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Macomb County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Macomb County?

Public records in Macomb County are defined according to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under § 15.232(i), as "a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created." These records document government activities and are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Macomb County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

The Macomb County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, while specialized departments maintain others according to their respective functions.

Is Macomb County an Open Records County?

Macomb County adheres to Michigan's open records laws, primarily operating under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), § 15.231 et seq. This statute establishes that "all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."

Under § 15.233(1) of the Michigan FOIA, "a public body shall furnish a requesting person with a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records." This provision ensures that Macomb County residents and non-residents alike have legal access to government information.

Macomb County has established specific FOIA procedures in compliance with state law, including designated FOIA coordinators within each department. The county also adheres to Michigan's Open Meetings Act, § 15.261 et seq., which requires that most government meetings be conducted in public with proper notice.

The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its online records portal, which provides digital access to many commonly requested records.

How to Find Public Records in Macomb County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Macomb County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's public data portal. Users may search for property records, court cases, and other public documents without submitting a formal request.

  2. Submit a FOIA Request: For records not readily available online, individuals may submit a Freedom of Information Act request to the appropriate department:

    • Complete the county's FOIA Request Form
    • Submit the request to the specific department that maintains the records
    • Provide a reasonable description of the records sought
    • Include contact information for response

  3. Visit In Person: Records may be inspected in person at the relevant county office:

    Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds
    120 North Main Street
    Mount Clemens, MI 48043
    (586) 469-5120
    Macomb County Clerk

  4. Court Records: Access court records through the Michigan Courts Case Search or visit:

    Macomb County Circuit Court
    40 North Main Street
    Mount Clemens, MI 48043
    (586) 469-5150
    Macomb County Circuit Court

  5. Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates can be requested through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or the County Clerk's Office.

  6. Property Records: Search property records through the Register of Deeds office or online portal.

  7. Driving Records: Obtain driving records through the Michigan Secretary of State.

When requesting records, individuals should specify the format desired (paper or electronic) and provide sufficient detail to identify the records sought.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Macomb County?

Macomb County assesses fees for public records in accordance with § 15.234 of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which permits charging "actual mailing costs, and the actual cost of duplication or publication including labor, the cost of search, examination, review, and the deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information."

Current standard fees include:

  • Photocopies: $0.10 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
  • Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document
  • Electronic Records: Actual cost of media (CD/DVD/flash drive)
  • Labor Costs: Hourly wage of lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work (for requests exceeding $50)
  • Mailing: Actual cost of postage

Specific record types have established fees:

  • Birth Certificates: $15.00 for first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy
  • Death Certificates: $15.00 for first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy
  • Marriage Licenses: $20.00 for certified copy
  • Divorce Decrees: $15.00 for certified copy
  • Property Records: $5.00 per document for certified copies

Accepted payment methods include:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Check or money order
  • Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fee)

Under § 15.234(2), a public body may waive or reduce fees if it determines that doing so is in the public interest because access to the information primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are indigent and receiving public assistance may receive a waiver of the first $20.00 of fees.

Does Macomb County Have Free Public Records?

Macomb County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost:

  1. In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to § 15.233(3) of the Michigan FOIA, individuals may inspect public records at no charge during normal business hours. The law states that "a public body shall furnish a requesting person with a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records."

  2. Online Resources: The county maintains several free online databases:

  3. Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at several county offices for free public use:

    • County Clerk's Office - Vital records index search
    • Register of Deeds - Property records search
    • County Law Library - Legal research and court records

  4. Public Libraries: The Clinton-Macomb Public Library and other local libraries provide free access to certain county records and resources.

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Additionally, extensive searches requiring significant staff time may incur labor charges as permitted under Michigan FOIA.

Who Can Request Public Records in Macomb County?

Under § 15.232(e) of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, "a person means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity." This broad definition establishes that virtually anyone may request public records in Macomb County, with limited exceptions.

Key eligibility considerations include:

  • Residency: Michigan law does not restrict FOIA requests based on residency status. Non-Michigan residents have the same rights to request records as Michigan residents.

  • Identification Requirements: For most general records, requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request. However, certain record types have specific requirements:

    • Vital Records (birth/death certificates): Requestors must demonstrate legitimate interest and provide identification
    • Court Records: Some sealed or restricted case files require proper authorization
    • Law Enforcement Records: Ongoing investigation records may be restricted

  • Incarcerated Individuals: Under § 15.231(c), "persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities" are specifically excluded from making FOIA requests, except for records concerning their own incarceration.

  • Commercial Purpose: While requests for commercial purposes are permitted, the county may inquire about intended use when determining fee waivers.

  • Personal Records: When requesting records about oneself, proper identification is typically required to protect privacy.

  • Third-Party Records: Requests for records containing personal information about others may be subject to redaction or denial based on privacy exemptions under § 15.243.

The law emphasizes that a public body may not deny a request because the requestor refuses to state the purpose for which the information will be used, except in cases of certain restricted records.

What Records Are Confidential in Macomb County?

Macomb County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with § 15.243 of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which establishes specific exemptions from disclosure. These exemptions protect privacy, security, and other important interests.

Records exempt from disclosure include:

  • Personal Privacy Information: Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Medical records protected under HIPAA

  • Law Enforcement Records: Documents that would:

    • Interfere with active law enforcement proceedings
    • Deprive a person of a fair trial
    • Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
    • Disclose confidential sources or investigative techniques
    • Endanger law enforcement personnel

  • Child Welfare Records: Child protective services investigations and foster care records are confidential under Michigan's Child Protection Law.

  • Juvenile Records: Court records for minors are generally sealed unless specifically ordered open by a judge.

  • Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and related documents remain confidential under Michigan law.

  • Personnel Records: Employee information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, though certain information (e.g., salary) remains public.

  • Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and privileged communications between the county and its attorneys.

  • Trade Secrets: Proprietary commercial or financial information submitted by a business.

  • Security Measures: Information that would prejudice the ability to maintain the security of public buildings or infrastructure.

  • Bids and Proposals: Sealed bids or proposals prior to final award of the contract.

  • Test Questions: Examination data used to administer an academic or employment examination.

Under § 15.244, when a record contains both exempt and non-exempt material, the county must separate the exempt material and make the non-exempt material available. This process, known as redaction, allows for partial disclosure of records containing confidential information.

Macomb County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Macomb County Register of Deeds
120 North Main Street, 1st Floor
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-5175
Macomb County Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Register of Deeds office maintains and provides access to property records including:

  • Deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Land contracts
  • Liens
  • Plats
  • Condominium documents
  • Military discharge papers (DD-214)

Services available include:

  • Document recording
  • Certified copies of recorded documents
  • Property record searches
  • Tract index searches
  • Online access to digitized records (subscription service)

For questions regarding specific documents or recording requirements, members of the public may contact the office directly during business hours.

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