Michigan Public Records: A Complete Research Guide

Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by Editorial Staff

Michigan public records are government-created documents, filings, databases, and communications maintained by state and local agencies that are generally accessible to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL 15.231 et seq. (Act 442 of 1976). The law provides that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the fulfillment of government’s statutory functions and the inner workings of government. Michigan FOIA is notably a written-request-only statute — oral requests do not trigger the law’s response obligations or enforcement protections.

Residents frequently perform a Michigan public records search — sometimes called a Michigan FOIA request, Michigan open records request, or Michigan government records search — to locate court filings, criminal history records, property ownership information, business registrations, and vital records.

Public records in Michigan are distributed across state agencies and 83 county-level systems. Michigan’s court system now provides a statewide online case search portal through the One Court of Justice website covering all circuit courts statewide. Property records are split between the Register of Deeds (recorded instruments) and the County Equalization Department or City/Township Assessor (ownership and valuation) in each county. Understanding which agency maintains each record type is the foundation of effective public records research in Michigan.

On This Page

• Quick Answer: Where to Search Michigan Public Records
• Legal Notice
• Why This Guide Is Reliable
• Why Michigan Public Records Law Is Distinctive
• The Legal Framework
• Michigan Court Records
• Michigan Criminal Records
• Michigan Property Records
• Michigan Business Records
• Michigan Vital Records
• Michigan Inmate and Corrections Records
• Professional License Records
• Charity and Nonprofit Records
• How to Submit a Michigan FOIA Request
• Free Government Databases for Michigan Public Records
• Common Mistakes When Researching Michigan Public Records
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts
• Related Guides
• Disclaimer

Quick Answer: Where to Search Michigan Public Records

The most important free and low-cost government databases for researching Michigan public records include:

• MiCOURT Case Search (micourt.courts.michigan.gov) — free statewide court case search covering all 57 Circuit Courts plus Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Claims
• Michigan One Court of Justice (courts.michigan.gov) — judicial portal, court directory, and appellate opinions
• Michigan State Police ICHAT (apps.michigan.gov/ichat) — public name-based criminal history search, $10 per subject
• Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (michigan.gov/PSOR) — free statewide sex offender registry
• MDOC OTIS Offender Search (mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2) — Michigan Department of Corrections inmate and offender records
• County Register of Deeds portals (83 counties) — recorded property instruments (deeds, mortgages, liens); directory at michigan.gov/taxes/collections/register-of-deeds
• County Equalization/Assessor portals (83 counties) — property ownership and assessed values; NETRONLINE Michigan directory at publicrecords.netronline.com/state/MI
• Michigan LARA Business Entity Search (cofs.lara.michigan.gov) — statewide business entity registrations
• MDHHS Vital Records (michigan.gov/mdhhs/doing-business/vitalrecords) — birth (from 1867), death, marriage, and divorce certificates; VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor
• Michigan LARA License Lookup (michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl) — professional license verification for LARA-regulated professions

These systems provide access to the majority of publicly searchable government records in Michigan.

⚠️ Legal Notice

Michigan public records law is governed primarily by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.). The law presumes all records of public bodies are accessible upon written request, but contains exemptions covering investigative records, personal privacy information, attorney-client communications, trade secrets, and numerous category-specific restrictions. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Michigan Legislature are explicitly exempt from Michigan FOIA — requests for those offices must follow alternative procedures. Court records are not subject to FOIA under MCL 15.232(d); they are governed by the Michigan Court Rules. Criminal history records are maintained by the Michigan State Police and are publicly accessible via ICHAT for a fee. Vital records are governed by the Michigan Vital Records Act (MCL 333.2811 et seq.).

This guide explains lawful public records research methods and does not constitute legal advice.

Why This Guide Is Reliable

inet-investigation.com publishes research-based guides built on primary government sources, investigative research methods, and public records law. All databases referenced in this guide link to official government websites whenever possible.

For jurisdiction-specific legal questions, consult a licensed Michigan attorney or the relevant government agency responsible for the record.

