OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Michigan Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Michigan. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 83 counties, each with trial courts
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Western)
  • Background checks: Michigan State Police — Internet Criminal History Access Tool
  • Records law: Michigan Freedom of Information Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Michigan State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Michigan has 83 counties, each with trial courts. Court records can be searched through individual county court websites. The Michigan Courts website provides a directory of all trial courts.

County-level court records include circuit courts, district courts, and probate courts. Online availability varies by county.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Michigan are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — Detroit, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Flint, Port Huron
  • Western District — Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Michigan Courts — Case Search 🏛️ Michigan Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Michigan are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Michigan State Police provides the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT).

🔍 Michigan State Police — ICHAT Criminal History 📋 Michigan State Police Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Michigan operates under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231). Any person can request government records in writing. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Michigan

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's court clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the Michigan State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Michigan

Michigan has 83 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Michigan state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Michigan for free?
Use the Michigan Courts case search or visit your county court's website directly.
Are arrest records public in Michigan?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Michigan?
The Michigan State Police offers the ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) for criminal history searches.
What is the Michigan Freedom of Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.
How many court systems does Michigan have?
Michigan has a multi-level court system: district courts, circuit courts (one per county), the Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court. Each county has a court clerk.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026