Clare, Michigan Public Records

For felony cases beyond the preliminary examination stage, civil cases exceeding district court limits, and appeals from district court, cases proceed to the 55th Circuit Court, also located at 225 West Main Street, Clare, MI 48617 (phone: 989-539-7109). The 55th Circuit Court handles all felony criminal prosecutions, civil cases above $25,000, divorce and family law matters, juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings, and probate matters including estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Michigan court records can be searched online through the Michigan Courts Case Search portal at courts.michigan.gov/case-search, which provides access to case information from participating courts statewide, including case numbers, parties, filing dates, case types, and disposition information. However, certain sensitive records such as adoption files, juvenile records, and some family court documents are confidential and not available through public search. In-person record searches and certified copies are available at the clerk's office during business hours. Fees for certified copies of court documents are typically $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, though fees may vary by document type. The Clare County Probate Court also maintains vital records including delayed birth certificates processed through probate proceedings, and handles mental health commitments and developmental disability matters.

Property owners can search parcel information online through the county's GIS system at gis.clarecounty.net, which provides interactive mapping, parcel identification numbers, owner names, mailing addresses, taxable and assessed values, property class codes, acreage, and legal descriptions. The system allows searches by address, owner name, or parcel number, and displays aerial imagery, tax information, and property characteristic cards. The Clare County Register of Deeds (phone: 989-539-7107, website: clarecounty.net/register-of-deeds) is responsible for recording and maintaining land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, land contracts, easements, rights-of-way, liens (mechanics liens, tax liens, judgment liens), plats, condominium documents, and other instruments affecting real property. Michigan law requires these documents to be recorded to provide public notice and establish priority of interests. The Register of Deeds office maintains an online searchable database at mi-clare.manatron.com where the public can search recorded documents by name (grantor/grantee), document type, date range, and liber/page reference. Many documents are available for free viewing online as digital images, dating back several decades, though the most recent documents may have a brief delay before online publication. Certified copies of recorded documents cost $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with an additional $2 certification fee. Property tax bills and payment status are managed by the Clare County Treasurer's office (phone: 989-539-7109), and delinquent tax information, tax foreclosure lists, and tax sale properties are available through that office.

Mid Michigan Community College maintains a campus in Clare, providing educational services and employment. The healthcare sector includes Heartland Health Care Center (a nursing and rehabilitation facility), medical clinics, dental practices, and pharmacies. Retail businesses along McEwan Street (the main commercial corridor) and U.S. Route 127 include grocery stores, automotive services, restaurants, and general merchandise retailers serving both city residents and the broader Clare County population of approximately 30,000. The median household income in Clare is estimated at around $36,000-$40,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the area's rural character and limited industrial base. Clare's economy benefits from its central Lower Peninsula location and transportation access via U.S. 127 (the primary north-south route through central Michigan) and U.S. 10 (east-west). Tourism and recreation contribute to the local economy, particularly during summer months when visitors access the Pere Marquette State Forest, fishing opportunities on local rivers and lakes, and seasonal events like the Clare Irish Festival (held annually in March, drawing thousands of visitors). Small manufacturing, forestry products, agriculture (though limited within city limits), and construction round out the economic base. Recent development has focused on maintaining the downtown business district and supporting senior services for the area's aging population. Clare functions as a service center for surrounding townships and rural areas, with grocery stores, medical services, banking, and government offices drawing residents from throughout the county.

The Clare Police Department, located at 202 West Fifth Street, Clare, MI 48617 (phone: 989-386-7371), provides law enforcement services within Clare city limits. The department handles incident reports, accident reports, and maintains records of arrests and investigations occurring within the city. Citizens can request copies of police reports by visiting the department in person or submitting a written request. Non-confidential police reports are available under Michigan's FOIA, though certain investigative records and ongoing case files may be exempt. The department's records typically include incident number, date, location, involved parties, and narrative summaries. For areas outside the city limits, the Clare County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency. The Sheriff's Office is located at 225 West Main Street, Clare, MI 48617 (phone: 989-539-7166, website: clarecounty.net/sheriff). The Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction throughout Clare County, including unincorporated areas and townships, and maintains patrol, investigations, and jail operations. Arrest and jail booking information can be accessed through the Clare County Jail inmate roster, available at clarecounty.net/sheriff, which typically displays current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and booking photographs. The jail is located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office at the county building complex. Michigan public records law governing law enforcement records is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Michigan Compiled Laws 15.231-15.246. Under this statute, public bodies must respond to FOIA requests within five business days and provide records unless specifically exempted by statute. Exemptions include ongoing criminal investigations, certain personal information, and records that would compromise law enforcement techniques. Requesters may appeal denials to the head of the public body and subsequently to circuit court if necessary.

