About Branch County
County Seat
Coldwater
Established
1829
Named After
John Branch
- Branch County Register of Deeds maintains property records and land transactions at the same courthouse complex.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Inmate searches can typically be conducted through the Sheriff's Office during business hours by calling the jail directly or visiting in person, though online inmate roster availability varies.
- Processing times and fees vary by agency, and certain records may be exempt under FOIA if they would interfere with ongoing investigations or violate privacy rights as outlined in MCL 15.243.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Arrest Records
- The Michigan Freedom of Information Act ensures public access to such records, promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The court charges fees for certified copies of documents, typically $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for certified copies, plus search fees that vary by record type.
- Case files can be reviewed in the clerk's office, and copies can be requested in person, by mail with prepayment, or in some instances through the court's electronic filing system for registered users.
Property & Public Records
- Recording fees are established by state statute and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges, with additional fees for documents requiring transfer tax affidavits.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail, with fees of approximately $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
- Many property characteristics, legal descriptions, and ownership histories can be researched through these combined online resources.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures with the same fee structure, available to immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with demonstrated legal interest.
- Processing time at Branch County level is typically same-day or within a few business days for in-person requests, or one to two weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through the state VitalChek service for expedited processing with additional fees.
Business & Licensing
Frequently Asked Questions
How to search for someone recently arrested in Branch County, Michigan?
To search for someone recently arrested in Branch County, Michigan, you can contact the Branch County Jail located at 580 Marshall Road, Coldwater, MI. The this jurisdiction Sheriff's Office provides an inmate lookup service that can be accessed by calling their main line at (517) 278-2325. You can visit the jail in person to inquire about recent arrests and inmate information.
Where to find mugshots or booking photos in Branch County, Michigan?
Mugshots and booking photos in Branch County, Michigan, can be obtained from the Branch County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their office located at 580 Marshall Road, Coldwater, MI. For online access, you can check if the Sheriff's Office has an official website or portal where these records are made available to the public.
How to get a criminal background check in Branch County, Michigan?
To obtain a criminal background check in Branch County, Michigan, you can request it through the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Locally, you may also contact the Branch County Sheriff's Office for guidance on obtaining background checks. Ensure you have the necessary identification and any required fees when making your request.
How to look up sex offenders in Branch County, Michigan?
To look up sex offenders in Branch County, Michigan, you can use the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, which is managed by the Michigan State Police. This online registry allows you to search for offenders by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. The registry provides detailed information about registered sex offenders residing in Branch County.
How do I register to vote in Branch County, Michigan?
You can register to vote in Branch County through the Branch County Clerk's Elections Division at (517) 279-4305 or online at michigan.gov/vote using your Michigan driver's license or state ID. Michigan offers Election Day registration, allowing you to register and vote at your local clerk's office during early voting periods and on Election Day itself. Once registered, you can request an absentee ballot online or vote in person at your assigned polling place, which you can locate through the Michigan Voter Information Center.
How do I look up property records in Branch County, Michigan?
Property records in Branch County are maintained by the Register of Deeds at 31 Division Street, Coldwater, phone (517) 279-4310. You can search recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens through the county's online database at www.countyofbranch.com, though some document images may require fees or subscriptions. Property tax information, assessed values, and parcel data are available through the Equalization Department and Treasurer's Office at (517) 279-4330, with online tax and GIS searches typically accessible through the county website.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Branch County, Michigan?
Birth and death certificates for events in Branch County can be requested from the Branch County Clerk's Office at 31 Division Street, Coldwater, phone (517) 279-4305, with fees of approximately $34 for certified copies. You'll need to provide valid photo ID, proof of relationship or legal interest, and complete an application form. Processing typically takes same-day for in-person requests or one to two weeks by mail. Alternatively, you can order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Division at (517) 335-8655 or through the VitalChek online service at michigan.gov/vitalrecords for expedited processing.
How do I find business license records in Branch County, Michigan?
For DBA and fictitious name filings, contact the Branch County Clerk's Office at (517) 279-4305, located at 31 Division Street in Coldwater. For corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities, use the free Michigan Business Entity Search at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch to view formation documents, registered agents, and status information. Local business licenses within municipalities may be handled by city clerks in Coldwater, Bronson, Union City, or Quincy, and building permits are managed by the Branch County Building and Planning Department at (517) 279-4313.