About Decatur
The Decatur City Clerk's Office maintains vital records and municipal documents for the community. Birth, marriage, and death certificates are available here, along with property records, zoning information, and city council meeting minutes. Residents can visit Decatur City Hall at 114 N Phelps St, Decatur, MI 49045, or call the City Clerk's Office at (269) 423-6114. For property related records covering the broader area, the Van Buren County Register of Deeds office at 219 E Paw Paw St, Paw Paw, MI 49079, serves as another resource.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Decatur
Decatur Police Department
CHIEF OF POLICE THOMAS VANDERWOUDE(269). (269) 423-2171 DUTIES · Village of Decatur Police Officers are responsible for ensuring civilians obey the law.
https://decaturmi.org/departments/police_department.php
Van Buren County Sheriff's Office
Paw Paw, MI 49079. Sheriff Abbott has been with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office since March 1993. He started out in Corrections and moved to the road as Deputy and then was promoted to road Sergeant in 2011.
https://www.misheriff.org/sheriffs-offices/van-buren-county/
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Decatur
Home | DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court
As Clerk of Superior Court, I manage all Superior Court records and land records for DeKalb County. Access to public records is crucial to citizens and businesses in DeKalb County. In an effort to continually improve our services to you, we present this web page designed to assist our citizens.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Decatur
Van Buren County Register of Deeds
Property records for Decatur, Michigan are maintained by the Van Buren County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Van Buren County, including Decatur.
Public Records & Services in Decatur
About Decatur — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Van Buren County Jail in Paw Paw is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within Van Buren County. Upon booking, arrestees are fingerprinted, photographed, and their personal information is recorded into the system. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to posted guidelines. Michigan's legal framework governs the bond process, permitting cash or surety bonds to secure release.
Arrest Records
The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records for the region. These documents capture the arrest details, charges filed, and personal information of arrestees. Anyone seeking arrest records - whether residents or attorneys - can submit requests through the Sheriff's Office under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Each record typically includes the arrest date, specific charges, and scheduled court appearances. This system balances public transparency with individual privacy protections.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Van Buren County covers felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The Michigan State Police provides additional resources for accessing criminal records, making sure of thorough background checks for employment, licensing, and other purposes.
Vital Records
Residents of Decatur can obtain vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, from the Van Buren County Clerk's Office, located at 219 E Paw Paw St, Paw Paw, MI 49079. The office can be reached at (269) 657-8218. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains a statewide vital records database, which can be accessed online or by contacting the Vital Records Division at 333 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933.
Business & Licensing Records
The Decatur area supports a thriving business community with records accessible through multiple channels. The Decatur Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 114 N Phelps St, Decatur, MI 49045, (269) 423-6237, is a central resource. The Van Buren County Clerk's Office, at 219 E Paw Paw St, Paw Paw, MI 49079, (269) 657-8218, maintains business licensing and registration records for the region.
Economy & Demographics
Decatur's economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The Decatur Area Chamber of Commerce, at 114 N Phelps St, Decatur, MI 49045, (269) 423-6237, maintains records on local businesses, employment statistics, and economic development initiatives. The Van Buren County Economic Development Corporation, located at 219 E Paw Paw St, Paw Paw, MI 49079, (269) 657-4213, also collects and disseminates data on the county's economy, which includes the Decatur area.
Elections & Voter Records
The Van Buren County Clerk/Register of Deeds administers elections for Decatur, Van Buren County, Michigan voters. The office is located at 219 East Paw Paw Street, Suite 102, Paw Paw, MI 49079, phone (269) 657-8218, website www.vanburenonline.net. Michigan residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at Van Buren County Clerk's office or Secretary of State branch offices. The state offers same-day voter registration including on Election Day at the voter's clerk office or polling place with proof of residency.
Registration requires a Michigan driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. As an incorporated village, the community holds local elections for village president, village council members, and village clerk. Residents vote at their assigned polling location, which can be found using the Michigan Voter Information Center by entering name and birth date or address at www.michigan.gov/vote. Michigan makes election records extensively public. Voter registration files - excluding protected information like birthdates and driver's license numbers - are available for purchase. Campaign finance reports are searchable through the Michigan Secretary of State at www.michigan.gov/sos, and candidate filings and ballot language are public documents. Michigan allows no-reason absentee voting, meaning any registered voter may request an absentee ballot online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, by mail, or in person at their local clerk's office. Absentee ballot applications for the November 2026 election can be submitted beginning in early 2026, and ballots will be mailed approximately 45 days before the election.
Public Records Resources for Decatur, Michigan
Official government websites for Decatur, Michigan and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Michigan Business Entity SearchSearch for a business entity licensed to do business in Michigan.
- Michigan CourtsSearch for the appropriate county or district court in Michigan.
- Michigan Birth RecordsRequest birth records from the State of Michigan Vital Records Office.
- Michigan Archived Death Records SearchLookup Michigan death records from the 19th century by accessing the MI Genealogical Death Indexing System.
- Michigan Teacher LookupSearch for a teacher's credential status with the Michigan Department of Education.
- Michigan Marriage SearchFind a marriage record or request a copy of a marriage certificate issued in Michigan from the Vital Records office.
- Michigan State Foreclosed Real Property SearchSearch the state treasurer listings of State Foreclosed Land Auctions for Michigan.
- Michigan Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status from the office of the state treasurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain vital records in Decatur, Michigan?
Vital records for Decatur, Van Buren County, Michigan including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Michigan Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Van Buren County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
How do I find public school records in Decatur, Michigan?
Public schools in Decatur, Van Buren County, Michigan are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Michigan Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
How do I access crime data and statistics for Decatur, Michigan?
Crime data for Decatur, Van Buren County, Michigan is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local police (where present) or the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office.
How do I access public library records in Decatur, Michigan?
The Decatur Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Van Buren County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
Where can I get fingerprinting services in Decatur, Michigan?
Fingerprinting services for Decatur, Michigan residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Van Buren County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
How do I register to vote in Decatur, Michigan?
To register to vote in Decatur, Michigan, residents can register online through the Michigan Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Van Buren County elections office. Michigan requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Michigan Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Decatur, contact the Van Buren County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Decatur, Michigan?
Property records for Decatur, Michigan are maintained by the Van City of Decatur Assessor and the Van Buren County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Van Buren County, including parcels in Decatur. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Van Buren County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Michigan counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Van Buren County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Decatur, Michigan?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Decatur, Michigan residents are available through both county and state offices. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Lansing, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Michigan. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Van Buren County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Van Buren County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.