Sanilac County Public Records

Sanilac County public records are managed through the County Clerk and Register of Deeds offices in Sandusky. The county holds vital records going back to 1867, property documents, and court records from the 24th Circuit Court and local district courts. Use the search tool below to look up records tied to Sanilac County.

Sanilac County Clerk and Public Records

The County Clerk in Sandusky handles vital records, election records, and general county filings. The office is at 60 Sanilac Road, Room 203, Sandusky, MI 48471. The Vital Records extension is 8221. The Register of Deeds, headed by Michele VanNorman with Chief Deputy Amy Schroeder, maintains all land and property records at 60 West Sanilac Avenue in Sandusky.

Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Vital records held by the county include births, deaths, and marriages going back to 1867. Certified copies cost $20 each from the county. These can be requested in person, by mail, or through the online search available at the County Clerk's office.

The Sanilac County Historical Society also maintains older records and naturalization record indexes, which may be useful for genealogical research reaching back before 1867.

The Michigan State Police criminal history records page below is a useful statewide resource for background checks covering Sanilac County residents, accessible at michigan.gov/msp/services/criminal-history-records.

The MSP Criminal History Records page explains how to request background checks through ICHAT and fingerprint-based checks for Sanilac County and all Michigan residents.

Sanilac County Court Records

Sanilac County has three court levels: the 24th Circuit Court, the 73A District Court, and Probate Court. Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases and major civil matters. Contact the Circuit Court at (810) 648-2120. The 73A District Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases up to $25,000, and traffic matters. Reach District Court at (810) 648-3250.

Case records from all three Sanilac County courts are searchable through the statewide MiCOURT case search portal. Searches are free and use party name, case number, or attorney bar number. Online results show docket entries, case status, and hearings. Non-public matters do not appear in online results. For certified copies of any court document, contact the specific court clerk directly.

Note: District Court records cover misdemeanors and civil disputes. Circuit Court records cover felonies and larger civil cases. Probate Court handles estate and guardianship matters.

Criminal History Public Records

The Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) allows online criminal history checks covering all 83 Michigan counties, including Sanilac. Searches cost $10 per name and cover felony convictions and serious misdemeanors. Access ICHAT at apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT.

For people currently under state supervision, the free OTIS database from the Michigan Department of Corrections covers current prisoners, parolees, and probationers. Search by name at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2. For local jail records, contact the Sanilac County Sheriff, Paul Rich, directly. The Sheriff's Office can confirm whether someone is held in the county jail.

Property Records in Sanilac County

The Register of Deeds at 60 West Sanilac Avenue in Sandusky maintains all real property records for the county. Online access to deeds and property records is available through the Register of Deeds online portal. The office holds deeds, mortgages, liens, land contracts, and other property documents.

For older records or documents not yet available online, visit the office in person. Copy fees and recording fees follow Michigan's standard rates. Contact the Register of Deeds at (810) 648-2313 for questions about specific records or to request copies by mail.

The Sanilac County Historical Society maintains older historical records that may be useful for property history research going back before the modern records system.

Vital Records - Births, Deaths, Marriages

Sanilac County vital records go back to 1867. Birth, death, and marriage records are available from the County Clerk's office at 60 Sanilac Road in Sandusky. Call (810) 648-3212, extension 8221, for the vital records department. Certified copies cost $20 each at the local level. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the online search option.

For statewide vital records or records from other Michigan counties, the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office handles all certified copies. Order online at michigan.gov/mdhhs or through VitalChek. State fees are $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy of the same record. Birth records under 100 years old require eligibility documentation.

FOIA Requests for Sanilac County Public Records

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act under MCL 15.231 et seq. gives the public broad rights to access government records. Sanilac County departments must respond to written FOIA requests within 5 business days. An extension of up to 10 more business days may apply if the agency needs more time to locate or review records.

Submit FOIA requests to the specific Sanilac County department holding the records you want. Each department designates its own FOIA coordinator. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through available online channels. Fees cover actual labor and duplication costs. Fee waivers are available for people receiving public assistance or facing verified financial hardship.

Cities in Sanilac County

The county seat is Sandusky. No communities in Sanilac County meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site.

Communities in Sanilac County include Sandusky, Lexington, Marlette, and many rural townships. Public records for all of these areas flow through the county offices at 60 Sanilac Road and 60 West Sanilac Avenue in Sandusky.

Nearby Counties

These Michigan counties border Sanilac County. Each maintains its own public records offices.