Why Michigan Public Records Law Is Distinctive

Michigan’s FOIA has several features that distinguish it from other states in this guide series — including two significant limitations found in very few other states, and a few genuinely strong enforcement provisions.

The Governor and Legislature are exempt from Michigan FOIA. Michigan is one of only two states in the country that exempts the Governor’s office (and the Lieutenant Governor) from its open records law. The Legislature is also exempt — Michigan is one of approximately eight states that excludes its legislature from open records obligations. Requests for records from the Governor’s office require alternative procedures, and the Legislature operates under its own separate rules with no binding disclosure deadlines. This is the most significant coverage gap in Michigan’s open records landscape compared to every other state in this guide series, all of which cover their executive branches.

Written request required — oral requests receive no legal protection. Unlike Georgia (which explicitly permits oral requests), North Carolina (which has no written requirement), or Ohio (which prefers but does not require writing), Michigan FOIA covers only written requests. An oral request to a Michigan public body has no legal force and does not trigger the 5-business-day response obligation, the fee reduction penalty for late responses, or the enforcement provisions. For any request where you want enforceable rights, the request must be in writing — though email is expressly included in FOIA’s definition of “written request.”

Email requests are deemed received one business day after sending. Under MCL 15.235(1), a written request made by fax, email, or other electronic transmission is not considered received by the public body until one business day after the electronic transmission is made. This adds one business day to the effective start of the response clock and is a procedural nuance not found in most state FOIA laws. For requests delivered to a spam folder, the receipt clock does not start until the body actually becomes aware of the request.

A built-in fee reduction penalty for late responses. If a public body misses its 5-business-day response deadline (or 15-day deadline with extension), and the requester meets specific conditions (including that the request conveyed a FOIA request within the first 250 words, or that the subject line included words like “FOIA” or “freedom of information”), the total calculated fee must be reduced by 5% for each business day the response is late — up to a maximum 50% reduction. This automatic fee reduction for tardiness is a practically useful enforcement tool that most states lack.

An internal administrative appeal exists before court action is required. Unlike California (court only) or Ohio (Court of Claims or mandamus), Michigan FOIA provides a mandatory internal appeal step: a denied requester may submit a written appeal to the head of the public body — the agency director, superintendent, mayor, or similar executive — before filing a civil action. The public body must respond to the appeal within 10 business days. This appeal step can resolve disputes without litigation. If the appeal fails, the requester then has 180 days from the final denial to file a civil action in circuit court.

The ICHAT criminal records database provides genuinely broad public access at low cost. Michigan’s Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) allows any member of the public to run a name-based search of public criminal history — felonies and serious misdemeanors punishable by over 93 days — for just $10 per subject. This is one of the most accessible public criminal history search tools in the guide series: more accessible than California (individuals only), New York (court records only), and Illinois (conviction-only at $10–$16), and comparable to Texas ($1/search) in its openness to anyone. ICHAT includes both arrests and convictions, not just convictions — making it broader than Illinois’s conviction-only UCIA system.

Birth records are restricted for 100 years; death, marriage, and divorce records are open to anyone. Michigan has an unusual two-tier vital records system: birth certificates less than 100 years old are restricted to authorized individuals only (the registrant, parents, legal guardian, legal representative, or heir if deceased). Death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates are open to the public — anyone can request a copy without demonstrating a relationship. This combination — very restrictive for birth records, very open for the others — is distinctive among guide states.

The Legal Framework

→ Related guide: What Are Public Records?
→ Related guide: How FOIA Requests Work

Michigan Court Records

Michigan’s court system is organized with the Michigan Supreme Court at the apex, followed by the Court of Appeals (two districts), the Court of Claims (for suits against the state), and 57 Circuit Courts (the general trial courts, covering 83 counties in multi-county circuits for rural areas). Below the circuit courts sit District Courts (misdemeanors, civil claims under $25,000, and traffic) and Probate Courts (wills, estates, and guardianships).

Court records in Michigan are not subject to FOIA under MCL 15.232(d). Access to court records is governed by the Michigan Court Rules (MCR), primarily MCR 8.119, which generally presumes court records are open to public inspection. Requests for court records go to the clerk of the court under MCR procedures, not under FOIA.

