Charlevoix County Public Records Search
Charlevoix County public records are kept by the County Clerk and Register of Deeds in Charlevoix, Michigan. You can search court cases, property documents, vital records, and other official files through county offices or online tools. This page explains how to find and request records from Charlevoix County.
Charlevoix County Overview
Charlevoix County Clerk and Public Records
The Charlevoix County Clerk is located at 203 Antrim Street in Charlevoix. The Register of Deeds has a separate location at 13513 Division Street, also in Charlevoix. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Clerk's phone is (231) 547-7200. The Register of Deeds is at (231) 547-7204. A toll-free number is available at 1-800-548-9157. Fax for the Clerk is (231) 547-7217 and for the Register is (231) 237-0106. Email for the Clerk is drost@charlevoixcounty.org. The Register contact is coblentzs@charlevoixcounty.org. The current Register of Deeds is Jessica Porter.
The county website at charlevoixcounty.org provides access to department pages and online search tools. Charlevoix County holds vital records going back to 1867 for births, deaths, and marriages. Court records start in 1869. The county also has GIS mapping and parcel search tools available online. Property Fraud Alert service is available to protect against fraudulent document recording.
The Charlevoix County official website links to clerk services, property records, and court information for the county.
The site also includes Manitou County historical records, which are now part of Charlevoix County's archive.
| Clerk Address | 203 Antrim Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720 |
|---|---|
| Register of Deeds | 13513 Division Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720 |
| Phone (Clerk) | (231) 547-7200 |
| Phone (Register) | (231) 547-7204 |
| Toll-Free | 1-800-548-9157 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | charlevoixcounty.org |
Charlevoix County Court Records
Court records in Charlevoix County fall under the 33rd Circuit Court. The county also has the 90th District Court and Charlevoix County Probate Court. The District Court phone is (231) 547-7227. The Honorable Angela J. Lasher serves as District Court judge. Court records go back to 1869 in Charlevoix County.
Online case lookups are available through MiCOURT at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/. This free system shows party names, docket entries, and case status for civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. Full case files and certified copies must be requested in person or through the court clerk. Some case types are not available online, including juvenile records, adoption files, and personal protection orders.
Note: Date of birth information has been removed from public court records in Michigan's online system since April 2022 per MCR 1.109.
Criminal History and Offender Records
ICHAT, the Internet Criminal History Access Tool run by the Michigan State Police, lets you search felony and serious misdemeanor records for Charlevoix County residents. Each search costs $10 at apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT/. The system pulls from the Michigan Criminal Justice Information Center database, which covers all 83 counties.
The free Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system covers current and former state prison inmates, parolees, and those on active MDOC probation. Search it at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2.aspx. OTIS removes records three years after discharge. For sex offender searches, use the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry at mspsor.com, which is free and searchable by name, address, or ZIP code.
Charlevoix County Property Records
The Register of Deeds at 13513 Division Street in Charlevoix maintains all property records for the county. Land records go back to 1869. Probate records extend to 1881. The online Register of Deeds system is available at rodrecording.charlevoixcounty.org/recorder/web/. You can search deed records and download documents in PDF format. Copy fees are $1.05 per page plus a 30-cent transaction fee per download.
The Charlevoix County Register of Deeds online recording portal provides direct access to deed records and property document searches.
The portal handles online deed searches and accepts payments by credit card for document downloads.
GIS mapping and parcel search tools are also available through the county website. The county Equalization department at (231) 547-7230 can assist with property tax and parcel questions. Property Fraud Alert is a free service that notifies you when documents are recorded against your property.
Note: Charlevoix County also holds historical records from the former Manitou County, which was dissolved and merged into Charlevoix County.
Vital Records in Charlevoix County
The County Clerk at 203 Antrim Street in Charlevoix handles vital records requests. Birth records go back to 1867. Death records start in 1868. Marriage records extend to 1868. Divorce records are also held at the Clerk's office. Requests can be made in person during business hours or by mail. Contact the Clerk at (231) 547-7200 or use the toll-free number 1-800-548-9157 for guidance on current fees and required forms.
The Michigan MDHHS vital records office handles statewide requests if the Clerk's office does not have the record you need. State records for Michigan births, deaths, marriages, and divorces go back to 1867. Submit requests to michigan.gov/mdhhs. The state fee is $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for each additional copy of the same record.
FOIA Public Records Requests
Michigan's FOIA law, MCL 15.231 et seq., gives the public the right to request and inspect government records. In Charlevoix County, submit written FOIA requests to the relevant department. For Clerk records, send your request to 203 Antrim Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720. The county has 5 business days to respond. An extension of up to 10 more business days is allowed for complex requests.
Fees may cover copying costs and any labor required for large searches. Free inspection of records is available if you do not need printed copies. People who receive public assistance or who have financial hardship can request a fee waiver under MCL 15.234. Court records are managed by the court clerk separately from the County Clerk.
Cities in Charlevoix County
Charlevoix is the county seat and the location of all main public records offices. Other communities in Charlevoix County include Boyne City, East Jordan, Petoskey area, and Walloon Lake. All county records for these communities are handled through offices in Charlevoix.
Nearby Counties
Charlevoix County is in northern Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It borders Emmet, Antrim, and Kalkaska counties, and is accessible from the Lake Michigan shoreline.