Records can be ordered online through michigan.gov/mdhhs, by mail, or in person at county clerk offices that serve as vital records agents. Certified copies are typically processed within 3-5 business days for online orders and 4-6 weeks for mail requests. Birth records are confidential for 100 years and available only to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal representatives, or those with court orders. Death certificates less than 50 years old are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with tangible interest. The Clare County Clerk's Office, located at 225 West Main Street, Clare, MI 48617 (phone: 989-539-7109, website: clarecounty.net/county-clerk), issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. Michigan requires a marriage license application with valid photo identification, social security numbers, and payment of the $30 fee ($10 discount if couples complete premarital education). There is no waiting period after issuance, and licenses are valid for 33 days. Marriage records are public information and can be searched at the County Clerk's office. Divorce records are court records maintained by the 55th Circuit Court (989-539-7109) as part of domestic relations case files. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $10 plus $1 per additional page. The County Clerk can provide certified marriage record copies for $15. Michigan vital records have been systematically maintained since 1867, though completeness varies for earlier decades. County clerks can serve as local agents for state vital records, providing faster service for recent records.

The city's zoning ordinances regulate where different business types can operate, and the Planning Commission reviews site plans for new commercial development. At the county level, Clare County does not maintain a general business license registry, but specific activities such as food service, health-related businesses, and certain trades require permits from the Clare County Health Department (989-539-6731) or Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Assumed name (Doing Business As/DBA) certificates for businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name must be filed with the Clare County Clerk, 225 West Main Street, Clare, MI 48617 (phone: 989-539-7109). The filing fee is typically $10, and certificates are valid for specific terms requiring renewal. For formal business entity formation, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations Division, maintains the statewide business entity database. Michigan corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other entities can be searched free at cofs.lara.michigan.gov/corpweb/corpSearch/corpSearch.aspx, which provides entity names, file numbers, formation dates, status (active/dissolved), registered agent names and addresses, principal office addresses, and officer/member information for some entity types. This database is essential for verifying business legitimacy, checking name availability, and identifying registered agents for service of process. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements, which create security interests in personal property and business assets, are filed with the Michigan Department of State and searchable at michigan.gov/sos. Commercial property assessments and business personal property tax information are available through the Clare County Equalization Department (989-539-7131), where businesses can look up assessed values for commercial real estate and verify personal property tax compliance.

Clare residents' voting and election services are provided by the Clare County Clerk's office, located at 225 West Main Street, Clare, MI 48617 (phone: 989-539-7109, website: clarecounty.net/county-clerk). This office serves as the County Election Coordinator, managing voter registration, election administration, candidate filings, and ballot preparation for all Clare County voters, including those residing within Clare city limits. Michigan voters can register online at michigan.gov/vote through the Michigan Voter Information Center, which also provides polling place lookup, sample ballot viewing, and absentee ballot tracking. Voter registration deadlines are 15 days before an election for mail or online registration, though Michigan offers Election Day registration for those who register in person at their city or township clerk's office with proof of residency. Voters must provide a Michigan driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number when registering. Clare city voters participate in municipal elections for Clare City Commission (the city's governing body), which typically holds elections in odd-numbered years during November. The next municipal election for Clare is scheduled for November 2025, when city commission seats will be on the ballot. Voters can find candidate information, campaign finance reports, and local ballot proposals through the Clare County Clerk and at the Michigan Secretary of State's campaign finance database at michigan.gov/sos. For state and federal elections, Clare voters cast ballots for Michigan state representatives (73rd House District), state senators (35th Senate District), U.S. House of Representatives (2nd Congressional District), and statewide offices. In November 2024, Clare County reported approximately 55-60% voter turnout for the presidential election, with over 11,000 ballots cast county-wide from approximately 19,000 registered voters. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature Michigan Governor and Lieutenant Governor (four-year term), Michigan Secretary of State, Michigan Attorney General, all 110 Michigan House of Representatives seats, the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Gary Peters (Class II, six-year term), Michigan's U.S. House seat for the 2nd District, Clare County commission seats, Clare County Sheriff, Clare County Clerk, Clare County Treasurer, and various township and judicial positions. Michigan voters can request absentee ballots for any reason through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote or by submitting an application to their local city or township clerk (Clare city voters contact Clare City Clerk at City Hall, 202 West Fifth Street, 989-386-7541). Applications must be received by the Friday before the election for mail delivery, or voters can request and vote an absentee ballot in person at the clerk's office up through 8 PM on Election Day. Polling places for Clare city voters are assigned based on precinct, with typical locations including Clare High School, St. Athanasius Church, and other community facilities; voters can confirm their specific polling location at michigan.gov/vote by entering their address. Michigan election records that are public include the Qualified Voter File (QVF) containing names and addresses of registered voters (available for purchase for lawful purposes), campaign finance reports for candidates and committees (searchable at michigan.gov/sos), precinct-level election results (published by the County Clerk and Secretary of State), and candidate filing information including nominating petitions and affidavits of identity. Voter history (whether someone voted in a particular election, but not how they voted) is also public record in Michigan, though individual ballot choices are confidential.