MiCOURT Case Search — Statewide Portal

URL: micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search
Cost: Free

Michigan’s One Court of Justice provides free statewide case search coverage for all 57 Circuit Courts — civil, criminal, family, and probate matters — plus the Michigan Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of Claims. Search by party name, case number, or attorney. This is a significant improvement over Ohio, which has no equivalent statewide portal. Case information includes charges, case status, scheduled hearing dates, and judicial orders. Not all documents are available remotely — many require in-person courthouse access — but docket-level case information is broadly accessible online.

Wayne County — Odyssey Public Access

URL: 3rdcc.org (Third Circuit Court) and Wayne County Clerk portal
Cost: Free for basic docket information

Wayne County (Detroit), Michigan’s largest county by population, operates its own Odyssey Public Access (OPA) system with civil and criminal court records dating back to 1942. The Third Judicial Circuit Court’s Odyssey portal provides more detailed historical access than the statewide MiCOURT portal.

Michigan Appellate Courts

URL: courts.michigan.gov (Opinions section)
Cost: Free

Published opinions from the Michigan Supreme Court and both districts of the Court of Appeals are searchable through the One Court of Justice website, Google Scholar, and the Michigan Legislature’s website at legislature.mi.gov. The Court of Appeals is divided into a First District (Detroit) and Second and Third Districts covering the rest of the state.

Federal Court Records

Federal cases in Michigan — bankruptcy, civil rights, immigration, federal criminal matters — are available through PACER (pacer.gov), requiring free registration and charging $0.10 per page. Michigan has two federal judicial districts: the Eastern (Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, Bay City) and Western (Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Marquette).

Michigan Criminal Records

Michigan criminal history records are maintained by the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC). The public has direct access to a meaningful portion of this database through ICHAT, which is more open than most guide states. Public access covers felonies and serious misdemeanors; suppressed records and local misdemeanor-only records are excluded.

ICHAT — Public Name-Based Criminal History Search

URL: apps.michigan.gov/ichat (Michigan State Police ICHAT portal)
Cost: $10 per subject search (credit card required)

ICHAT allows any person to search public criminal history records maintained by the Michigan State Police for $10 per name. Results are available online immediately after payment and remain accessible for 7 days. ICHAT covers all felonies and serious misdemeanors punishable by more than 93 days that are reported by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts in all 83 Michigan counties. The database includes both arrest records and conviction records — broader than Illinois’s conviction-only UCIA search. What ICHAT does not show: suppressed (expunged) records, active warrant information, federal records, tribal records, traffic records, juvenile records, and criminal history from other states. Fee waivers are available for indigent requesters under the FOIA fee waiver provisions.

Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry

URL: michigan.gov/PSOR (Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry)
Cost: Free

The Michigan State Police maintains the Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR) under the Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA, MCL 28.721 et seq.). Search by name, address, ZIP code, or proximity to a location. Results include photograph, address, physical description, offense information, and tier classification.

Court Records as Criminal Research Supplement

For criminal history beyond ICHAT’s coverage — including local misdemeanor records, case details, and court documents — use the MiCOURT statewide case search portal. Circuit court cases (felonies) and District court cases (misdemeanors) are accessible. For older Wayne County records, the Odyssey Public Access portal covers records back to 1942.

Expungement in Michigan — “Setting Aside” a Conviction

Michigan’s Clean Slate Act (MCL 780.621 et seq.), significantly expanded in 2021, allows for setting aside (expunging) many convictions including certain felonies, automatic expungement of some marijuana offenses, and a broader set of misdemeanors after a waiting period. Expunged records are removed from public access in ICHAT. Courts and law enforcement retain access for limited purposes.

