Your Comprehensive Guide to Michigan Public Records
Michigan Public Records
Michigan public records encompass a broad range of documents and materials maintained by government agencies and other public entities. Requests to access these records are governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 et seq.). Such records include birth certificates, court files, property deeds, and many other documents that serve various administrative and informational purposes.
Are Michigan Records Public?
Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), most records held by state or local governmental bodies are presumed to be open to the public. Certain entities, such as private companies or non-governmental organizations, generally do not fall within FOIA’s scope. However, the law also stipulates exemptions to safeguard personal privacy, protect public safety, and maintain governmental integrity where disclosure might otherwise jeopardize essential interests.
What Information Is Included in Michigan Public Records?
Michigan public records span a wide variety of categories. Examples include, but are not limited to:
• Vital records (marriage licenses, divorce decrees, birth and death certificates)
• Property records (mortgages, deeds, plat maps)
• Court documents (civil, criminal, family law matters)
• Business filings (corporate registrations, financial statements)
• Environmental permits and data
• Legislative documents (bills, resolutions, transcripts of legislative sessions)
• Regulatory filings for public safety, licensing, and professional accreditation
These records are instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability in state and local governance.
What Does the Michigan Public Records Law Do?
Michigan’s public records law, known as the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, advances the public’s right to know how government entities operate. It sets forth:
• That any person has the right to inspect or receive copies of non-exempt public records.
• Agency obligations to respond to requests promptly (generally within five business days, subject to extension).
• Exemptions that protect sensitive information, ranging from ongoing criminal investigations to private personal data.
• Procedures for appealing a denied request or challenging fees that requesters believe are excessive.
In conjunction with the Michigan Open Meetings Act (1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 et seq.), the FOIA creates a system ensuring residents and other interested individuals have meaningful access to government affairs.
How To Find Public Records in Michigan in 2025
In 2025, the process for obtaining Michigan public records continues to revolve around written requests submitted to the appropriate agency. This can generally be done in person, via mail, or electronically. Certain agencies also provide online databases where records can be searched and downloaded. Requesters should:
- Identify the correct office or department that holds the record.
- Draft a clear request referencing the pertinent information that will help locate the record.
- Submit the request using the agency’s designated methods (web portal, email, or mailing address).
- Await the agency’s acknowledgment and any subsequent cost estimate if fees apply.
Many agencies now maintain digital indices of their holdings, simplifying the process by allowing users to search and order records online.
Does Michigan Have Free Public Records?
Not all Michigan public records are free. Some custodians provide certain categories of information (such as basic business searches) at no cost through online portals. However, laws permit agencies to assess fees for duplication, labor, and postage. Agencies also retain leeway to charge for the redaction of information that must be withheld under state or federal law.
Public reading rooms, which can exist at libraries or government offices, sometimes allow on-site inspection free of charge. Additionally, those seeking waived or reduced fees, such as indigent requesters or certain nonprofit organizations, may qualify under specific statutory or administrative rules.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Michigan?
The cost of obtaining public records in Michigan can vary. Agencies often recoup expenses for:
• Copying or printing documents ($0.10 to $0.20 per page, though it may vary)
• Labor needed to locate, review, and redact records
• Costs for specialized media (CDs, USB drives)
• Postage, if records are mailed
Requesters sometimes have the option to inspect records in person to minimize fees. Upon receiving a request, the public body usually provides an itemized cost estimate before proceeding with retrieval.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain Public Records in Michigan?
Michigan law requires public bodies to respond to a properly submitted FOIA request within five business days. The agency may extend this time by an additional ten business days if the request is extensive or if more time is needed to examine which exemptions might apply. In 2025, many agencies accept electronic submissions, expediting both submission and response times. However, complex or broad requests could still extend the total length of the process, particularly if legal reviews or redactions are required.
What Records Are Confidential In Michigan?
