Clare County

Clare County is located in the central lower peninsula of Michigan, covering approximately 575 square miles of land and water. Clare County seat is Harrison, a city situated at the geographic center of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Established in 1871, Clare County was named after County Clare in Ireland. Clare County has a population of approximately 31,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Clare County is known for its abundant natural resources, including the Muskegon, Tobacco, and Cedar rivers, which provide exceptional fishing and recreational opportunities. Clare County is home to portions of the Huron-Manistee National Forest and offers year-round outdoor recreation including hunting, snowmobiling, and camping. Major landmarks include Wilson State Park along Budd Lake and the historic Clare County Courthouse in Harrison. The economy traditionally relied on lumber, oil, and gas extraction, with modern growth in tourism and retirement communities. Clare County Recorder's office is located at 225 W. Main Street in Harrison, handling all land records and deed recordings. Clare County Clerk, also at the Harrison courthouse complex at 225 W. Main Street, manages vital records, elections, and county administration. Clare County Equalization Department is the Assessor, overseeing property valuations and tax assessment across Clare County's townships and municipalities. Clare County maintains a small-town character while acting as a four-season recreation destination in Michigan's heartland.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• There is typically a fee for copying and processing these requests.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's online inmate roster or by specific FOIA request to the arresting agency.
• Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 5 to 15 business days depending on the complexity of the request and redaction requirements under Michigan law.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the posting of bail to secure the release of an inmate, with specific procedures outlined by Clare County Jail for handling such transactions.

• Court records in Michigan are governed by the Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.) and court rules that presume public access to most non-sealed court files.
• Online case access may be available through the Michigan Courts Online Case Inquiry System for certain case types.
• Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $10 to $20 for the first page plus additional per-page charges.

Property records for Clare County, Michigan are maintained by the Clare County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Clare County.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if the record is readily located; mail requests take 2-4 weeks.
• Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office with a $20 license fee, three-day waiting period, and 33-day validity period.
• Marriage certificates (copies of the recorded marriage) cost $10 for certified copies.
• Online ordering is available through the state VitalChek service at michigan.gov/mdhhs, though convenience fees apply in addition to the standard certificate fees.

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 free online at michigan.gov/corpentitysearch, allowing searches by entity name, identification number, or registered agent.
• Permit fees vary based on project valuation and type.
• Clare County Chamber of Commerce, located in Harrison, provides business support services and maintains a directory of local businesses at clarecountychamber.com.