What Is Not Public

• Suppressed (expunged/set-aside) records — removed from ICHAT
• Juvenile records
• Active warrant information (not shown in ICHAT)
• Local misdemeanor-only records not reported to the MSP state repository
• Traffic offenses
• Federal and tribal criminal history

Michigan Property Records

Michigan property records are maintained at the county level by two offices. The Register of Deeds in each county records and maintains all real property instruments — deeds, mortgages, land contracts, construction liens, and other documents affecting title. The County Equalization Department (or, in urban areas, the city or township assessor) maintains property ownership records, parcel data, assessed values, and tax information. Michigan is a race-notice recording state — recording a deed gives constructive notice to subsequent purchasers, and a party who records first without notice of a prior unrecorded interest prevails.

County Register of Deeds — Recorded Instruments

Directory URL: michigan.gov/taxes/collections/register-of-deeds (state directory of all 83 county ROD offices)
Cost: Free for online index searches; nominal fees for certified copies

Each county’s Register of Deeds office maintains recorded real property instruments. Most counties provide online access through third-party platforms; many index records going back to the late 1800s with images of more recent documents. The NETRONLINE Michigan directory at publicrecords.netronline.com/state/MI links to Register of Deeds portals for all 83 counties. Major county ROD portals include:

• Wayne County (Detroit) — waynecounty.com/deeds
• Oakland County — oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/property-land/property-records
• Macomb County — macombgov.org/Register-of-Deeds
• Kent County (Grand Rapids) — kentcountymi.gov (Register of Deeds)
• Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor) — washtenaw.org/298/Register-of-Deeds

Michigan also discloses sale price through a Real Estate Transfer Tax system: the state imposes $3.75 per $500 of value transferred ($7.50 per $1,000) and most counties impose an additional $0.55 per $500 ($1.10 per $1,000). Both taxes are disclosed on the face of the recorded deed or on a separately filed Real Estate Transfer Tax Valuation Affidavit, allowing researchers to calculate the approximate sale price from the tax stamp amount — similar to Ohio’s conveyance fee disclosure.

County Equalization / Assessor Portals — Ownership and Value

Michigan’s property tax assessment is conducted at the local level by city or township assessors, with the County Equalization Department responsible for overall county assessment administration. Most county equalization departments provide online property record search portals. The NETRONLINE Michigan directory links to equalization and assessor portals for all 83 counties.

What Michigan Property Records Contain

• Current owner of record and grantor/grantee transfer history (via Register of Deeds)
• Approximate sale price (disclosed through Real Estate Transfer Tax stamp on deed)
• Parcel identification number
• State equalized value (SEV) — approximately 50% of market value under Michigan law
• Taxable value — may be lower than SEV due to Proposal A caps on annual increases
• Homestead exemption and principal residence exemption status
• Mortgage and land contract recording history
• Construction and judgment liens
• Tax payment status and delinquency information

Michigan Proposal A note (1994): Michigan’s Proposal A capped annual increases in taxable value at the lesser of 5% or inflation, regardless of market value increases. This creates a growing gap between State Equalized Value (market-based) and Taxable Value (Proposal A-capped) for long-held properties. Taxable value is the actual basis for property tax calculation. This is analogous to California’s Proposition 13 in creating assessed value / market value divergence.

Michigan Business Records

Michigan LARA — Business Entity Search

URL: cofs.lara.michigan.gov (Corporations Online Filing System)
Cost: Free for basic searches; fees for certified copies

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau (CSCL), maintains the official registry of all business entities formed in Michigan or registered to do business here — corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations. Search by entity name, registered agent, or ID number. Results include entity status, formation date, registered agent name and address, and annual report history.

Michigan UCC Filings

URL: michigan.gov/sos (Secretary of State UCC filings)
Cost: Free for basic searches

UCC financing statements secured against personal property are filed with and searchable through the Michigan Secretary of State. Fixture filings related to real property may also be filed at the county Register of Deeds level.

Michigan Transparency & Accountability Portal

URL: michigan.gov/transparency
Cost: Free

Michigan’s open data portal provides public access to state expenditures, contracts, payroll, grants, and budget information. Useful for research that would otherwise require a formal FOIA request for commonly requested state financial data.

Michigan Vital Records

Michigan vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records — are governed by the Michigan Vital Records Act (MCL 333.2811 et seq.). All four types are maintained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics (DVRHS), with records dating back to 1867. County clerks also issue vital records for events that occurred in their counties. Michigan has an important two-tier access system: birth records under 100 years are restricted; death, marriage, and divorce records are open to anyone.

