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Michigan Public Records

There are many reasons for people to request public records.

While requesters have many reasons to review public records, it is not always an easy process.

You need to figure out which state department has the records and know how to request them.

Those needing to access records have a right to submit a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Every state has different processes, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

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What does the Michigan public records law say?

The state of Michigan has a broad approach to the application of their records, with many offices in the legislature covered, while some individual members are exempt.

Aside from state-funded universities, any private entity operating with public funding is subject to the law.

What qualifies as a “record” in Michigan is also slightly broader than in other states, but in general, this includes just about anything written and recordings; computer programs are also included.

You do not have to be a citizen of Michigan to access public records. However, currently incarcerated individuals do not have access, no matter which state they are incarcerated in.

The Michigan Freedom of Information Act does not expressly say how long a public agency has to respond to a records request other than saying the agency should respond “promptly” and be within a week.

There are no administrative appeals allowed whatsoever, which means if a request is denied, you will have to take your fight to court.

To learn more about Michigan’s rules and how to access records, visit Michigan.gov.

How can I access public records in Michigan?

Some public records can be found through online services.

In contrast, others must be requested from a specific agency using a formal request. If a request is required, it can be sent via email, mail, or phone to the record-holding department.

Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if you access records from multiple places.

Michigan Criminal Records

Criminal records in Michigan are straightforward due to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

All criminal activities committed by individuals within the state are electronically kept, printed, and filed.

The Michigan State Police maintains criminal records in the state.

What’s on a Michigan criminal record?

A criminal history record provides a detailed record of a person’s interactions with law enforcement. These records are pulled from various sources and include arrest records, convictions, and incarcerations within the state’s four prisons.

More specifically, a criminal record or a background check will provide the following information:

  • Date of birth
  • Photograph/mugshot
  • Fingerprints
  • Current and past addresses
  • Former arrest records
  • Current and past warrants
  • Sex offender status
  • The law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest, the police department, county sheriff, state police, etc.

Where can I find Michigan criminal records?

The Michigan State police maintain criminal records. They can be found by searching through the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) by names or fingerprints.

Other avenues can be used to retrieve Michigan criminal records, too.

They include the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), private companies, and the local police departments and courts.

Most criminal records can be requested online via mail or email. In addition to accessing criminal records online, Michigan law allows the general public to inspect and copy case records.

You can contact the sheriff’s office for local criminal history checks.

Michigan Inmate Records

All misdemeanor and felonies within all 83 Michigan counties are reported by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, or the courts.

The Michigan Department of Corrections maintains inmate records in the state.

What’s on a Michigan inmate record?

The information listed on an inmate record varies.

However, in Michigan, the records usually contain personal information and specific details about a person’s incarceration situation. Inmate information also includes records of their offenses, incarceration, and release dates.

These records are publicly available and accessible online, while others are restricted and released only to authorized parties.

Public access to inmate records can provide the following information when accessed:

  • Name and aliases
  • Date of Birth
  • Social security number
  • Height and weight
  • DOC ID
  • Booking photo
  • Assigned location
  • Sentence summary

Where can I find Michigan inmate records?

To access records, you can search for the inmate’s name and city through the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

By law, the MDOC is required to keep inmate records on OTIS for up to three years after release.

Searches can be done on the OTIS database by offender name, MDOC number, sex, age, race, and status.

However, not all records are public. Some are only available to authorized parties.

Michigan Court Records

Court records can provide a wealth of information from court proceedings.

For those looking to access court records, there are resources listed below. It is important to remember that court records can be difficult to access since they are often held in different courts.

What’s on a Michigan court record?

In most cases, court records are quite large and come with many different documents. Most people find the following documents the most helpful:

  • Court minutes
  • Case files
  • Dockets
  • Orders of the court
  • Judgment documentation
  • Jury records and files
  • Witness documentation

Where can I find Michigan court records?

Fortunately, Michigan has an online database where the public can conduct a case search and see all its associated records.

