Search Midland County Public Records
Midland County public records are kept by the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and the 42nd Circuit Court in the city of Midland. You can search court cases, property documents, criminal history, and vital records through county offices and statewide Michigan systems. This guide walks you through the main sources for public records in Midland County and how to request copies.
Midland County Overview
Midland County Clerk and Public Records
The Midland County Clerk is the primary office for county public records. The clerk maintains court records, vital records, election documents, and other official files for the county. The office is at the Midland County Courthouse on Main Street in Midland. You can visit in person during business hours or request records by mail.
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act at MCL 15.231 gives everyone the right to request records from Midland County offices. The Midland County Clerk serves as the FOIA coordinator for county-level records. Written requests must receive a response within 5 business days. Extensions of up to 10 additional business days are allowed when more time is needed.
The official Midland County website at co.midland.mi.us provides access to county departments, public records information, and contact details for offices including the clerk, register of deeds, and courts.
| Office | Midland County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 220 West Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640 |
| Circuit Court | 42nd Circuit Court |
| Website | co.midland.mi.us |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Midland County Court Records
The 42nd Circuit Court in Midland handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, and family law cases including divorce and custody. All court records are public unless a judge orders them sealed. You can search Midland County court cases through MiCOURT at micourt.courts.michigan.gov. The portal is free and includes circuit, district, and probate court data statewide.
MiCOURT allows name, case number, and attorney bar number searches. Results include docket entries, case status, and scheduled hearings. Juvenile cases, adoptions, mental health proceedings, and personal protection orders are excluded from online results. Under Michigan Court Rule 1.109, date of birth fields were removed from public results in April 2022.
The 75th District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and civil claims under $25,000 for Midland County. Both courts use the same MiCOURT system for online case lookup. For certified copies of any court record, contact the Midland County Clerk at the courthouse directly.
Note: MiCOURT provides non-certified case information. If you need a certified court document for legal purposes, request it from the Midland County Clerk.
Criminal History Records
ICHAT is the Michigan State Police criminal history database. It covers felony convictions and serious misdemeanors from all 83 counties including Midland. Each search costs $10. Use the tool at apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT. Results are based on court-reported data from the Criminal Justice Information Center and cover statewide records.
ICHAT does not include traffic offenses, juvenile records, local ordinance violations, or out-of-state records. Federal criminal records are also not available through ICHAT. For a more complete fingerprint-based background check, contact an approved live scan vendor. These typically cost $50 to $70 and require a scheduled appointment.
OTIS is free for checking MDOC-supervised individuals. Search the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Tracking Information System at mdocweb.state.mi.us. It covers current prisoners, parolees, and those on probation. The Midland County sex offender search is at mspsor.com and is also free.
Midland County Property Records
The Midland County Register of Deeds records all real property transactions in the county. Deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and easements are stored here. These are public records. You can visit the Register of Deeds at the courthouse in Midland to search the index and request copies of documents.
Property tax records and parcel data are managed by the Midland County Equalization Department. Ownership history, assessed values, and property descriptions are all part of the public record. The Michigan Secretary of State handles statewide UCC filings and business records at michigan.gov/sos. Vehicle and driver records are also managed through the Secretary of State.
If you need to search for abandoned vehicle information statewide, the Secretary of State maintains a free lookup by license plate or VIN on the michigan.gov/sos website.
Midland County Vital Records
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for Midland County are available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. MDHHS maintains statewide vital records dating back to 1867. Order records at michigan.gov/mdhhs or request them in person at the Midland County Clerk's office. You can also order through VitalChek online (additional fees apply).
Certified copies cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy of the same record. Birth records under 100 years old require proof of eligibility. Eligible requesters include the person named (age 18+), their parents, legal guardian, or a legal representative. Bring a valid ID when requesting records in person.
Marriage licenses for Midland County are issued at the county clerk's office. Divorce records from circuit court proceedings are stored at the 42nd Circuit Court and can be requested from the clerk.
FOIA Requests in Midland County
Under MCL 15.231, you have the right to request public records from Midland County offices. The law covers all county government bodies, including the clerk, sheriff, road commission, and other departments. Requests must be in writing and go to the FOIA coordinator at the relevant office. The response deadline is 5 business days, with an extension of up to 10 more days if needed.
Michigan FOIA fees under MCL 15.234 are capped. Labor costs are limited to six times the state minimum hourly wage. You pay the actual cost to copy records. Fee waivers are available if you receive public assistance or can demonstrate financial need. If a request is denied, you can appeal within the agency or challenge the decision in circuit court.
- Requests must be in writing (mail, email, or in person)
- Describe the records clearly so staff can locate them
- Include your name and contact information
- Fee deposits may be required for large requests
- You can appeal within 180 days of a denial
Cities in Midland County
Midland is the county seat and largest city in Midland County. The circuit court and county offices are located in the city of Midland. Other communities in the county include Coleman, Sanford, and Hope Township.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Midland County in central Michigan. If you are looking for records from a neighboring area, check the county where the event took place.