How to Request Michigan Vital Records

Online: VitalChek (vitalchek.com) — the ONLY authorized Michigan Vital Records online vendor; 1–2 business days for UPS delivery, approximately 2 weeks for regular mail
Phone: (866) 443-9897 via VitalChek
Mail: MDHHS Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, PO Box 30721, Lansing, MI 48909
In Person: By appointment only, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Lansing
Fee: $34 per certified copy (non-refundable search fee regardless of whether record is found); $16 per additional copy of same record; senior citizens (65+) on own record pay $14
Phone: (517) 335-8666
Records begin: 1867 (some gaps for early years in rural areas)

Birth Certificates — Restricted for 100 Years

Michigan birth certificates less than 100 years old are restricted records — one of the longest restriction periods among guide states. Only the following may receive a certified copy: the registrant (if 18 or older), parents or legal guardian, legal representative, heir if the registrant is deceased, and courts with proper jurisdiction. Birth records that are 100 years old or older may be ordered by anyone online. This 100-year restriction makes Michigan birth records significantly harder to access than death, marriage, or divorce records in the same state.

Death Certificates — Open to Anyone

Michigan death certificates are open public records — any person may request a certified copy without demonstrating a relationship or need. The fee is $34 per certified copy. Death records are available from 1867 to present and can be ordered through VitalChek, by mail, or by appointment at the Lansing office.

Marriage Records — Open to Anyone

Michigan marriage records are open public records — any person may request a certified copy. Marriage certificates are issued by MDHHS for events from 1867 to present and can be ordered through the same channels as birth and death records. County clerks in the county where the marriage license was issued also maintain and issue marriage records.

Divorce Records — Open to Anyone

Michigan divorce records are open public records — any person may request a certified copy. Divorce certificates are issued by MDHHS for events from 1897 to present. County clerks in the county where the divorce was granted also maintain divorce records. Contact the circuit court clerk in the relevant county for certified copies of divorce decrees (the full court judgment), as MDHHS issues a shorter divorce certificate rather than the complete decree.

Michigan Inmate and Corrections Records

MDOC OTIS — Offender Tracking Information System

URL: mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2
Cost: Free

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) maintains OTIS, the public offender tracking system, for individuals currently or previously under MDOC jurisdiction. Search by name or MDOC number. Results include current status (prison, parole, probation), offense, sentence, and projected release date. OTIS retains records for three years after discharge; records are removed after that period (or sooner if the conviction is set aside). OTIS does not exclusively display information on convicted felons — probationers and parolees are also included.

County Jail Rosters

Individuals in county jails pending trial or serving local sentences are managed by county sheriffs. Many Michigan county sheriffs publish online inmate roster searches. Search “[county name] Michigan sheriff inmate roster.” Wayne County Sheriff (waynecounty.com/sheriff), Oakland County Sheriff (oakgov.com/sheriff), and most major metro county sheriffs maintain online portals.

Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator

URL: bop.gov/inmateloc
Cost: Free

Individuals in federal prisons — including those convicted in Michigan’s Eastern or Western federal districts — are searchable through the BOP Inmate Locator by name or federal register number.

Professional License Records

Michigan licenses most professions through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL). LARA’s unified license verification portal covers the majority of state-regulated professions.

URL: michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bpl (License Lookup)
Cost: Free

LARA BPL-regulated professions include: accountants (CPA), architects, athletic trainers, audiologists, cosmetologists, counselors, dentists, engineers, funeral directors, geologists, hearing aid dealers, landscape architects, massage therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, optometrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians and physician assistants, podiatrists, psychologists, real estate agents and brokers, respiratory therapists, social workers, speech-language pathologists, veterinarians, and many more. License lookups return current license status, license number, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.

