About Cass County
County Seat
Cassopolis
Established
1829
Named After
Lewis Cass
- Cass County Register of Deeds maintains property records and can be reached at the same building.
120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified as MCL 15.231 et seq, arrest records are considered public records and can be requested from the arresting agency.
- Written FOIA requests should specify the records sought and can be directed to the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments.
- Processing fees may apply for copying and labor.
- For arrest records involving tribal police, requests should be directed to the tribal government.
321 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Michigan Court Rules and statute, generally $10 for certification plus copying costs of $1 per page for the first page and 50 cents for additional pages.
- Requests for records can be made in person, by mail, or in some cases by email to the clerk's office.
120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Property & Public Records
- Document copies cost $1 for the first page and 50 cents for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional fee.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type, with deeds typically costing $30 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Birth certificate fees are $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies ordered at the same time from the state, while county fees may vary.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or immediate for in-person requests if records are available.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from Cass County Clerk's office, where couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay the license fee of $30.
- VitalChek, an online vendor, offers expedited vital records ordering for Michigan at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs for an additional processing fee.
120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The Michigan business entity search is available online at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch where users can search by business name, ID number, or registered agent.
- This free database provides information on business status, formation date, registered office, and officers.
120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Cass County, Michigan?
To search for someone recently arrested in Cass County, Michigan, you can contact the Cass County Jail located at 321 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031. The county Sheriff's Office provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about current detainees. You may also call the jail directly at (269) 445-2481 for more information on recent arrests and inmate status.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Cass County, Michigan?
Mugshots or booking photos in Cass County, Michigan, can be obtained from the Cass County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their office located at 321 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031. Some booking photos might be available through online portals or third-party websites that aggregate public records, but it's best to verify with the Sheriff's Office for official sources.
How do I get a criminal background check in Cass County, Michigan?
To obtain a criminal background check in Cass County, Michigan, you should contact the Michigan State Police, which operates the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Locally, you can visit the Cass County Sheriff's Office for guidance on accessing state-level background checks. ICHAT allows you to search for criminal history records across Michigan, including this jurisdiction.
How can I look up sex offenders in Cass County, Michigan?
You can look up sex offenders in Cass County, Michigan, by accessing the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. This online database is maintained by the Michigan State Police and provides information on registered sex offenders throughout the state, including those residing in Cass County. The registry can be accessed online, allowing you to search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location.
How do I register to vote in Cass County, Michigan?
To register to vote in Cass County, you can register online at www.michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at the Cass County Clerk's office at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031, phone (269) 445-4452. Michigan offers same-day voter registration, meaning you can register and vote at your local city or township clerk's office through Election Day. Traditional registration by mail or online must be completed at least 15 days before an election. All registered Michigan voters can request absentee ballots for any reason without providing an excuse.
How do I look up property records in Cass County, Michigan?
Property records in Cass County can be searched through the Cass County Register of Deeds office at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031, phone (269) 445-4455, or online at www.casscountymi.org. The county offers a free online GIS parcel viewer that displays property boundaries, ownership, assessed values, and tax information. For copies of recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments, you can search the Register of Deeds database online or request documents in person or by mail for a fee of $1 for the first page and 50 cents for additional pages.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Cass County, Michigan?
Birth and death certificates for events in Cass County can be requested from the Cass County Clerk's office at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031, phone (269) 445-4452, or from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics at (517) 335-8655. The state office typically processes requests more quickly and charges $34 for the first certified copy and $16 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Requests can be made in person for immediate service (if records are available), by mail with 4-6 week processing time, or online through VitalChek at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs with expedited fees. Valid photo ID and proof of eligibility (relationship to the person on record) are required.
How do I find business license records in Cass County, Michigan?
Business records in Cass County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. Assumed name (DBA) filings are maintained by the Cass County Clerk's office at (269) 445-4452 and can be searched in person. Corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities are registered with the State of Michigan and searchable for free at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch through the LARA Corporations Division database. Local business licenses for specific activities may be required by individual cities like Dowagiac and can be verified by contacting the respective city clerk's office. Building and zoning permits for businesses in unincorporated areas are handled by the Cass County Planning and Building Department at (269) 445-4489.