State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Michigan
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Michigan under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (est. 1977).
Overview of Public Records in Michigan
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act provides a comprehensive framework for public access to government records at all levels. The Michigan FOIA declares that it is the public policy of the state that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government. Michigan's system features strong county-level record keeping across its 83 counties. The law includes both mandatory and discretionary exemptions, with courts interpreting the act to favor disclosure when exemptions are ambiguous.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Michigan
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 5 business days. They may extend by up to 10 additional business days with written notice explaining the need for more time to search, compile, or review records.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge for labor at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of fulfilling the request. Copy fees are limited to $0.10 per page for standard copies. The first $20 in fees is waived for indigent requesters.
How to Submit a Request
Requests must be made in writing, describing the record sought with enough specificity for the agency to find it. Requests can be made by mail, email, or delivered in person to the FOIA coordinator.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a civil action in circuit court. If the court orders disclosure, it must award reasonable attorney fees to the requester. Agencies that act arbitrarily and capriciously may face punitive damages of up to $500.
Types of Public Records Available in Michigan
Property Records
Property records in Michigan include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Michigan contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Michigan election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Michigan court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Michigan include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Michigan vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Michigan document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Michigan Public Records
To request records under Michigan's FOIA, submit a written request to the FOIA coordinator at the relevant public body. Each public body must designate a FOIA coordinator. Agencies must respond within five business days, with a possible extension of ten additional business days. Michigan provides detailed fee provisions that limit what agencies can charge. Michigan counties offer online access to property records through their register of deeds and equalization offices, and the Michigan Courts provide online case search tools.
Online Access
Michigan courts provide electronic case access through the Michigan Courts website. County Register of Deeds offices typically offer online property record searches. The Department of Licensing provides professional license verification.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Michigan
While the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Michigan.
- Information of a personal nature where disclosure would be a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Investigating records compiled for law enforcement purposes
- Trade secrets and commercial information submitted to government
- Records of attorney-client privileged communications
- Medical and counseling records of individuals
- Test questions and academic examinations before administration
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Michigan provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Enacted: 1977
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act is codified in Michigan Compiled Laws Section 15.231 through 15.246. The act was significantly amended in 2014 to address fee calculations and response timelines. Michigan FOIA includes detailed provisions for calculating fees, distinguishing between search, review, and copying costs. The law was updated again in 2018 to require FOIA coordinators to complete training and to establish a detailed fee itemization requirement.
Key Features of Michigan's Records Law:
- Michigan has detailed statutory provisions governing fee calculations for records requests
- Each public body must designate a trained FOIA coordinator
- Michigan law requires agencies to provide a detailed cost itemization before fulfilling fee-based requests
Michigan Public Records Facts
Michigan has 83 counties maintaining local government records
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs maintains over 800,000 business entity records
The state has approximately 7.8 million registered voters
Wayne County (Detroit) is one of the largest local record-keeping jurisdictions in the Midwest
Search Michigan Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Michigan. Enter a name below to search public records in MI.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Public Records
How quickly must Michigan respond to FOIA requests?
How do I access Michigan court records?
What can Michigan charge for public records?
How do I search Michigan property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Michigan or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.