Additional licensing agencies and resources:

• State Bar of Michigan — michbar.org — licensed attorneys; attorney search with discipline history at michbar.org/attorneys
• Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) — michigan.gov/difs — insurance agents, brokers, and companies; financial advisors
• Michigan Department of Education — mde.k12.mi.us — teacher certificates and educator credentials
• FINRA BrokerCheck — brokercheck.finra.org — investment advisors and broker-dealers
• Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency — michigan.gov/cra — cannabis business and employee licenses

Charity and Nonprofit Records

Michigan charities soliciting donations in Michigan must register with the Michigan Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Section. Registration records and annual filings are searchable through the AG’s Charitable Purpose Organizations portal at michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/charitable-organizations.

Federal Form 990 filings for all Michigan tax-exempt organizations are publicly available through:

• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search — apps.irs.gov/app/eos
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer — projects.propublica.org/nonprofits
• Candid (GuideStar) — candid.org

Michigan nonprofit corporations are registered with and searchable through the Michigan LARA CSCL business entity portal at cofs.lara.michigan.gov. Michigan’s AG Charitable Trust Section also takes enforcement actions against fraudulent charities, which are searchable through the AG’s public records.

How to Submit a Michigan FOIA Request

Step 1 — Identify the Public Body and Its FOIA Coordinator

Michigan FOIA applies to state agencies, departments, bureaus, boards, commissions, authorities, universities, counties, cities, townships, school districts, and other governmental units — with the critical exclusions of the Governor’s office, Lieutenant Governor’s office, and the Legislature. Each public body must designate a FOIA coordinator responsible for receiving and responding to requests. FOIA coordinator contact information must be available from the public body upon request. For records of Michigan courts, requests go directly to the clerk of court under Michigan Court Rules, not FOIA. There is no central state FOIA portal — requests go directly to the agency holding the records.

Step 2 — Submit a Written Request

Michigan FOIA requires a written request — oral requests have no legal force:

• The request must be in writing — letter, fax, email, or other electronic transmission
• Email is expressly included as a valid “written request” form under MCL 15.232(i)
• The request must describe the public record “sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public record”
• No residency requirement — any person may make a FOIA request
• No purpose or identity disclosure required, though providing contact information is practical for the response
• The request must include your name, address, and a telephone number or email address for the response

Tip for enforcement rights: To maximize fee reduction protections if the agency responds late, include the words “FOIA,” “freedom of information,” “FOIA request,” or similar language in the subject line of your email or on the front of an envelope, and position the records request within the first 250 words of your communication.

Step 3 — Response Timeline

Michigan has a structured response timeline:

• 5 business days after receipt to respond — granting, denying, granting in part, or issuing a written extension notice (Note: email requests are deemed received 1 business day after sending)
• Up to 10 additional business days for a single extension, with written notice stating the reason and new deadline — only one extension is permitted per request
• Maximum total response time: 15 business days
• Failure to respond within 5 business days constitutes a final determination to deny the request if the failure was willful and intentional, or if the request was properly labeled as a FOIA request within the first 250 words or in the subject line/envelope
• Late response fee penalty: fees are automatically reduced by 5% per day of tardiness, up to 50% maximum, for qualifying requests

Step 4 — Fees

Michigan’s fee structure is one of the more complex in the guide series:

• Labor costs for search, retrieval, examination, review, and separation of exempt/non-exempt material: calculated at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of doing the work (not the actual employee used), plus up to 50% for fringe benefits — but only if the failure to charge would result in unreasonably high costs
• No fee for search/review taking less than 15 minutes (some agencies use a higher threshold) — agencies must disclose this threshold in their FOIA procedures
• Copying costs: actual cost of providing copies
• Mailing costs: actual
• Fees must be itemized in a detailed written estimate before work begins when fees exceed a threshold set in the agency’s procedures and guidelines
• Estimated fees must be provided in writing; a deposit may be required for large requests
• Fee waiver: available if the individual is indigent and demonstrates inability to pay; or if the public interest is served by waiving; or for small amounts where cost of collection would exceed the fee
• Fee appeal under MCL 15.240a to challenge fees charged in excess of permitted amounts

Step 5 — Appeals and Enforcement

Michigan provides a layered enforcement structure unique in the guide series:

