Chelsea, Michigan Public Records

The Circuit Court handles all felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, and appeals from district court. The Washtenaw County Probate Court, also at 101 East Huron Street (phone: 734-222-3270), handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and juvenile matters. Michigan courts participate in the statewide case search system available at www.courts.michigan.gov/case-search, where users can search by name or case number for records from courts across the state. However, some sensitive records such as certain juvenile, mental health, and adoption cases are not available online. For certified copies of court documents, fees are typically $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $10 certification fee. Documents can be requested in person at the clerk's office or by mail with proper payment.

The county provides a free online Property Search tool at www.washtenaw.org/187/Property-Information where users can search by parcel number, address, or owner name to find assessed values, property characteristics, tax information, and sales history. The Washtenaw County Register of Deeds, located at 200 North Main Street, Suite 120, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (phone: 734-222-6690, website: www.washtenaw.org/280/Register-of-Deeds), records and maintains all documents related to real property including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting title. The Register of Deeds offers free online access to recorded documents through the Document Search portal at www.washtenaw.org/279/Document-Search, where users can view and print digitized documents dating back several decades. Most recent documents are available within 24-48 hours of recording. To conduct a property search, residents can use the owner name, property address, or parcel identification number. Washtenaw County also provides a comprehensive GIS/Mapping system at www.washtenaw.org/191/Maps-Data with interactive parcel viewers showing property boundaries, zoning, floodplains, and aerial imagery. Certified copies from the Register of Deeds cost $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.

The historic downtown district supports dozens of small businesses including restaurants, retail shops, professional services, and the nationally-recognized Purple Rose Theatre Company, founded by Chelsea native Jeff Daniels. Manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail trade dominate the local economy. Chelsea benefits from its location along I-94 between Detroit and Jackson, and its proximity to Ann Arbor (home to the University of Michigan) provides access to a larger labor market and economic opportunities. The median household income in Chelsea is estimated at approximately $75,000-$80,000, higher than Michigan's state average. Recent development includes new residential subdivisions, ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, and expansion of healthcare facilities. Chelsea maintains a distinct identity as a close-knit community with small-town character while participating in Washtenaw County's broader economic growth driven by the Ann Arbor metropolitan area's technology, healthcare, and education sectors.

The Chelsea Police Department, located at 305 South Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118 (phone: 734-475-9122), provides primary law enforcement services within city limits. The department maintains records of incident reports, traffic accidents, and calls for service. To request police reports, residents can visit the department in person during business hours or submit a written FOIA request. The department's records are subject to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2201 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (phone: 734-971-8400, website: www.washtenaw.org/sheriff), provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Washtenaw County and supports Chelsea PD when needed. The Sheriff's Office maintains patrol services, operates the county jail, and handles civil process service. For arrests and jail bookings in Washtenaw County, the Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search at www.washtenaw.org/1048/Inmate-Search, which displays current inmates at the Washtenaw County Jail, including names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots when available. To request copies of police reports, arrest records, or law enforcement documents in Michigan, residents must submit requests under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq. FOIA requests can be submitted in writing to the custodian of records at either the Chelsea Police Department or Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. Agencies have five business days to respond to FOIA requests and may charge reasonable fees for copying and labor. Certain records, including ongoing investigations and personal information, may be exempt from disclosure under MCL 15.243.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs with additional service fees. Processing typically takes 3-4 weeks by mail or 24-48 hours for online rush orders. Only eligible individuals can request vital records, including the registrant (if 18+), parents listed on the birth certificate, legal representatives, or those with a documented legal need. Valid government-issued photo ID is required. Birth records are available from 1867 forward, and death records from 1897 forward. For local research, the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office at 200 North Main Street, Suite 110, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (phone: 734-222-6655, website: www.washtenaw.org/269/County-Clerk) issues marriage licenses. The fee is $30 and couples must apply in person with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. There is no waiting period in Michigan after obtaining the license, which is valid for 33 days. Marriage records are public and searchable at the County Clerk's office. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court where the divorce was granted, typically at 101 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, for Washtenaw County divorces. Divorce decrees are public record and can be obtained from the court clerk for standard copy fees.

For fictitious business name registration (Doing Business As or DBA), businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Certificate of Co-Partnership or Assumed Name at the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office, 200 North Main Street, Suite 110, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (phone: 734-222-6655). The filing fee is approximately $10 and registration must be renewed every five years. Michigan state-level business entity formation and registration is handled by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. The state maintains a free searchable database at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch where anyone can look up corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Michigan. The database shows entity status (active, dissolved, etc.), registered agent information, formation date, and principal office address. New business filings can be completed online through LARA's website. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings for secured transactions and liens on personal property are also filed with LARA and searchable at www.michigan.gov/ucc. For commercial property tax information in Chelsea, business owners can search property records through the Washtenaw County Property Search at www.washtenaw.org/187/Property-Information to view assessed values and tax amounts for commercial parcels.

Chelsea voters are served by the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds - Elections Division, located at 200 North Main Street, Suite 110, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (phone: 734-222-6730, website: www.washtenaw.org/1836/Elections). This office administers all federal, state, county, and local elections for Chelsea residents including voter registration, absentee ballot processing, and election results. Michigan offers online voter registration at www.michigan.gov/vote where eligible residents can register or update their registration up to 15 days before an election. Michigan also allows same-day voter registration at the local clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency. Acceptable ID includes a Michigan driver's license, state ID, or documents showing name and current address. Chelsea holds municipal elections for Mayor and City Council seats in odd-numbered years, typically in November. The Chelsea City Council consists of seven members including the Mayor, with staggered terms. The next Chelsea municipal election is scheduled for November 2025. To find their assigned polling place, Chelsea voters can use the Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote by entering their address, or contact the Washtenaw County Elections Division. Michigan election records that are public include the Qualified Voter File (voter registration list available for purchase for lawful election purposes), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (available at www.michigan.gov/sos under Campaign Finance), candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 presidential election, Washtenaw County reported approximately 69% voter turnout with over 240,000 ballots cast out of approximately 350,000 registered voters, reflecting the county's consistently high civic engagement. On November 3, 2026, Chelsea and Washtenaw County voters will decide several important races including Michigan's gubernatorial election (Governor Gretchen Whitmer's term expires in 2027, making this a gubernatorial election year), all Michigan state legislative seats (State House and State Senate districts), Washtenaw County offices including County Commissioners, Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney, and potentially judicial seats and local ballot proposals. Michigan does not have a U.S. Senate race in 2026 (Senator Gary Peters was elected in 2020 and Senator Elissa Slotkin was elected in 2024, both serving six-year terms). Michigan voters can request absentee ballots without providing a reason under Michigan law (MCL 168.759). Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through www.michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at the Chelsea City Clerk's office at 305 South Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118 (phone: 734-475-1771). Applications must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before the election, though voters can request and submit an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office up until 8:00 PM on Election Day.