Beulah Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Beulah, Michigan government websites.

  About Beulah City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million

Beulah, Michigan, operates under a city government structure known as the Beulah City Council. This governing body consists of 5 elected members, including the Mayor and four Council Members. Each member is elected at-large for a term length of 4 years. The elections are held in odd-numbered years, allowing residents to participate in shaping local governance.

The approximate annual operating budget for the City of Beulah is around $1.2 million for the fiscal year 2023-2024. This budget encompasses various city services, infrastructure maintenance, and community programs, ensuring the effective functioning of the local government.

Regular city council meetings are scheduled for the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Beulah Village Hall, located at 202 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Beulah, MI 49617. Residents are encouraged to attend and engage with their local government during these sessions, which provide an opportunity for public input and discussion on community matters.

  About Beulah, Michigan

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Benzie County, Beulah captures the charm and spirit of small-town Michigan with its picturesque setting along Crystal Lake and proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. With a population of approximately 1,000, this quaint village was settled in the late 19th century and officially established in 1881. Beulah features several notable neighborhoods, each contributing to its tight-knit community feel, including areas near the vibrant downtown, which boasts local shops, restaurants, and community events. The local economy thrives on tourism driven by outdoor recreation, with many residents engaged in seasonal employment in hospitality and retail. What distinctly sets Beulah apart is its commitment to preserving natural beauty, evident in its well-maintained parks and recreational areas, making it an appealing destination for visitors seeking tranquility and adventure alike.

Law enforcement in Beulah is primarily provided by the Beulah Police Department, which works in collaboration with the Benzie County Sheriff’s Office to maintain safety and order within the village. The Sheriff’s Office also operates the Benzie County Jail, ensuring that law enforcement and detention services are adequately met for residents and visitors alike. If one seeks to obtain arrest records, mugshots, or booking records within Beulah, the process begins by contacting the Beulah Police Department directly, where one can inquire about specific records kept by the local police unit. For more comprehensive criminal history, individuals may turn to the Benzie County Sheriff's Office, which can provide additional documentation. Alternatively, for statewide criminal records, individuals can access the Michigan State Police Bureau of Investigation, which maintains a state criminal repository. Online portals are available for certain records, allowing users to conduct preliminary searches and view non-confidential information regarding criminal incidents that may relate to Beulah.

For those seeking to access court records in Beulah, the Benzie County District Court serves as the primary judicial authority, handling a range of civil and criminal matters. Individuals may request court records either in person at the court clerk’s office or through the court's online portal, which facilitates access to various documents for public viewing. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained through the Benzie County Clerk-Recorder’s Office or via the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Property records, which include information on land ownership and assessments, are maintained by the county assessor and the recorder’s office, with many records also accessible online to streamline the process for those interested in property transactions. Furthermore, under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, general public records requests may be made to any governmental body in Beulah. Typically, responses to these requests are provided within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring that transparency and accountability remain integral to the community’s governance.

About Beulah

Beulah, a small town in Benzie County, Michigan, is home to around 200 residents and sits along the shores of the stunning Crystal Lake. Nestled within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Beulah offers a quintessential small-town experience with its charming downtown, outdoor recreation opportunities, and close-knit community. With a ZIP code of 49617, Beulah provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, while still being conveniently located near larger cities and attractions.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Beulah, Benzie County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Benzie County is provided by several municipal police departments. The Frankfort Police Department and the Benzonia Police Department are key agencies serving their respective cities. These departments handle local law enforcement duties, including traffic enforcement, crime investigation, and community policing. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Benzie County Jail, located in Beulah, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Benzie County Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to access information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court. To find someone recently arrested in Benzie County, individuals can contact the Sheriff's Office directly or use online inmate search tools provided by the county.

Court Records

Court records for Beulah are managed by the 19th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Benzie County (https://www.benzieco.net/departments/circuit_court/index.php). This includes civil, criminal, and probate court documents. Residents can access case information, filing procedures, and other court-related public records through the circuit court's website and in-person at the courthouse located in Beulah. The Michigan Courts website (https://courts.michigan.gov/) also offers statewide court record resources.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Benzie County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Benzie County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. To conduct a background check, individuals can request records from these agencies or use the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) for statewide searches.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Benzie County are maintained by the Benzie County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed and the arresting officer's details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, which may involve completing specific forms and paying applicable fees. Arrest records typically include information such as the date and location of the arrest, the charges, and any court dates.

Public Records Access

Public records for Beulah, Michigan, can be accessed through several channels. The Benzie County website (https://www.benzieco.net/) provides information on county-level records, including property assessments, vital statistics, and court documents. The Beulah Public Library (https://www.benziepubliclibrary.org/beulah-branch) also maintains a collection of local historical records and archives. Additionally, the Michigan Department of State (https://www.michigan.gov/sos) offers access to statewide public records, such as vehicle registrations and business filings.

