. We aim to give you the facts you need.

If you want to start a Michigan Public Records search right now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/. This site lets you search for many kinds of public records in one place. It can save you time if you need fast access. Use their search tools to find the information you seek about people or matters in Michigan. It's a direct way to begin your record quest.

Understanding Michigan Public Records

What makes a record public in Michigan? The law tells us. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, sets the rules. It defines a public record clearly. It is any writing that a public body makes, owns, uses, or keeps. This must be done as part of an official job. The term "writing" is broad. It includes hand writing. It includes typed text and computer files. It also covers photos, videos, and sound tapes. Maps and drawings can be public records too. The key is its link to government work.

Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

This state law is found in the Michigan Compiled Laws, starting at section 15.231 (MCL15.231 et seq.). You can read the full law here:http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(lctaqfu15cewrtmiv5l0uufn))/mileg.aspx%3Fpage%3DgetObject%26objectName%3Dmcl-Act-442-of-1976. The main point of FOIA is simple. It gives people the right to know. They can see how the government works. They can get copies of official papers. This helps keep public groups open and honest. Most people can ask for these records. The law says "all persons" can request them. There is one big exception. People in jail or prison cannot use FOIA. You do not need to say why you want the records. Your reason is your own business. Public groups must name a FOIA lead. This person handles all the record quests. They help find the files you seek. They follow the rules set by the law.

Records Exempt from Disclosure

Not all government records are open to the public. FOIA lists things that can be kept private. These are called exemptions. A main one is personal privacy. Info that would invade someone's private life may be withheld. This includes things like some medical facts or private details in staff files. Security plans are often exempt. Things like blueprints of jails or police tactics might be kept secret. Info tied to an open police case can also be exempt. Releasing it could harm the case. Trade secrets given to the state may be exempt. Notes and drafts used only inside an agency might not be public. The law lists all these special cases clearly. The public body must state the specific exemption if it denies a request. They must explain why the record is not public.

Types of Michigan Public Records & Access Methods

You can find many kinds of records in Michigan. Each type may have a different place to ask. Knowing where to go saves time.

Vital Records

These records mark major life events. They include birth, death, and marriage. Divorce records are court records, not vital records. The main state office is the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Vital Records Office. They keep records filed since 1867. But some old records, mainly before 1906 for births and 1897 for deaths, were not filed with the state. You might need to check local sources for those very old files.

To get birth records, you must be eligible. This usually means you are the person on the record (if adult). Or you are the parent listed on the record. Legal guardians, heirs, or legal reps can also ask. You need to show proof, like a copy of your photo ID (driver's license, state ID). Death and marriage records are mostly open. Anyone can ask for these.

You can order from the State Vital Records office. Mail requests go to: Vital Records Request, P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909. The fee is $34 for the first copy. Extra copies ordered at the same time cost $16 each. Seniors (65+) pay $14 for their own birth record copy. Checks or money orders go to "State of Michigan". Call 517-335-8666 for help. Option 1 gives forms by mail. Option 3 links to staff. More info is on the MDHHS site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords. They offer online and rush options too (extra $12 fee for rush).

You can also try the County Clerk in the county where the event took place. Each county sets its own fees. They may have faster local service. For example, the Berrien County Clerk charges $13 for the first copy and $4 for additional ones. Find your county clerk here:https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/local. Note: Detroit city vital records are now held by Wayne County or the State office.

Court Records

Michigan courts handle many cases. These create lots of records. The courts are set up in levels. The Supreme Court is the top court. Below it is the Court of Appeals. Then come the main trial courts: Circuit Courts (major civil/criminal cases, divorce), District Courts (small claims, misdemeanors, traffic), and Probate Courts (wills, estates, guardians). Some cities have Municipal Courts.

Many court records can be viewed online. Use the MiCOURT Case Search portal: https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. This site lets you search cases by name or case number across many courts. But some info is restricted. For example, details that could reveal a victim in a Personal Protection Order (PPO) case are not shown online. Also, older records might not be online, especially after recent "Clean Slate" laws affected older criminal case access online. For example, Genesee County's 67th District Court requires email or mail requests for cases before July 31, 2014. Email them at 67thHelp@geneseecountymi.gov or mail to 630 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502.

