About Antrim County
Antrim County is located in the northwest region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, positioned along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. Antrim County Seat is Bellaire, a charming village situated in the heart of Antrim County. Antrim County was established in 1863 and named after County Antrim in Ireland. Antrim County includes approximately 602 square miles, with a population of around 23,000 residents according to recent estimates.
- Antrim County Register of Deeds, also located in the Government Center at 203 E.
Antrim County is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring the Chain of Lakes, which includes Torch Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world with its distinctive turquoise waters. Other notable landmarks include the Grass River Natural Area, Jordan River Valley, and numerous vineyards and orchards that dot the rolling countryside. Antrim County's economy historically relied on logging and agriculture, but today tourism, recreation, and seasonal residents play a significant role.
Antrim County Clerk's office is located at 203 E. Cayuga Street in Bellaire, handling vital records, elections, and various licensing functions. Cayuga Street, maintains property records, deeds, and land transactions.
Antrim County Equalization Department is the Assessor's office, overseeing property valuations throughout Antrim County. What makes Antrim County unique is its combination of pristine waterways, championship golf courses, world-class skiing at Shanty Creek Resort, and its proximity to both Traverse City and the Straits of Mackinac, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Antrim County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Antrim County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Antrim County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community outreach and crime prevention programs, making sure of the safety and security of its residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Antrim County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Antrim County. These include the Elk Rapids Police Department, the Bellaire Police Department, and the Mancelona Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crime and community policing efforts. The sheriff's office and municipal departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Antrim County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Antrim County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Antrim County, with headquarters located at 203 E. Cayuga Street, Bellaire, MI 49615.
- The agency has five business days to respond to the request and may charge fees for copying and labor.
- Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally available through the same FOIA process, though recent bookings may be posted on the Sheriff's Office website or social media pages.
- Processing fees typically apply for copies of arrest reports, incident reports, and related documentation.
- The Michigan State Police provides additional law enforcement support, particularly for traffic enforcement on state highways and assistance with major investigations.
Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at during business hours or by visiting the facility in person. Municipal law enforcement within Antrim County includes police departments in incorporated communities, though most areas rely on Sheriff's patrol services and Michigan State Police coverage from the Traverse City post. Arrest records in Antrim County are considered public information under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically MCL 15.231 et seq.
There are no federally recognized tribal lands in Antrim County, so tribal police jurisdiction does not apply.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Antrim County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the sheriff's office or the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) for statewide checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Antrim County are maintained by Antrim County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), these records are accessible to the public, though some information may be redacted for privacy reasons. Antrim County arrest records provide a summary of an individual's interactions with law enforcement within Antrim County.
Jail & Inmate Records
Antrim County Jail, located in Bellaire, is the primary detention facility for Antrim County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Antrim County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. The jail provides an inmate lookup service through the sheriff's office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Michigan state laws, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the sheriff's office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Antrim County are taken and retained by Antrim County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases that compile public records. While Michigan does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to remove their mugshots from public view may need to pursue legal avenues or contact the hosting website directly. The sheriff's website may offer a search function for accessing mugshots and related arrest information.
Courts & Case Records
Antrim County's judicial system consists of the 13th Circuit Court and the 86th District Court, both located in Antrim County Courthouse at 205 E. Cayuga Street, Bellaire, MI 49615. The 13th Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, family court matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts.
- Many Antrim County court records can be searched through the Michigan Supreme Court's online case search system at the state level, though full records require in-person or written requests.
- The court charges fees for certified copies, typically $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- Requests for court records can be made in person at the Clerk of the Court office or by submitting a written request with appropriate fees.
The Circuit Court can be contacted through the office’s website. The 86th District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases, civil matters up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims (up to $6,500), traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felony cases. Antrim County Court phone number is. Antrim County Probate Court, also located in the courthouse, handles estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and juvenile matters.
Court records are accessible under Michigan Court Rule 8.119, which governs public access to court records. The Michigan Supreme Court has established that court records are presumptively public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute. Online case lookup is available for some records through the State of Michigan's case search portal, though Antrim County may have specific procedures for accessing older records or sealed files.
Property & Public Records
Antrim County Register of Deeds, located at 203 E. Cayuga Street, Bellaire, MI 49615, maintains full property and land records for Antrim County. The office can be reached at and operates during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Antrim County offers online property record searching through a subscription service accessible via Antrim County website at www.antrimcounty.org, allowing users to search by name, parcel number, or legal description.
- There may be fees associated with online access or per-document viewing.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, though fees are subject to change.
- Property tax records can be searched through Antrim County's GIS mapping system, which provides aerial photography, parcel boundaries, ownership information, tax status, and assessed values.
The Register of Deeds office maintains records dating back to Antrim County's formation, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, land contracts, liens (including mechanic's liens, tax liens, and judgment liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, condominium documents, survey plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property title. Antrim County Equalization Department, also located in the Government Center, maintains property tax records, assessment rolls, and parcel information. This GIS system is typically accessible free of charge through Antrim County website.
To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters must visit the Register of Deeds office in person or submit a written request with specific document details (liber and page number, or grantor/grantee names) along with payment. The Treasurer's office at handles tax collection and can provide information about delinquent taxes, tax sales, and payment history.
Vital Records
Vital records for Antrim County, Michigan are maintained by both Antrim County Clerk and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Birth certificates for births occurring in Antrim County can be requested from Antrim County Clerk's office at 203 E. Cayuga Street, Bellaire, MI 49615 The fee for a certified birth certificate is $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically immediate if applying in person, or 2-3 weeks if requesting by mail.
