Wayne County Michigan Public Records

We are glad you came here for help. We aim to give you clear facts for your Wayne County Public Records search. We know finding these records can seem hard. Our goal is to make the path easy for you. Let us guide you to the right place for the data you need.

If you want to start a search now, you can visit https://michiganofficialrecords.com/wayne-county-public-records/. This site provides a way to check many Wayne County Public Records from one spot. It can be a good first step. It may save you time before you go to specific county offices. Use it to see what might be out there fast.

Wayne County Register of Deeds Property Records

The Wayne County Register of Deeds holds key land records. This office is the main place for property data. You can find deeds, land sales, and mortgage info here. It is vital for home buyers and real estate work. They keep a large store of these files. The office works hard to keep records safe and easy to find.

Location and Contact Details

The Register of Deeds office is in downtown Detroit. Address: 400 Monroe St, 7th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: 313-224-5850 Check the Wayne County website for current hours. Kiosk use for self-search is often limited. Standard county office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday. But desk service times may vary. Call ahead to be sure.

Finding Property Records

There are a few ways to get Wayne County property records. You can look online. You can visit the office. Or you can ask by mail. Each way has steps to follow. The best way depends on what you need. It also depends on the age of the record.

Online Search

Wayne County offers an online search tool. Go to https://waynecountylandrecords.com. This site lets you search records from January 1, 1960, to now. Records from before 1960 are not online. You must visit or mail for older files. The site has two search types. A free search lets you look by name. You see a list of files but not the files themselves. The On Demand Account costs money. You pay for blocks of time, like 15 minutes. This lets you search by address, tax ID, and more. You can see and print file pages for a fee. Copies cost $2 per page. You need a credit card for this.

In-Person Search

You can go to the office at 400 Monroe, 7th Floor. There is a $5 fee to search a property. This fee is waived if you show proof it is your own home. A driver's license with the address works. Copies cost $2 per page. If you need a certified copy, it costs $10 per document. They have self-serve kiosks in the lobby. These are usable from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM usually. These let you do your own search. Staff can help if needed. This direct access is good for complex searches. It also works for records before 1960.

Search by Mail

You can mail a request for a record search. Send a letter with details of what you need. Include the property address. The search fee by mail is $15 per address. Copies are $2 per page. Certification is $10 per document. Make checks out to WAYNE COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS. Send the request and check to the office address. That is: WAYNE COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS, 400 Monroe, 7th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226. You can find a Search By Mail form on their website sometimes. This method works well if you cannot visit. It is good for certified copies too.

Mortgage and Deed Fraud Help

The Register of Deeds office works to fight property fraud. They have a Mortgage & Deed Fraud Unit. They offer a free service called Fraud Guard. This service can alert you if a document is recorded with your name or property ID. You can sign up on their website. If you think you are a victim of fraud, you can file a complaint. Look for the Complaint Submission Form online. This helps protect your rights as a property owner.

Wayne County Clerk Records

The Wayne County Clerk holds many types of public records. This includes vital records like birth and death papers. The Clerk also manages court filings for the Third Judicial Circuit Court. Business names are filed here too. It is a key office for many life events and legal needs. The Clerk is Cathy M. Garrett. Her office aims to serve the public well.

Office Location and Contact

The main Clerk's office is in the county's main building. Address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: 313-224-5530 (General Information) or 313-967-6938 (Clerk's Office Direct) Different services might be on different floors. For example, court records might be in the basement level (LL-61). Vital records have their own section. Call first to confirm the right location and hours for the service you need.

Vital Records Access

The Clerk keeps key life event records. This includes birth, death, and marriage records for events in Wayne County.

• Birth Certificates: You can request certified copies. Proof of ID and eligibility are needed.

• Death Certificates: These are needed for many tasks after someone dies. Request processes are similar to birth records.

• Marriage Licenses: Couples apply here before getting married. The Clerk also keeps records of marriages performed in the county. You can get copies of marriage certificates.

You can usually get vital records in person or by mail. Some online services exist, but often use outside vendors. Check the Clerk's website for official forms and fees. Fees vary per record type. Processing times also vary. Mail requests take longer.

Court Clerk Services

The County Clerk acts as the clerk for the Third Judicial Circuit Court. This court handles major cases.

• Civil Cases: Lawsuits between people or groups.

• Criminal Cases: Felony charges are heard here.

• Family Division: Divorce, custody, and support cases.

• Record Keeping: The Clerk's office manages the files for these cases. They index and store all documents.

You can access many court records through the Clerk's office. Some case information might be online via court portals. You can also visit the Clerk's court division in person. There may be fees for copies. Some records might be sealed or private by law. The Clerk follows rules set by the court and state law. This ensures fair access while guarding privacy where needed.

Business Filings

If you start a business under a name not your own, you file here.

• Assumed Names (DBA): Filing lets the public know who owns the business.

• Co-Partnerships: Partnerships also file certificates here. These filings are public records. You can search these records at the Clerk's office. This helps check business names or find owners. Fees apply for filing and for getting copies.

Other Clerk Records

The Clerk handles other tasks too.

• Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL): Applications are processed through the Clerk.

• Notary Public: The Clerk commissions notaries and keeps records of them. You can contact the Clerk's office for details on these services. Each has its own rules and fees.

Wayne County Courts Records

Wayne County has several levels of courts. Each court handles different types of cases. They also keep their own records. The County Clerk handles records for the main Circuit Court. But Probate and District Courts manage their own files too. Knowing which court heard a case helps you find the record.

