How to Find Any Michigan Public Records (2026 Guide)

Looking for public records or background checks in the state of Michigan? Although Michigan notoriously lags behind many other states on its public records laws, residents and researchers still have a clear legal right to access a wide range of government-held documents. From criminal background checks and court filings to driving records and vital statistics, Michigan maintains a robust — if sometimes complex — system of public records access. This 2026 guide walks you through every major category of Michigan public records, explains the legal framework governing access, and shows you exactly where to go to find what you need. Whether you’re an employer, a concerned citizen, or someone verifying your own records, this resource has you covered.

What Are Public Records?

“Public records” is a broad term referring to documents, files, data, images, and multimedia of all types that were created, maintained, and stored by a public — meaning government — agency or organization. In some cases, a private organization may also hold public records, particularly when the government has outsourced a documentation service or used a private company as a subcontractor for public functions.

For most residents and researchers, public records in Michigan will fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Driving Records and Motor Vehicle Reports
• Criminal Background Checks and Arrest Records
• Court Records (civil and criminal)
• Jail and Prison Inmate Records
• Vital Records — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
• Property Records and Real Estate Deeds
• Sex Offender Registry Information
• Business and Licensing Records
• Government Meeting Minutes and Legislative Records

With digitalization and online storage, Michigan has made many more public records readily available to residents. The internet has made it faster and easier to find what you’re looking for, and while you can submit requests by phone or mail, most requests can now be initiated online. Some records are free to access; others require a processing fee or a certified copy charge.

It’s important to understand the distinction between truly public records — such as the proceedings of a state legislative session or a public court hearing — and personal records maintained by the government about individual citizens, such as your driving history or criminal record. To protect privacy, only authorized persons or organizations can access certain categories of personal data.

Public Records Laws in Michigan

In 1976, Michigan’s State Legislature passed the Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et. seq.), which remains the cornerstone of open-government law in the state. Modeled after the federal Freedom of Information Act, Michigan’s FOIA empowers individuals and organizations to request access to documents and records held by public bodies operating within the state.

Freedom of information laws are fundamental to democracy. They ensure that the people — not just those in positions of power — can scrutinize how taxpayer funds are spent, how decisions are made, and how government agencies conduct their affairs. Under the Michigan FOIA, the burden of proof falls on the government agency to justify any denial of a public records request. Routine denials must cite a specific exemption allowed under law.

Common lawful exemptions to public records access in Michigan include:

• Information that would compromise national security or ongoing law enforcement investigations
• Personal medical or psychiatric records protected by privacy law
• Trade secrets and certain proprietary business information
• Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings
• Attorney-client privileged communications
• Personnel records related to public employees’ personal data

The Michigan FOIA has been updated several times since its passage in 1976, with amendments clarifying timelines for agency responses and expanding digital access to records. Under the current rules, public bodies generally must respond to a FOIA request within five business days, with the possibility of a ten-day extension when circumstances warrant. Learn more about Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act through the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

Michigan has also been criticized over the years for significant gaps in its FOIA coverage. Notably, the governor’s office, state legislature, and certain university governing boards have historically been exempt from many FOIA provisions — a gap that public records advocates have pushed to close. As of 2026, legislative reform efforts continue to work toward broader transparency.

Criminal Records & Background Checks

One of the most common public records requests in Michigan involves criminal history — whether for employment screening, professional licensing, tenant verification, or personal peace of mind. Michigan’s criminal records system is maintained primarily by the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC), which serves as the central repository for all state-level criminal history records.

There are two primary types of criminal background checks available through Michigan State Police:

• Name-Based Background Checks: These searches are based on a subject’s full legal name and date of birth. They are widely used by employers, landlords, and licensing bodies. Name-based searches are available to the general public through the IChat system.
• Fingerprint-Based Background Checks: These searches use a subject’s fingerprints to match against the state’s criminal history database. They are more accurate than name-based searches and are required for certain licensed professions, law enforcement hires, and sensitive volunteer roles working with children or vulnerable adults.

Both types of background checks can be initiated through the Michigan State Police IChat system. The IChat (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) is Michigan’s official online portal for conducting name-based criminal background checks. There is a modest fee for each search, and results are returned electronically.

Employers in Michigan must comply with the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits using criminal records to discriminate on the basis of race or other protected characteristics. Many Michigan municipalities, including Detroit, have also adopted “ban the box” policies that restrict when employers can inquire about criminal history during the hiring process.

It’s also worth noting that Michigan law allows for certain criminal records to be expunged — removed from the public record — under the Clean Slate Act, which took effect in 2021 and has since been expanded. As of 2026, many Michigan residents with qualifying offenses have successfully had their records cleared, meaning a public records search may not reveal all past criminal activity.

Court Records

Michigan has a multi-tiered court system, and understanding where a case was heard is essential to knowing where to find the associated public records. Almost all court records are considered public records under Michigan law, with the goal of keeping court proceedings transparent and accessible. However, certain records — such as juvenile case files, sealed records, and documents containing sensitive personal data — may be restricted or redacted.

Cases heard at Michigan’s top courts — the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals — can be searched online through the Michigan Courts website using a case docket number. These appellate-level records include opinions, orders, and case summaries that are a matter of public record.

The following types of courts operate within Michigan’s judicial system:

• Circuit Courts: The general trial courts in Michigan, handling felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, and family law matters including divorce and child custody.
• District Courts: Handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations.
• Municipal Courts: Local courts in certain jurisdictions handling minor ordinance violations.
• Court of Claims: Handles civil suits filed against the State of Michigan.
• Probate Courts: Handle matters involving wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments.
• Concurrent Jurisdiction and Unified Trial Courts: In some counties, courts have merged or share jurisdiction across case types.

The majority of civil and criminal court records in Michigan are held at the county level. To access these records, you will generally need to contact the county courthouse or the office of the county clerk directly. Many county courts now offer partial online access to case dockets and court calendars. Find your county court’s contact information and website here.

Remember: even if you are not an attorney or a party to a case, you have a legal right to search for and review most court records. Unless information is protected by privilege, sealed by a judge, or shielded by privacy laws, courts are obliged to provide public access.

Jail and Prison Records

Michigan maintains a comprehensive online database for locating individuals who are currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities or under state supervision. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) operates the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS), which allows anyone to search for current and recently released inmates.

Using OTIS, you can look up:

• Individuals currently serving a prison sentence in a Michigan state facility
• Parolees currently under MDOC supervision
• Probationers under state court supervision
• Recently released individuals with recent MDOC records

OTIS is freely accessible online at mdocweb.state.mi.us. Search by name, MDOC number, or other identifying information to locate an individual’s current status, facility assignment, sentencing information, and projected release dates.

Some components of inmate records are always considered public records