Find Public Records in Alger County

Alger County public records are kept by the County Clerk and Register of Deeds at 101 Court Street in Munising. Whether you need property deeds, court case files, vital records, or criminal history information, this page connects you to the right offices and online tools for Alger County.

Alger County Clerk Public Records Office

The Alger County Clerk and Register of Deeds operate as a combined office at 101 Court Street in Munising. County Clerk/Register of Deeds Mary Ann Froberg manages both sets of records from one location. You can reach the office by phone at (906) 387-7053 or fax at (906) 387-2156. For Laredo subscription inquiries, contact cdecet@algercounty.gov. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

This Upper Peninsula office handles a wide range of public records. Vital records in Alger County go back to 1884 for births and deaths, 1887 for marriages, and 1885 for divorces. These older records are particularly useful for genealogy research. The combined office means fewer stops when you need multiple record types on the same visit. Mailing address for the Register of Deeds is PO Box 538, Munising, MI 49862.

The Alger County government website at algercounty.gov lists current office contacts and department information for all county services.

The county site is the starting point for locating clerk contacts, FOIA request forms, and links to online record portals for Alger County.

Alger County Property Records

The Alger County Register of Deeds handles all real property documents including deeds, mortgages, assignments, land contracts, liens, releases, and easements. Digital records go back to 1884. Two online platforms serve different user needs: Tapestry charges $6.95 per name search with no subscription, while Laredo requires a subscription and is used by title companies and real estate professionals.

You can search by name, document number, document type, recording date, consideration amount, or legal description. Copies cost $1 per page and certification adds $5. For in-person research, the Register of Deeds office has terminals you can use during regular business hours.

The land records search at landrecords.net provides an additional way to research Alger County property information online.

This search tool is useful for deed lookups, ownership history, and property document research in Alger County without visiting the courthouse.

Alger County Court Records

Alger County falls under the 25th Circuit Court jurisdiction. The county also has its own District Court and Probate Court. The circuit court handles felony criminal matters, civil cases over $25,000, and family law. The district court covers misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims. Probate court handles estates, guardianships, and mental health cases.

Michigan's online court case search tool is available at MiCOURT. This free statewide system lets you search by name or case number for Alger County cases. You can find case status, party names, and docket entries. Not all case types are public. Juvenile, adoption, and mental health records do not appear online. For certified copies of court documents, contact the court at (906) 387-7053.

Note: Michigan Court Rule 8.119 establishes that court records are presumptively public unless a specific statute or court order restricts access.

Criminal History Records in Alger County

The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center maintains criminal history records for all 83 counties including Alger. ICHAT is the public search tool and costs $10 per name search. It includes felony convictions and serious misdemeanors reported from Alger County and all other Michigan counties. It does not show traffic offenses, juvenile records, or minor local misdemeanors.

The Alger County Sheriff can be reached at (906) 387-7028. The sheriff handles local law enforcement records and jail inquiries. For individuals currently under Michigan Department of Corrections supervision, search the free OTIS database online. OTIS covers current prisoners, parolees, and probationers statewide. Records are removed 3 years after the discharge date.

Vital Records Access in Alger County

Alger County vital records are available through the County Clerk office. Births and deaths go back to 1884, marriages to 1887, and divorces to 1885. You can request records in person, by mail, or by fax. Bring a valid ID for certified copies. Contact the office for the current fee schedule before sending a mail request.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services handles statewide vital records through MDHHS Vital Records. State records start from 1867 for most record types. The first certified copy costs $34 and each additional copy of the same record is $16. Online ordering is available through VitalChek with additional processing fees. Birth records less than 100 years old are restricted to the named person, parents, or legal representatives.

FOIA and Public Records Requests

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act under MCL 15.231 lets any person request records from Alger County government agencies. Submit a written FOIA request to the County Clerk's office or to the specific department that holds the records. Describe what records you want clearly. The county has 5 business days to respond and can extend by up to 10 more days if needed.

Fees for FOIA responses in Alger County follow state guidelines. Labor costs are capped at 6 times the state minimum wage per MCL 15.234. Copying costs reflect the actual cost of duplication. If you receive public assistance or can show financial hardship, you may qualify for a fee waiver. The clerk can tell you what forms to complete to request a waiver.

Communities in Alger County

Alger County is a lightly populated Upper Peninsula county. Munising is the county seat and handles all court and clerk services for the county. Other communities include Shingleton, Wetmore, and Grand Marais. None reach the population threshold for a dedicated records page. All residents access public records through the county offices in Munising.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Alger County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Each has its own court and clerk records.