Economy & Demographics

Economic and employment data for Beulah can be found through the Benzie County Economic Development Corporation (https://www.benzieco.net/departments/economic_development/index.php) and the U.S. Census Bureau (https://www.census.gov/). These sources provide information on local businesses, industry trends, workforce statistics, and other economic indicators for the Beulah area. The Beulah Chamber of Commerce (https://www.beulahmichigan.com/) also offers insights into the community's economic landscape and development initiatives.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement records for Beulah are maintained by the Benzie County Sheriff's Office (https://www.benzieco.net/departments/sheriff/index.php). This includes incident reports, arrest records, and other public safety information. Residents can submit requests for law enforcement records through the sheriff's office. The Michigan State Police (https://www.michigan.gov/msp) also provides access to statewide law enforcement data and resources.

Vital Records

Vital records for Beulah residents, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Benzie County Clerk's Office (https://www.benzieco.net/departments/county_clerk/index.php). The office provides information on how to obtain copies of these records, as well as details on the application process and associated fees. Residents can also access vital records through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/), which oversees the state's vital records system.

Business & Licensing Records

Business-related public records for Beulah can be found through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) (https://www.michigan.gov/lara). This includes information on business registrations, licenses, and filings. The Benzie County Economic Development Corporation (https://www.benzieco.net/departments/economic_development/index.php) also maintains local business resources and data. Additionally, the Beulah Chamber of Commerce (https://www.beulahmichigan.com/) provides information on local businesses and economic development initiatives within the community.

Elections & Voter Records

Voters in Beulah, Michigan are served by the Benzie County Clerk/Register of Deeds, the official election authority for the county, located at 448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617, phone (231) 882-9671, website www.benzieco.net/clerk.asp. The County Clerk administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Beulah residents. Michigan voters can register online at michigan.gov/vote using the Michigan Voter Information Center, which requires a driver's license or state ID; registration must be completed at least 15 days before an election, though Michigan also offers same-day voter registration at the clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency. Beulah voters residing within village limits participate in Village of Beulah municipal elections for village council and village president; these elections are typically held in November of odd-numbered years, with the next regular village election in November 2025. Village council terms are four years, with seats staggered. Candidate filings and local ballot measures for Beulah village elections are handled by the Benzie County Clerk. Beulah residents can find their assigned polling location using the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote by entering their address; most Beulah village voters cast ballots at the Benzie County Government Center, 448 Court Place. Election records that are public in Michigan include voter registration lists (available for purchase for election purposes), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political action committees (searchable at michigan.gov/sos), candidate filings and petitions, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. Individual voter history (whether a person voted, but not how they voted) is public information. In the November 2024 presidential election, Benzie County reported approximately 62% turnout of registered voters, with about 9,500 ballots cast out of roughly 15,300 registered voters countywide. The November 3, 2026 general election will include Michigan races for Governor (four-year term), all Michigan House of Representatives seats (110 districts, two-year terms), and various county offices including Benzie County commissioners, county clerk, register of deeds, treasurer, prosecutor, and sheriff. No U.S. Senate seat from Michigan is up in 2026 (Michigan's Senate seats are next up in 2024 and 2028). Beulah voters will also decide any local proposals and millages on the county or village ballot. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting; any registered voter can request an absentee ballot by submitting an application to the Benzie County Clerk by mail, online at michigan.gov/vote, or in person. Absentee ballot applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day, though voters can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office through 8:00 PM on Election Day. Michigan also allows permanent absentee voter status for voters who wish to automatically receive ballot applications for each election.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Benzie County offers excellent public records access with free online property searches, statewide court case lookup, comprehensive state business databases, and full-service election information, though jail booking information requires direct contact with the Sheriff's Office rather than an online inmate roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Beulah, Benzie County, Michigan to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Beulah, Michigan, you will be transported to the Benzie County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Benzie County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Benzie County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Beulah area is served by public school districts in Benzie County, Michigan. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Michigan Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Beulah, Michigan are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Beulah Police Department on their official website. The Michigan Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Beulah Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Michigan government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Beulah Public Library main branch is located in Beulah, Michigan. Check the Beulah city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Beulah, Michigan are available through the Beulah Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Benzie County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Beulah, Michigan, contact the Michigan Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Benzie County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Beulah, Michigan can be obtained from the Beulah Police Department or the Benzie County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Michigan DMV.
A background check in Beulah, Benzie County, Michigan typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Michigan criminal history report through the Michigan Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Benzie County, Michigan

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Benzonia Elberta Frankfort Honor Lake Ann Thompsonville