The Michigan court records lookup allows you to search using a docket number and select whether the case was heard by the supreme court or a court of appeals.

You can also search by the party name or the attorney’s name.

If you need to access court cases held within district court or circuit court, you need to reach out to the county clerk and request the records.

It is important to note that not all cases are open and may not be available.

Michigan Vital Records

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains the vital records office in the state.

Michigan vital records include:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Death Certificates
  • Marriage Licenses
  • Divorce Decrees

Public record requests for vital records will vary depending on the document you are requesting

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Vital Records Request
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909

Phone number: (517) 335-8666

What information do I need to request a Michigan birth certificate?

The Application for Certified Copy Michigan Birth Certificate will ask for specific information when ordering a birth record.

  • Full name on the birth record
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Place of birth

Where can I find a Michigan birth certificate?

You can order a Michigan birth certificate online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Michigan birth record by completing the Application for Certified Copy Michigan Birth Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified birth certificate in Michigan is $34. The state does offer expedited services for an additional $12.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Michigan?

The Application for a Certified Copy Michigan Death Record will ask for specific details when ordering a death record.

  • Full name on the death record
  • Date of birth
  • Date of death
  • Gender
  • Place of death
  • The full name of the parents of the deceased

Where can I find a Michigan death record?

You can order a Michigan death certificate online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Michigan death record by completing the Application for a Certified Copy Michigan Death Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified death certificate in Michigan is $34. The state does offer expedited services for an additional $12.

What information do I need to request a marriage certificate in Michigan?

The Application for a Certified Copy Michigan Marriage will ask for specific details.

  • Full name on the marriage record
  • Parents’ full name
  • Location of marriage
  • The location where the marriage occurred
  • Requester’s contact information

Where can I find an existing Michigan marriage record?

You can order a Michigan marriage record online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Michigan marriage certificate by completing the Application for a Certified Copy Michigan Marriage and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified marriage license in Michigan is $34. The state does offer expedited services for an additional $12.

What information do I need to request a divorce certificate in Michigan?

The Application for a Certified Copy Michigan Divorce Record form will ask you for specific details.

  • Full name of both spouses
  • County where the divorce was granted

Where can I find a Michigan divorce record?

You can order a Michigan divorce record online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Michigan divorce decree by completing the Application for a Certified Copy Michigan Divorce Record and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified divorce decree in Michigan is $34. The state does offer expedited services for an additional $12.

Michigan Property Records

The Assessor’s Office maintains property records in Michigan.

The property records you can access include:

  • Liens
  • Land records
  • Titles
  • Property deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Property tax assessment records
  • Zoning information
  • Probate

What information do I need to request property records in Michigan?

Public property record requests are different depending on the information you are requesting.

You will need to contact your local Assessor’s Office for forms, fees, and office hours.

Where can I find a Michigan property record?

You will need to contact the Assessor’s Office to access a public property record in Michigan.

Example – City of Grand Rapids Assessor’s Office
City of Grand Rapids Assessor’s Office Property Lookup
300 Monroe Ave NW, 3rd Floor
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Phone number: 616-456-3081

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Michigan?

You can request records if you are a non-resident. Whether you live in Detroit or Denver, you can access public documents. Only a handful of states require requesters to live in the state to access public records.

Is there a records custodian in Michigan?

Michigan does not have a records custodian.

What exemptions exist for public records requests in Michigan?

Michigan Public Information law does have exemptions, including the governor’s office and records about individual legislature members.

How long does Michigan have to respond to a public records request?

There are no deadlines for how long a government agency has to respond. However, agencies are urged to respond as soon as possible.

Most agencies respond to a request within a week.

Is there an appeals process in place for public records requests in Michigan?

If you are denied access to public records, your only recourse is to fight it in court.

There is no administrative appeals process. In some states, if a request is denied, a requester can file a complaint with the attorney general, but that is not possible in Michigan.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Michigan?

For requests made by the media or in the public’s interest, there are no fees charged. The public may be charged a small fee to copy records or case information.

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