• Step A — Internal administrative appeal: submit a written appeal to the “head” of the public body (mayor, agency director, school superintendent, etc.) within a reasonable time after receiving a denial. The appeal must state the word “appeal” and identify the reason for reversal. The public body has 10 business days to respond to the appeal. If granted, records are provided; if denied, the denial must cite the specific basis.
• Step B — Civil action in Circuit Court: within 180 days of the final determination (after the internal appeal or after the initial denial if no appeal is made), file a civil action. The court reviews the denial de novo (fresh review, not deferring to the agency). If the court determines the agency violated FOIA, it may award attorney fees, costs, and disbursements. If the violation was “arbitrary and capricious,” the court shall also order the public body to pay a civil fine of $1,000, deposited into the county’s general fund.

Free Government Databases for Michigan Public Records

Common Mistakes When Researching Michigan Public Records

Submitting an oral request and expecting FOIA protection. Michigan FOIA applies only to written requests. An oral request — in person, by phone, or by voicemail — does not trigger the 5-business-day response requirement, the fee reduction penalty for late responses, or any enforcement rights. Always put Michigan public records requests in writing. Email is explicitly included as a valid written request form under MCL 15.232(i) — a timestamped email is the simplest way to create a documented record of your request.

Sending a FOIA request to the Governor’s office. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and their executive offices are explicitly exempt from Michigan FOIA. A FOIA request sent to the Governor’s office will be returned or declined on jurisdictional grounds. Records from the Governor’s office may sometimes be accessible through other means — legislative records, public filings, related agency records — but not through a standard FOIA request. The Legislature is also exempt; requests for legislative records must be made through the Legislature’s own procedures.

Requesting a birth certificate for someone born in Michigan in the last 100 years as an unauthorized person. Michigan birth certificates under 100 years old are restricted to authorized individuals — the registrant, parents, legal guardian, legal representative, or heir. Unlike death, marriage, and divorce records (which anyone can request), an unauthorized request for a birth certificate will be denied. This 100-year rule applies regardless of whether the person is living or deceased. For genealogical research on people born within the last century, court records, obituaries, and marriage/death records are more accessible alternatives.

Assuming VitalChek is one of several Michigan vital records ordering options. VitalChek is explicitly the only authorized online service provider for Michigan vital records. Third-party websites that claim to provide Michigan vital records online (other than VitalChek) are not authorized and may charge fees without delivering official government records. When ordering online, use only VitalChek at vitalchek.com — any other online service is unauthorized for Michigan vital records.

Missing the internal administrative appeal before filing a civil action. Michigan FOIA includes a mandatory internal appeal step — submitting a written appeal to the head of the public body — before a civil action is advisable. Skipping the internal appeal is not always fatal to a court case, but the internal appeal can resolve disputes quickly, sometimes within 10 business days, without litigation costs. The appeal must include the word “appeal” and identify the reason for requesting reversal. Always attempt the internal appeal before spending time and money on civil litigation.

Confusing SEV and taxable value when assessing property values. Michigan property records show two separate value figures: the State Equalized Value (SEV), which is roughly 50% of the assessor’s appraised market value; and the Taxable Value, which is Proposal A-capped at the lesser of 5% annual increase or inflation. For recently sold properties, SEV and taxable value are close. For properties held for many years, taxable value can be substantially below SEV. The taxable value is what determines property taxes; the SEV is closer to market value. Using the wrong figure leads to significant errors in estimating property tax burdens or property values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Michigan public records open to anyone?

Yes, with important limitations. Michigan FOIA gives any person the right to inspect or receive copies of public records from any public body subject to the Act. No residency requirement applies, and requesters do not need to state a purpose. However, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Legislature are exempt from FOIA. Court records are governed by the Michigan Court Rules rather than FOIA. And of course, individual exemptions — criminal investigation records, privacy information, attorney-client communications — restrict specific categories. The request must be in writing to have any legal force.

Does Michigan have a FOIA law?

