Start with the specific county court website for case records — Michigan does not have a free unified statewide court search. For criminal background checks, use the Michigan State Police ICHAT system at apps.michigan.gov/ichat ($10 fee). For property, start with the County Equalization/Assessment office, then the County Register of Deeds for documents.
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Michigan Counties — Most Searched
Statewide Databases
All sources below are official and free to search.
Sex Offender Registry — MSP
DOC — OTIS Offender Search
Vital Records — Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce
Business Entity Search — LARA
How to Search Michigan Criminal Records
Michigan's ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) at apps.michigan.gov/ichat costs $10, returns results in seconds, and covers statewide criminal conviction history. No fingerprints, no waiting — just a name search with instant results. It won't replace a court file review, but for a quick statewide criminal check, it's the most practical option. Michigan has no unified free court search, so without ICHAT you'd be calling 83 separate county courts. The DOC OTIS system handles state inmate searches. The sex offender registry is public and searchable online. For case-level detail, go to the specific Circuit Court (felonies) or District Court (misdemeanors) in the county where the case was filed.
How to Search Michigan Court Records
Go to the Circuit Court for felonies, civil over $25,000, family, and appeals. Go to the District Court for misdemeanors, civil under $25,000, small claims under $6,500, and traffic. Go to the Probate Court for estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health. Michigan does NOT have a unified statewide court search — you must go to the specific county. Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Kent counties have the best online access.
How to Search Michigan Property Records
Start with the County Equalization Department or Assessor for property valuations. Then go to the County Register of Deeds for deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded documents. For tax bills, go to the County Treasurer. Wayne County, Oakland County, and Kent County (Grand Rapids) have online property search tools.
How to Get Michigan Vital Records
For birth and death certificates, order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records. For marriage licenses, go to the County Clerk. For divorce records, go to the Circuit Court Clerk. Michigan charges $34 for certified birth certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search Michigan court records? ▼
Use the Michigan Courts case search at courts.michigan.gov. It covers circuit, district, and probate courts statewide. Not all courts have full online access.
Is there a free statewide criminal search? ▼
The Michigan State Police ICHAT system provides criminal history access for a fee. Court case records are searchable online through individual court websites.
How are Michigan property records organized? ▼
Each county has a Register of Deeds for recorded documents and an Equalization department or Assessor for property valuations. Townships handle assessment in rural areas.
What is Michigan ICHAT? ▼
ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) is Michigan State Police's online criminal background check at apps.michigan.gov/ichat. It costs $10, gives instant results, and covers statewide criminal conviction history. Available to the general public.
What is a Register of Deeds? ▼
Michigan's Register of Deeds is the equivalent of a County Recorder in other states. This elected official records deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other property documents in each of the 83 counties.
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