Third Judicial Circuit Court

This is the main trial court in Wayne County. It has broad jurisdiction. Location: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 It hears major civil cases. It hears all felony criminal cases. It handles divorce and family law matters. Records are managed by the Wayne County Clerk's Court Division. You can search for case information online sometimes. Or visit the Clerk's office. Check the Third Circuit Court's own website for online access tools.

Wayne County Probate Court

This court handles specific types of cases. Location: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 13th Floor, 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 It deals with wills and estates after someone dies. It handles guardianships for minors or incapacitated adults. It manages conservatorships for finances. It also handles mental health cases. Records are kept by the Probate Court itself. Contact them directly for record requests. Some older records might be archived elsewhere. They have specific rules for accessing files, especially sensitive ones.

District Courts

Wayne County has many District Courts. They cover specific cities or areas. Examples include the 36th District Court (Detroit) and the 16th District Court (Livonia). These courts handle misdemeanors. They hear traffic violations. They handle small claims cases (civil suits for small dollar amounts). They also hold preliminary exams for felony cases. To get records from a District Court case, you must contact that specific court. Find the District Court that serves the city where the event or case occurred. Each court has its own Clerk's office and record access process.

Wayne County Sheriff's Office Records

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement and runs the county jails. They create and keep certain types of public records. This includes inmate information and incident reports. Access to some records is available to the public.

Inmate Search Information

The Sheriff provides an online tool to search for current inmates. Online Search: Visit https://www.sheriffconnect.com/dashboard/inmate-search/ This portal lets you look up people currently held in Wayne County jails. The search usually shows the inmate's name, booking number, and housing location. It is updated regularly. Keep in mind this search has limits. It shows who is in jail now. It might not show why they are there in detail. For specific charge information, bond details, or court case status, you must contact the court handling the case. The Sheriff cannot give out detailed court data. The online search is a public service for basic lookup.

Incident and Police Reports

The Sheriff's Office creates reports for incidents they handle. This includes accident reports or crime reports in areas they patrol. Getting copies of these reports usually requires a formal request. This is often done using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). You would submit a FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office. Specify the report you need (date, time, location, names involved if known). Fees may apply for searching and copying reports. Contact the Sheriff's Office non-emergency line or check their website for the exact FOIA process.

Wayne County Treasurer Tax Records

The Wayne County Treasurer manages property tax collection. This office keeps records related to property taxes. These records are important for property owners and buyers. The Treasurer ensures taxes are billed and paid correctly. They also handle properties with unpaid taxes.

Office Location and Contact

The Treasurer's office is located downtown. Address: 400 Monroe St, 5th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: 313-224-5990 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Appointments might be required for some services. Check their website or call first.

Types of Tax Records

The Treasurer's office has several key records.

• Property Tax Bills: Information on current and past tax amounts due.

• Payment Status: Records showing if taxes have been paid.

• Taxpayer Information: Owner names and mailing addresses linked to properties (address changes can be made here).

• Forfeiture/Foreclosure: Records on properties facing seizure due to unpaid taxes. Lists of properties in the foreclosure process are often available.

Accessing Tax Records

You can access tax information in a few ways. Wayne County offers online services. You can look up property tax information online. You can often pay taxes online too. Check the Treasurer's section on the main Wayne County website (https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/treasurer/home.aspx). You can visit the office in person. Staff can help you find information or make payments. For specific or older records, you might need to file a FOIA request. The Treasurer's office has its own FOIA process and form. Find it on their website or request it from the office. Fees can apply for complex requests or large numbers of copies.

Accessing Wayne County Public Records Generally

Many Wayne County records are public by law. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives you the right to access many government records. Knowing how FOIA works helps you get the information you need. Each county department may have slightly different steps.

Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

FOIA applies to all state and local government bodies in Michigan. This includes Wayne County departments. The law is found at MCL 15.231 et seq. You can read the law here: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fwnyi1wezgzndf1nqi2t3s2n))/mileg.aspx%3Fpage%3DGetObject%26objectname%3Dmcl-15-231. FOIA covers existing records. It does not force the government to create new records or answer questions. It provides access to writings, photos, tapes, and digital files owned or used by the public body. Some records are exempt from FOIA. This often includes private information or active police investigation details.

How to Make a FOIA Request

To ask for records under FOIA, you should submit a written request. Wayne County has a general FOIA Request Form you can use. Find it here: https://www.waynecounty.com/county/foia-request-form.aspx. Some departments, like the Treasurer, have their own specific FOIA forms too. Be specific about the records you want. Include dates, names, locations, or case numbers if you know them. You can submit the request by mail or email. The general county FOIA email is foiarequests@waynecounty.com. The mailing address for the general FOIA Coordinator is: Guardian Building, 500 Griswold, 31st Floor, Detroit, MI 48226. Or send it directly to the department holding the record (e.g., Sheriff, Clerk). The county must respond within 5 business days, though they can get an extension. Fees may be charged for search time, copying, and mailing, based on state rules.

Key Offices and Online Portals

Here is a quick list of key places for Wayne County Public Records:

• Main County Website: https://www.waynecounty.com/

• Register of Deeds (Property): 400 Monroe St, 7th Fl. Online: https://waynecountylandrecords.com 

• County Clerk (Vital, Court Clerk, Business): 2 Woodward Ave.

• Treasurer (Taxes): 400 Monroe St, 5th Fl.

• Sheriff Inmate Search: https://www.sheriffconnect.com/dashboard/inmate-search/ 

• FOIA Requests: Use the county form or contact the specific department.

Using these resources should help you find the Wayne County Public Records you need. Remember to be specific in your requests. Call offices if you have questions about their process or fees.