Certain documents and data are exempt from disclosure under Michigan’s FOIA. These include:
• Records containing personal identifying information (e.g., Social Security numbers) where disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy
• Medical files protected under privacy regulations
• Confidential law enforcement investigative records, where release could jeopardize an ongoing inquiry or endanger public safety
• Educational records protected by federal laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Trade secrets and proprietary information if disclosed by private parties under confidentiality agreements
Courts and agencies will carefully review any requested records to ensure that protected information remains confidential.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Michigan
Michigan law grants every person—residents and non-residents alike—the right to inspect or copy public records, subject to statutory exemptions. There is no requirement to state a “need to know” or provide justification for the request. Both individuals and organizations, including media outlets, private institutions, and advocacy groups, may submit requests for government records.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Michigan
Once accessed, public records may serve myriad uses. Examples include:
• Researching historical or genealogical data
• Verifying property ownership and real estate transactions
• Monitoring government spending and activities for accountability
• Investigative journalism or scholarly studies
• Business and market research
Public records, appropriately obtained and utilized, help foster transparency and can facilitate informed decision-making at all levels of civic and commercial activity.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Michigan
• Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
Address: 525 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 241-5545
Official Website: Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
• Michigan Secretary of State (DMV Functions)
Address: 430 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48918
Phone Number: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Vital Records)
Address: 333 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 241-3740
Official Website: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
• Michigan State Police (Criminal Records)
Address: 333 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48909
Phone Number: (517) 284-3968
Official Website: Michigan State Police
• Michigan Courts (Court Administration)
Address: Hall of Justice, 925 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48915
Phone Number: (517) 373-0120
Official Website: Michigan Courts
• State Archives of Michigan
Address: 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48915
Phone Number: (517) 335-2576
Official Website: State Archives of Michigan
• Library of Michigan (State Library)
Address: 702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48915
Phone Number: (517) 335-1477
Official Website: Library of Michigan
• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (Business Registration)
Address: 611 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 241-9288
Official Website: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
• Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Address: 201 N Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48913
Phone Number: (517) 241-6712
Official Website: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
• Michigan Department of Education
Address: 608 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 373-3324
Official Website: Michigan Department of Education
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Address: 525 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48909
Phone Number: (800) 662-9278
Official Website: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Address: 525 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 284-6367
Official Website: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Recorder’s Office/Land Records (Wayne County Clerk)
Address: 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone Number: (313) 224-6262
Official Website: Wayne County Clerk
• Michigan Department of Treasury (Revenue/Taxation)
Address: 430 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48922
Phone Number: (517) 335-7508
Official Website: Michigan Department of Treasury
• Michigan Legislature (Legislative Affairs)
Address: 100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 373-2400
Official Website: Michigan Legislature
• Michigan Department of Transportation
Address: 425 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48909
Phone Number: (517) 373-2090
Official Website: Michigan Department of Transportation
• Michigan Attorney General (Department of Law)
Address: G. Mennen Williams Building, 525 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 335-7622
Official Website: Michigan Attorney General
• Office of the Michigan Ombudsman
Address: 124 W Allegan St, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 373-7990
Official Website: Office of the Michigan Ombudsman
• Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Address: 735 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Phone Number: (517) 373-8370
Official Website: Michigan State Housing Development Authority
• Detroit City Clerk
Address: 2 Woodward Ave, Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone Number: (313) 224-3260
Official Website: Detroit City Clerk
• Grand Rapids City Clerk
Address: 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone Number: (616) 456-3013
Official Website: Grand Rapids City Clerk
• Lansing City Clerk
Address: 124 W Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 483-4131
Official Website: Lansing City Clerk
• Detroit Police Department
Address: 1301 3rd St, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone Number: (313) 596-1800
Official Website: Detroit Police Department
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Michigan
If a public records request is denied in whole or in part, the following appeal steps typically apply under Michigan law:
- File a written appeal with the head of the agency, identifying the reasons why the denial should be reversed.
- Await a decision within ten business days, unless an extension is invoked.
- If the agency reaffirms the denial, requesters may seek judicial review by filing suit in the Michigan circuit court with jurisdiction over the matter.
- Court-ordered disclosure may be granted if the judge finds that the record should have been released under the Michigan FOIA.
If necessary, requesters can also contact the Michigan Attorney General for guidance on filing or pursuing an appeal.
Difference Between Federal and Michigan Public Records
Federal public records requests are governed by the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552), which applies to federal agencies. Michigan’s law, on the other hand, pertains to state and local agencies within Michigan’s jurisdiction. Each framework includes distinct exemptions, fee structures, and timelines. While the federal FOIA covers bodies like the U.S. Department of Justice or the Environmental Protection Agency, Michigan’s FOIA governs entities like the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget or local departments and commissions. Legal standards for appeals and judicial reviews also differ under federal and state statutes.