For full records or certified copies, contact the Clerk of the Court where the case was heard. Each court has its own clerk's office. Find court contact info here:https://www.courts.michigan.gov/courts-directory/. You often need to fill out a request form. You may need the case number or party names. Fees apply for copies. A common fee is $1.00 per page. Getting a certified copy costs more, often $10 plus the per-page fee. For instance, East Lansing's 54B District Court details fees in its local administrative order. Washtenaw County Trial Court (101 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48107, Phone: 734-222-3270) offers public terminals for searches.

Property Records

Property records show who owns land. They list details like deeds, mortgages, and liens. They also include tax info and parcel maps. Two main local offices handle these. The County Register of Deeds keeps records of land ownership documents. This includes deeds that transfer property. It includes mortgages used to buy land. It also lists liens placed on property for debts. The office records plats, which are maps of subdivisions. You need to contact the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is. Fees are charged for copies. Many counties now offer online search tools. Some are free for basic index searches. Others require a fee or subscription for full document viewing. Find your county Register of Deeds here: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/collections/register-of-deeds. For example, Allegan County Register of Deeds is at 113 Chestnut Street, Allegan, MI 49010, phone 269-673-0390.

The other key office is the local assessing department. This could be part of the city, township, or county government. They handle property tax assessments. They keep records on property values, tax bills, and parcel maps. This data often includes the property address, owner name, assessed value, and tax status. Many local governments put this information online. You can often search by address or parcel number. For example, Allegan County offers an online Property Record Search via its Equalization Department website: https://www.allegancounty.org/departments/equalization-department/property-records. The State Treasury Department also offers tools like a Property Tax Estimator: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/property/estimator. These local records show current value and tax details. They rely on data from local assessors. They may change during the year based on reviews or appeals. The maps provided are usually for assessment use. They are not official surveys.

Criminal History Records

Criminal history records in Michigan are mainly held by the Michigan State Police (MSP). Their Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC) manages the official state database. The public can access some of this information. The main tool is the Internet Criminal History Access Tool, known as ICHAT. You can find it here: https://apps.michigan.gov/. ICHAT lets you search for Michigan criminal convictions using a person's name and date of birth. Each search costs $10. You pay online with a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). The results show up right away online. They list felony and misdemeanor convictions reported to the state police by courts and law enforcement across Michigan.

ICHAT has limits. It only shows Michigan records. It does not include arrests that did not lead to a conviction. It does not list federal crimes or crimes from other states. It will not show active warrants. Also, records that have been legally sealed or expunged are not public and won't appear on ICHAT. For a more complete check, often needed for jobs or licenses, a fingerprint search is required. You must get your fingerprints taken. This can be done on a Michigan Applicant Fingerprint Card (RI-008) at a local police agency. Or you can use an authorized Live Scan vendor. You must provide the reason for the check. The cost is $30 paid to the State of Michigan. Live Scan vendors charge extra fees for their service. Send completed cards to: MSP, CJIC, P.O. Box 30266, Lansing, MI 48909.

Michigan also has a Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR). You can search this online for free. It lists individuals convicted of certain sex offenses. Find the PSOR here:https://www.michigan.gov/msp/services/public-sex-offender-registry. Remember, basic criminal records are public under FOIA, but access to detailed files might be limited to the person on the record or authorized agencies. Expunged records are removed from public view entirely. ICHAT support can be reached at 517-241-0606 during business hours (8 am - 5 pm, Mon-Fri, excluding holidays).

Business & Licensing Records

If you need info on businesses in Michigan, check with LARA. LARA stands for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. They handle filings for many business types. This includes corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs). They also track assumed names, known as DBAs ("Doing Business As"). LARA is also the place for checking professional licenses. This covers many jobs like doctors, builders, accountants, and more.

You can search much of this information online. LARA provides several search tools on its website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara. Look for links related to Corporations or Licensing. The Corporations Online Filing System (COFS) lets you search for business entity details. You can often find the registered agent, filing date, and status of a business. License lookups let you verify if a professional's license is active and in good standing. These searches are usually free for basic information. LARA's general phone number is 517-335-9700. They can direct you to the right division for specific questions. This is key for due diligence or verifying credentials.

