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Alpena County, Michigan Public Records

Find the right office in Alpena County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

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Alpena County at a glance

State
Michigan
County seat
Alpena
Population
28,907
Area
1,695 sq mi
Founded
1840
Cities and towns
4

Alpena County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Alpena County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Alpena County, particularly in the unincorporated areas.

Police Departments. Law enforcement in Alpena County is provided by Alpena County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Alpena City Police Department serves the city of Alpena, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on larger investigations.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Alpena County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 320 Johnson Street, Alpena, MI 49707, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Alpena County and operates Alpena County Jail.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Alpena County are maintained by Alpena County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments.

Jail & Inmate Records. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Alpena County are taken and retained by Alpena County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. Residents can search for mugshots via the Sheriff's Office website or third-party services that compile public records.

The 88th District Court, also located at 720 West Chisholm Street (phone 989-354-9570), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims up to $6,500, and traffic violations.

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Alpena County public-records FAQs

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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Alpena County, Michigan?

Mugshots or booking photos for Alpena County, Michigan, can be obtained from the Alpena County Sheriff's Office. The office is located at 320 Johnson Street, Alpena, MI 49707. You may also check if the Sheriff's Office provides an online portal for accessing booking photos. For more detailed inquiries, you can contact them directly at (989) 354-9830.

How do I get a criminal background check in Alpena County, Michigan?

To obtain a criminal background check in Alpena County, Michigan, you can request a check through the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Locally, you may also contact the Alpena County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. It's important to have the individual's full name and date of birth to ensure accurate results.

How can I look up sex offenders in Alpena County, Michigan?

You can look up sex offenders in Alpena County, Michigan, by using the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Michigan State Police and provides detailed information about registered sex offenders. You can access the registry online and search by name, address, or zip code to find offenders in Alpena County.

How do I register to vote in Alpena County, Michigan?

You can register to vote in Alpena County through the Michigan Secretary of State's online portal at Michigan.gov/Vote, in person at the Alpena County Clerk's office at 720 West Chisholm Street in Alpena, or at any Secretary of State branch office. Michigan offers Election Day registration, allowing you to register and vote at your local clerk's office during early voting or on Election Day with proof of residency. For traditional registration, the deadline is 15 days before an election for online or mail registration. Once registered, you can request an absentee ballot for any election without providing a reason, and absentee ballot applications are available from your local clerk or online.

How do I look up property records in Alpena County, Michigan?

Property records in Alpena County are maintained by the Alpena County Register of Deeds at 720 West Chisholm Street, Alpena, MI 49707, phone (989) 354-9560. The Register of Deeds office holds deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other land records available for public inspection during business hours. Property tax assessment information is available from the Alpena Equalization Department at (989) 354-9550 or from individual city and township assessors. Contact the Register of Deeds office directly to inquire about any online search capabilities or GIS parcel mapping systems that may be available for public use.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Alpena County, Michigan?

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Alpena County can be obtained from the Alpena County Clerk's office at 720 West Chisholm Street, Alpena, MI 49707, phone (989) 354-9510. The fee is approximately $15 for the first certified copy and $7 for additional copies ordered at the same time. You must provide valid government-issued photo ID and demonstrate eligibility to receive the record under Michigan law (MCL 333.2882), which restricts access to family members and parties with legal interest. In-person requests are typically processed immediately, while mail requests take 2-3 weeks; you can also order Michigan vital records online through VitalChek.com with additional service fees.

How do I find business license records in Alpena County, Michigan?

Business records in Alpena County can be found through multiple sources depending on the type of business. Assumed name (DBA) filings are recorded with the Alpena County Clerk at 720 West Chisholm Street, phone (989) 354-9510. For corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities, use the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' free online business entity search at michigan.gov/corpentitysearch. Local business licenses and permits may be issued by the City of Alpena or individual townships, and building permits are handled by the Alpena County Building and Planning Department at (989) 354-9565.

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