- Death certificates are also available through the County Clerk's office for deaths occurring in Antrim County, with the same fee structure of $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for additional copies.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $30 and has a three-day waiting period before the ceremony can be performed.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, such as being the subject of the record, a parent, legal guardian, or legal representative. Only eligible individuals as defined by Michigan law (MCL 333.2882) may obtain death certificates, including family members, legal representatives, and those with property rights dependent on the death. Marriage licenses must be obtained from Antrim County Clerk's office, with both parties appearing in person with valid identification and social security numbers.
Marriage records are public and can be searched through the Clerk's office. Divorce records are maintained by the 13th Circuit Court rather than the Clerk's office. For faster service or for vital records from other Michigan counties, applicants can contact the Michigan MDHHS Vital Records office at or order online through the state's VitalChek service at www.michigan.gov/vitalrecords.
Michigan vital records law is codified in the Public Health Code, MCL 333.2801 et seq, which establishes requirements for registration, confidentiality, and access to vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Antrim County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and licensing required. Antrim County Clerk's office at 203 E. Cayuga Street, Bellaire, handles certain local business filings, including assumed name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. However, the State of Michigan centralized most business entity registrations through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
- This free online database provides information about business names, registered agents, filing dates, status, and officers.
- Antrim County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides resources for business development and can be found at www.antrimcountychamber.com.
The Michigan Secretary of State's Corporations Division maintains the official business entity database, searchable online at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch, where users can look up corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities. Professional licenses in Michigan, including those for contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and other regulated professions, are issued by LARA and can be verified through the state licensing verification system at www.michigan.gov/license. Sales tax permits and employer identification for state taxes are handled by the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Local business licensing requirements vary by county within Antrim County. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are issued by Antrim County Building Department and Planning & Zoning Department, both located in the Government Center at 203 E. Cayuga Street.
Contact for information about construction permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and zoning compliance. Individual townships and villages within Antrim County may have additional local licensing requirements for certain business activities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Antrim County, Michigan are administered by Antrim County Clerk, who is the County Election Coordinator. The Clerk's office is located at 203 E. Cayuga Street, Bellaire, MI 49615, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election information and resources can be found through Antrim County website at www.antrimcounty.org and through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote.
- In the November 2024 general election, Antrim County recorded a turnout rate of approximately 75-80% of registered voters, consistent with typical turnout in Michigan counties for presidential elections.
- Michigan voters can request absentee ballots without providing a reason under Michigan Constitution Article II, Section 4(1)(g).
- Michigan law allows voters to request to be added to the permanent absentee voter list to automatically receive applications for each election.
Voter registration in Antrim County can be completed online through the Michigan Online Voter Registration system at www.michigan.gov/vote, by mail using a Michigan Voter Registration Application, or in person at the County Clerk's office or any Secretary of State branch office. Michigan offers same-day voter registration, including on Election Day at the local clerk's office, though voters must provide proof of residency. To find your polling place in Antrim County, voters can use the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and date of birth, or by contacting their local township or city clerk.
Antrim County contains multiple townships and municipalities, each with designated polling locations. Public election records in Michigan include the Qualified Voter File (voter registration lists, available with restrictions under MCL 168.522 and 168.523), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos), candidate nominating petitions and affidavits of identity, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. Antrim County gained national attention during the November 2020 election due to initial unofficial results that were later corrected, leading to extensive audits and reviews that confirmed the accuracy of the final certified results.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, U.S. Senate (if applicable based on the cycle), Michigan Governor, Michigan Secretary of State, Michigan Attorney General, state legislative seats, and local offices.
To request an absentee ballot in Antrim County, voters may submit an application to their local city or township clerk, available online through the Michigan Voter Information Center or through Antrim County Clerk's office. Applications can be submitted by mail, email, fax, or in person. Election transparency in Michigan is governed by the Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.1 et seq.), which provides for poll challengers, public testing of voting equipment, canvass board proceedings open to the public, and retention of election materials for specified periods subject to public inspection under appropriate circumstances.
Economy & Demographics
Antrim County's economy is heavily driven by tourism, recreation, agriculture, and seasonal residents who contribute significantly to the tax base and consumer spending. Antrim County's pristine natural resources, including Torch Lake, the Chain of Lakes, and proximity to Lake Michigan, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, supporting hotels, restaurants, marinas, golf courses, and recreational businesses. Major employers in Antrim County include healthcare facilities, school districts, local government, and hospitality businesses.
- The median household income in Antrim County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the Michigan state average, reflecting the seasonal nature of much employment and the rural character of Antrim County.
Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire is one of the largest private employers, offering year-round recreation including skiing, golf, and lodging. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, while technically just outside Antrim County, employs many Antrim County residents. Agriculture remains important to the local economy, with significant cherry orchards, apple production, vineyards, and livestock operations.
The wine industry has grown substantially, with several wineries and tasting rooms operating in Antrim County as part of the larger northwest Michigan wine region. Manufacturing has a smaller presence compared to tourism and agriculture, but some light industrial and fabrication businesses operate in Antrim County. Antrim County has experienced growth in remote workers and retirees relocating from urban areas, particularly accelerated since 2020, bringing new economic activity and demographic changes.
Unemployment rates in Antrim County fluctuate seasonally, typically higher in winter months and lower during the peak summer tourism season. Economic development efforts focus on broadband expansion, workforce housing, and supporting year-round economic activity to reduce seasonal volatility. The natural beauty and quality of life continue to be primary economic assets for Antrim County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Yes: Online GIS & Records | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/FOIA Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Antrim County provides good digital access to property and election records, with court records available through state systems, though jail rosters require direct contact and vital records need in-person or mail requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Antrim County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Antrim County, Michigan.