Legislative & Government Records

To track laws and government actions, use state resources. The Michigan Legislature website is vital. Find it at www.legislature.mi.gov. This site has the text of bills being considered. It shows laws that have passed (Public Acts). You can read the official House and Senate Journals. These record daily actions and votes. Committee information, like schedules and some records, is also there. For help, call House committees at 517-373-0135 or Senate committees at 517-373-2400. Older legislative records might be housed at the State Archives of Michigan. They hold historical government documents.

Other Common Records

• Driving Records: Your driving history is kept by the Michigan Department of State (SOS). Businesses often request these for job checks. Individuals can request their own record. Contact the Commercial Look-up Unit at 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918, or call 517-322-1624. Fees apply. More info here:https://www.michigan.gov/sos/resources/forms-and-publications.

• Campaign Finance & Lobbying: Who gives money to politicians? Who lobbies the government? The SOS Bureau of Elections manages this data. They have online databases you can search for free. Find donation records and lobbyist registrations here:https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/campaign-finance.

How to Formally Request Michigan Public Records (FOIA Process)

Making a formal request, especially under FOIA, follows steps. Doing it right helps you get the records you need.

Step 1: Identify the Public Body Holding the Record

First, figure out which state or local agency has the records. Is it a state department like MDHHS or MSP? Is it a local group like a county clerk, city police, or school board? Records are kept by the agency that created or uses them for official work. Asking the wrong place causes delays.

Step 2: Craft Your Request

Your request should be clear. Describe the records you want as specifically as possible. Include dates, names, locations, or case numbers if you know them. While FOIA allows verbal requests, written requests are best. They create a clear record. Many agencies prefer or require written requests. Some have special FOIA request forms on their websites.

Step 3: Submission Methods

How you send the request depends on the agency. Check their website or call them. Common ways include:

• Online Portals: Some agencies have dedicated FOIA web forms.

• Mail: Send a letter to the agency's designated FOIA Coordinator. Example: MDHHS FOIA Coordinator, Suite 207, P.O. Box 30037, Lansing, MI 48909.

• Fax: Some accept faxed requests. Example: MDHHS FOIA Fax: 517-241-1200.

• In-Person: You might be able to deliver your request by hand. Check their office hours and procedures first.

Step 4: Fees and Costs

Getting public records may cost money. FOIA allows agencies to charge fees. These cover the actual cost of finding, reviewing, copying, and mailing records. They can charge for staff time spent searching and reviewing. They can charge per page for copies. They can charge for postage. The agency must give you a detailed estimate if costs are high. They cannot charge excessive fees. If you think fees are too high, you can dispute them. Fee waivers are sometimes possible if you prove you cannot afford it (indigence) or if the request benefits the public good.

Step 5: Agency Response Time

Under Michigan FOIA, the public body has 5 business days after getting your request to respond. Their response could be: granting the request, denying it (with reasons), granting part of it, or asking for a 10 business day extension if they need more time. They must explain the reason for any extension.

Step 6: Appeals Process

If your FOIA request is denied, you have rights. You can appeal the decision. First, you can appeal in writing to the head of the public body. They have 10 business days to respond. If they uphold the denial, or if you disagree with high fees, you can file a lawsuit in Circuit Court. The court will review the agency's decision. There are time limits for filing appeals, so act promptly.

Key Michigan Agency Contacts for Public Records

• MDHHS Vital Records: P.O. Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909 | Phone: 517-335-8666 | Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords

• Michigan State Police (MSP) - ICHAT Support: Phone: 517-241-0606 (8am-5pm M-F) | Fingerprint Card Submission: MSP, CJIC, P.O. Box 30266, Lansing, MI 48909 | Website: https://apps.michigan.gov/

• Michigan Department of State (SOS): General Info: 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424) | Driving Records Unit: 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918, Phone: 517-322-1624 | Website: https://www.michigan.gov/sos

• Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA): General Phone: 517-335-9700 | Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara

• Michigan Courts: Website (includes directory): https://www.courts.michigan.gov/

• Michigan Legislature: Website: www.legislature.mi.gov | House Info: 517-373-0135 | Senate Info: 517-373-2400

• County Register of Deeds Directory: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/collections/register-of-deeds

• County Clerk Directory:https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/local

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