Baraga County Public Records
Baraga County public records are maintained by the County Clerk and Register of Deeds at 2 S. Main Street in L'Anse. This page helps you access court records, property documents, vital records, and other official records held by Baraga County offices and Michigan state agencies.
Baraga County Overview
Baraga County Clerk Public Records Office
The Baraga County Clerk and Register of Deeds share a combined office at 2 S. Main Street in L'Anse, MI 49946. The Clerk's main number is (906) 524-6183 and the Register of Deeds can be reached at (906) 524-6100. Both offices share a fax at (906) 524-6432. You can also reach the office by email at goodreauw@baragacounty.org. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Baraga County is a small, remote county in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It has a combined Clerk and Register of Deeds office, which is common in smaller UP counties. In-person access is the primary method for obtaining records here, as online access to local property records is limited compared to larger counties. Plan your visit during regular business hours and bring valid ID for any certified copy requests.
The Baraga County website at baragacounty.org lists department contacts and county information. This is a good starting point to confirm office hours and any specific request requirements before making the trip to L'Anse.
| Address | 2 S. Main Street, L'Anse, MI 49946 |
|---|---|
| Clerk Phone | (906) 524-6183 |
| Register of Deeds Phone | (906) 524-6100 |
| Fax | (906) 524-6432 |
| goodreauw@baragacounty.org | |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
The county site is the best place to confirm current office hours, fee schedules, and contact details for all Baraga County departments before visiting or mailing a records request.
Baraga County Property Records
The Baraga County Register of Deeds records all real property transactions in the county. This includes deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, easements, and plats. Online access to Baraga County property records is limited. Most research requires an in-person visit to the Register of Deeds office at 2 S. Main Street in L'Anse. You can search by name, legal description, or parcel ID with help from office staff.
Contact the Register of Deeds at (906) 524-6100 for the current fee schedule. Copies of documents typically cost $1 per page with an additional $5 for certification. If you are doing title research or deed work from a distance, contacting the office by phone or email first to discuss the scope of your request is the best approach. The office staff can advise on the best way to obtain what you need.
For broader Michigan property searches, the Secretary of State's UCC filing search at michigan.gov/sos can supplement local deed research when looking for financing statements and commercial liens statewide.
Baraga County Court Records
Baraga County is served by the 12th Circuit Court. The county also has its own District Court and Probate Court. The circuit court handles felony criminal matters, large civil cases, and family law. The district court covers misdemeanors, traffic, and small claims. Probate handles estates and guardianships. Contact the county at (906) 524-6183 for court-specific contact information.
You can search Baraga County court cases online using MiCOURT, the state's free case search system. Search by party name or case number to find civil and criminal case information. Results include docket entries, case status, party names, and scheduled hearings. Some case types are not available online including juvenile records, adoption cases, and mental health proceedings. For certified copies of court documents, contact the circuit court clerk directly.
Note: Michigan Court Rule 8.119 provides that court records are presumptively open to the public unless specifically restricted by statute, court rule, or court order.
Criminal History Public Records in Baraga County
The Michigan State Police maintains criminal history records for all of Michigan through the ICHAT system. Searches cost $10 per name and cover felony convictions and serious misdemeanors from Baraga County and all other Michigan counties. The system does not include traffic violations, juvenile records, minor local misdemeanors, federal records, or records from other states.
The Baraga County Sheriff handles local jail records and law enforcement files. Contact the sheriff through the main county number at (906) 524-6183 for local inquiries. For individuals under Michigan Department of Corrections supervision, the free OTIS database covers current and recently discharged prisoners, parolees, and probationers. The Michigan Sex Offender Registry is available at no cost at mspsor.com.
Vital Records in Baraga County
The Baraga County Clerk holds local vital records including births, deaths, and marriages. In-person and mail requests are both accepted. Bring valid ID when visiting in person. Contact the office at (906) 524-6183 for the current fee schedule and the forms you need to include with a mail request. The office email is goodreauw@baragacounty.org for questions before you visit.
For older or statewide vital records, contact MDHHS Vital Records. The state holds records from 1867. The first certified copy costs $34. Additional copies of the same record are $16. Online ordering through VitalChek adds processing fees. Birth records less than 100 years old are restricted to authorized requesters such as the named person, parents, or legal representatives.
FOIA Requests in Baraga County
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq., gives any person the right to request public records from Baraga County agencies. All FOIA requests must be in writing. Send your request to the County Clerk at 2 S. Main Street, L'Anse, MI 49946, or by email to goodreauw@baragacounty.org. Describe the records you want as specifically as possible.
Baraga County agencies must respond within 5 business days. They may extend this period by up to 10 additional days with written notice explaining the reason. Fees apply for labor and copying under MCL 15.234. Labor costs are capped at 6 times the state minimum wage. Physical copies are charged at actual duplication cost. Fee waivers are available for people who qualify based on financial hardship or public assistance status.
Michigan State Police Criminal History Records
For a broader look at Michigan criminal history records beyond Baraga County, the Michigan State Police maintains statewide records. Their criminal history records division manages ICHAT and other background check services for all 83 counties.
The MSP criminal history records page explains how to request background checks, what ICHAT covers, and how fingerprint-based checks differ from name-based searches.
For Baraga County residents needing formal background checks for licensing, adoption, or other official purposes, this MSP page explains the fingerprint-based process and where to find approved live scan vendors.
Communities in Baraga County
L'Anse is the county seat of Baraga County and the main hub for all county records and court services. Other communities include Baraga, Pelkie, and Covington. Baraga County is one of the more remote counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. None of the communities here reach the population threshold for a dedicated records page. All residents use the county offices in L'Anse for public records access.
Nearby Counties
Baraga County is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior. These neighboring UP counties maintain their own records offices.