Yes — Michigan’s open records law is called the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq., Act 442 of 1976), using the same name as the federal statute. It serves the same function for state and local government records. The Michigan FOIA is notable for its written-request requirement, its 5-business-day response deadline with automatic fee reduction for late responses, its internal appeal procedure, and the unusual exemption of the Governor and Legislature. Michigan also has a companion Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.263 et seq.) governing access to governmental deliberations.

Are Michigan criminal records public?

Felony and serious misdemeanor records (those punishable by more than 93 days) are publicly accessible through the ICHAT system at $10 per name search. ICHAT covers both arrest records and conviction records — broader than states that offer only conviction searches. Local misdemeanor-only records not reported to the MSP state repository, traffic offenses, juvenile records, expunged (set-aside) records, and warrant information are not available through ICHAT. Court records in MiCOURT provide additional criminal case details beyond what ICHAT shows, including district court misdemeanor cases.

Where can Michigan property records be searched?

Michigan property research requires two separate county-level searches. For recorded instruments — deeds, mortgages, liens — search the County Register of Deeds for the county where the property is located. The state’s Register of Deeds directory at michigan.gov/taxes/collections/register-of-deeds links to all 83 county offices. For ownership, assessed value, and tax information — search the county equalization department or city/township assessor. The NETRONLINE Michigan directory at publicrecords.netronline.com/state/MI links to both for all 83 counties. Michigan’s Real Estate Transfer Tax creates price disclosure in deed records, making ROD searches useful for transaction price research as well.

Are Michigan arrest records public?

Arrest records for felonies and serious misdemeanors are accessible through ICHAT (which includes arrest information, not just convictions) for $10 per search. Not all arrests are reported to the MSP state repository — local-only misdemeanor arrests may only appear in court records or local agency records. Arrests that resulted in court proceedings are also accessible through MiCOURT by county. County jail rosters published by sheriffs may show recent bookings regardless of ultimate charge. Suppressed (expunged) arrest records are not shown in ICHAT or accessible through court records.

Can Michigan agencies charge fees for FOIA requests?

Yes, but with careful constraints. Agencies can charge for labor (at the lowest-paid capable employee’s wage plus up to 50% fringe benefits), copying, and mailing — but only when the labor cost for search, retrieval, review, and separation of exempt/non-exempt material would be so significant that not charging would result in unreasonably high costs. There is no charge for labor taking less than 15 minutes (or a higher threshold set in the agency’s procedures). All fees must be itemized. Fee waivers are available for indigent requesters and in other circumstances. If the agency responds late without a valid extension, fees are automatically reduced by 5% per business day of tardiness, up to a 50% maximum discount.

Final Thoughts

Michigan’s FOIA framework is a mixed picture. The 5-business-day response deadline with automatic fee reduction penalties for tardiness, the mandatory internal appeal step, and the $10 ICHAT public criminal records access are genuinely strong features. The statewide MiCOURT case search across all 57 circuit courts provides court record accessibility that compares favorably with other large states. And the open-public-for-anyone access to death, marriage, and divorce records — without any residency or relationship requirement — is more accessible than most guide states for those three vital record types.

The most significant limitations are the Governor and Legislature exemptions — making Michigan one of very few states in the country where the executive office is formally outside the open records law — and the 100-year birth certificate restriction, which is the most restrictive birth record access policy in the guide series. The written-only request requirement and the email-adds-one-day procedural quirk also add friction that other states avoid.

For most research tasks: use MiCOURT for court and case records, ICHAT ($10) for criminal history, county Register of Deeds portals for property instruments, county equalization portals for assessed values and ownership, LARA for business entities and professional licenses, and MDHHS/VitalChek for vital records. For denied FOIA requests, the internal appeal to the agency head is the first step — often the fastest and cheapest resolution path in the state.

Related Guides

• Ohio Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
• North Carolina Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
• Georgia Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
• Illinois Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
• Pennsylvania Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
• New York Public Records: A Complete Research Guide
• How to Search Property Records Step by Step
• How FOIA Requests Work

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Public records laws, agency procedures, and fees change over time. Always verify current law and agency requirements directly with the relevant government office or a licensed Michigan attorney before relying on this information for legal or official purposes.