Mason County Public Records
Mason County public records are maintained by the County Clerk and Register of Deeds in Ludington, along with the 51st Circuit Court. You can search court cases, property records, criminal history, and vital records through county offices and Michigan state databases. This guide explains the main sources for public records in Mason County and how to get copies.
Mason County Overview
Mason County Clerk and Public Records Office
The Mason County Clerk is the main office for public records in the county. The clerk keeps court records, vital records, election results, and other official county documents. The office is at the Mason County Courthouse in Ludington. You can visit in person or call to ask about records and copy fees before making the trip.
Michigan's FOIA law at MCL 15.231 gives you the right to request records from Mason County government offices. Written requests to the FOIA coordinator should include enough detail to identify the records you want. Responses are required within 5 business days. An extension of up to 10 additional business days is allowed when the office needs more time to locate or review records.
The county clerk also serves as clerk of the 51st Circuit Court, which handles major civil and criminal cases. All court filings become part of the public record unless a judge orders them sealed. The circuit court shares facilities with other Mason County offices at the courthouse on Fifth Street in Ludington.
| Office | Mason County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 304 East Ludington Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431 |
| Circuit Court | 51st Circuit Court |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Circuit Court Public Records in Mason County
The 51st Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil matters over $25,000, and family law cases for Mason County. Court records from these proceedings are public documents. You can search case information online through MiCOURT at micourt.courts.michigan.gov. The system is free to use and covers circuit, district, and probate court records statewide.
MiCOURT search results show party names, docket entries, case status, and scheduled hearing dates. You can search by person name, case number, or attorney bar number. Some cases are not visible online. Juvenile records, adoptions, mental health proceedings, and personal protection orders are non-public and will not appear in search results. Date of birth is no longer shown in MiCOURT results as of April 2022.
The 79th District Court handles misdemeanors and civil claims under $25,000 for Mason County. Both the circuit court and district court keep records at the Ludington courthouse. For certified copies, you must request them in person or by mail from the clerk's office.
Michigan State Police maintains criminal history records for Mason County and all Michigan counties through the ICHAT system, accessible online for a $10 fee.
Criminal Records and Offender Searches
ICHAT is Michigan's statewide criminal history tool run by the State Police. It covers felony convictions and serious misdemeanors from all 83 counties, including Mason County. Each search costs $10. Use ICHAT at apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT to search by name. Results come from the Criminal Justice Information Center and are based on court-reported convictions.
OTIS is the free alternative for checking MDOC-supervised individuals. The Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System includes people in state prisons, on parole, and on probation. Search at mdocweb.state.mi.us. OTIS records are removed 3 years after the discharge date.
The Mason County Sheriff's Department keeps local arrest and jail records. Those records are separate from the state systems above. Contact the Mason County Sheriff directly for local jail records or arrest reports. The sheriff's office can also direct you to the right FOIA coordinator for law enforcement records.
For registered sex offenders in Mason County, use the Michigan Sex Offender Registry at mspsor.com. You can search by name, address, or ZIP code. This service is free.
Mason County Property Records
The Mason County Register of Deeds records all real estate documents in the county. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps are kept here and open to the public. You can visit the Register of Deeds office at the courthouse in Ludington to search records or request copies. Many Michigan counties offer online property record searches, so check the county website for current options.
Property taxes and parcel data are handled by the Mason County Equalization Department. This office tracks assessed values for all parcels in the county. Sales history, ownership information, and property descriptions are part of the public record.
Note: Statewide UCC lien searches are done through the Michigan Secretary of State at michigan.gov/sos, not through the county Register of Deeds.
Vital Records for Mason County
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for Mason County are available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. MDHHS maintains statewide vital records dating back to 1867. Order records online at michigan.gov/mdhhs, by mail, or in person at the Mason County Clerk's office in Ludington.
Certified copies cost $34 for the first and $16 for each additional copy of the same record. Birth records under 100 years old are restricted to the person named, parents, legal guardians, or their legal representatives. You must show proof of eligibility when ordering restricted records.
Marriage licenses in Mason County are issued by the county clerk. Divorce records are held at the 51st Circuit Court and can be requested from the clerk's office at the courthouse. The state also holds divorce records from 1897 onward through MDHHS.
FOIA Requests in Mason County
Under Michigan's FOIA law, any person can request public records from Mason County offices. The law is at MCL 15.231. Requests must be in writing and sent to the FOIA coordinator for the office that holds the records. The county clerk handles clerk and court records. The sheriff handles law enforcement records. Each office is its own public body under FOIA.
Fees under MCL 15.234 are capped. Labor costs cannot exceed six times the state minimum hourly wage. Copy costs reflect actual duplication costs. If you receive public assistance or can show financial hardship, you may qualify for a fee waiver. A denial of your request can be appealed within the agency or in court.
Cities in Mason County
Ludington is the county seat and largest city in Mason County. Circuit court and county office records are housed at the courthouse in Ludington. Other communities in Mason County include Scottville, Fountain, and Custer.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Mason County. If you are unsure which county holds the records you need, confirm the address or location where the event occurred.