Dexter, Michigan Public Records

For more serious matters, the Washtenaw County Trial Court (22nd Circuit Court), located at 101 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 (phone: 734-222-3270), handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate, juvenile delinquency, and appeals from district court. The Washtenaw County Probate Court, also at 101 East Huron Street (phone: 734-222-3092), handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and adoptions. Michigan court records are accessible through the statewide Michigan Court Access Program (MiCAP) at courts.michigan.gov/case-search, which provides free online searching of case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and case status for most courts. Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the clerk's office for a fee of $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus a $10 certification fee. Document copies without certification cost $1 per page. The 14A-2 District Court website at www.washtenaw.org/1476/14A-2-District-Court-Dexter provides local filing information and forms.

The county provides a free online parcel viewer at www.washtenaw.org/propertyviewer where residents can search by address, owner name, or parcel number to view current assessment information, tax amounts, sales history, and property characteristics. The Washtenaw County Register of Deeds, located at 200 North Main Street, Suite 150, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (phone: 734-222-6700, website: www.washtenaw.org/rod), is responsible for recording and maintaining official land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, liens, land contracts, easements, and other instruments affecting real property title. The Register of Deeds office provides free online access to recorded documents dating back to the 1820s through the SearchPoint system at www2.washtenaw.org/searchpoint, allowing users to search by name, document type, date range, or book and page number. Documents can be viewed and printed at no charge, though certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. The county's GIS mapping system, accessible through the property viewer, displays parcel boundaries, zoning information, floodplains, and aerial imagery. Property owners in Dexter can use these tools to research property history, verify ownership, check for liens or encumbrances, and obtain copies of recorded documents for title work or refinancing.

Manufacturing remains important to the local economy, with companies like Chelsea Milling Company (Jiffy Mix) having operations in the area and several precision manufacturing and automotive suppliers located in nearby Dexter Township. The proximity to Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan (the county's largest employer with over 30,000 employees), provides employment opportunities for many Dexter residents who commute to jobs in healthcare, higher education, research, and technology sectors. The median household income in Dexter is estimated at approximately $85,000-$90,000, significantly above the state median, reflecting the community's status as an affluent suburb with high property values. Recent residential development has expanded the village's housing stock, particularly in subdivisions on the periphery, while downtown revitalization efforts have attracted new restaurants and retail businesses. The Huron River corridor through Dexter supports recreation-based businesses including outfitters, the historic Dexter Cider Mill (a major seasonal attraction drawing thousands of visitors each fall), and hospitality services. Agriculture remains present in surrounding Dexter Township, though residential development has gradually converted farmland. The village's economic development strategy focuses on preserving downtown character while accommodating controlled growth and maintaining high-quality schools that attract young families.

The Dexter Police Department, located at 8123 Main Street, Dexter, MI 48130 (phone: 734-426-4115), provides primary law enforcement services to the village and maintains records of incidents, accidents, and arrests within village limits. Citizens can request police reports in person at the department during business hours or by submitting a written FOIA request. The department's jurisdiction covers the incorporated village boundaries, with officers providing patrol, investigation, and community policing services. For areas outside the village limits in Dexter Township, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement coverage. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 2201 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (phone: 734-994-2911, website: www.washtenaw.org/sheriff), and maintains jurisdiction throughout unincorporated areas of Washtenaw County and provides support services to local departments. Arrest records and jail bookings for Washtenaw County are maintained at the Washtenaw County Jail, and an online inmate roster is available through the Sheriff's Office website, showing current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231-15.246, governs public access to law enforcement records. Under FOIA, citizens may request police reports, dispatch logs, and arrest records by submitting written requests to the custodian of records at either the Dexter Police Department or the Sheriff's Office. Agencies must respond within five business days and may charge reasonable fees for copying and labor. Certain records, including ongoing investigation files and records that would compromise privacy or security, may be exempt from disclosure under MCL 15.243.

Michigan vital records are available from 1867 to present, and eligible applicants (immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with direct interest) can order online through the state's VitalChek service at www.michigan.gov/vitalrecords, with processing times of approximately 4-6 weeks for mail requests and expedited service available for additional fees. Online orders typically arrive in 7-10 business days. Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of eligibility. For genealogical research of older records, the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office at 200 North Main Street, Suite 130, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (phone: 734-222-6655) maintains historical vital records. Marriage licenses are issued by the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office and cost $30, with a three-day waiting period after application (waivable with premarital education certificate). Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers. Certified copies of marriage records cost $13 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies. Divorce records are maintained by the Washtenaw County Trial Court as part of court case files and must be requested through the court clerk's office at 101 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Michigan law restricts access to vital records to protect privacy, and requesters must demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record as defined by MCL 333.2882.

For businesses operating under an assumed name, a Doing Business As (DBA) or assumed name certificate must be filed with the Washtenaw County Clerk at 200 North Main Street, Suite 130, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (phone: 734-222-6655), costing $10 and valid for five years. Michigan requires all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities to register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. The state maintains a free online database at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch where anyone can search for business entities by name, registered agent, or file number to verify active status, view officers and directors, check the registered office address, and review filing history. New business entity filings and annual reports must be submitted through the state's online system. The Michigan Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filing system, also administered by LARA, allows creditors to file financing statements to perfect security interests in business assets. UCC searches can be conducted online at www.michigan.gov/ucc for a fee. Business personal property taxes are assessed and collected by local units; Dexter business owners must file annual personal property statements with the Dexter Assessor by February 20th. Commercial real property is assessed by the Washtenaw County Equalization Division, and records can be searched through the county's online property viewer at www.washtenaw.org/propertyviewer to research commercial property values, ownership, and tax information.

Dexter voters participate in village, county, state, and federal elections administered by the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds Elections Division, located at 200 North Main Street, Suite 130, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (phone: 734-222-6730, website: www.washtenaw.org/1356/Elections). The Elections Division handles all aspects of election administration including voter registration, absentee ballot processing, polling place management, and vote tabulation. Michigan residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, which also provides tools to check registration status, find polling locations, view sample ballots, and track absentee ballot applications. Michigan allows same-day voter registration at clerk's offices and polling places on Election Day; voters must provide proof of residency such as a driver's license, state ID, or current utility bill. To vote by mail, Michigan voters can request an absentee ballot online through the state portal or by contacting the Washtenaw County Clerk; completed ballots must be returned by 8 PM on Election Day either by mail (postmark does not count), at designated drop boxes, or in person at the clerk's office or polling place. Dexter holds municipal elections in odd-numbered years, with village council seats and the village president (mayor) elected to staggered terms. The next Dexter Village election is scheduled for November 2025, when three council seats will be on the ballot. Dexter residents vote at polling places assigned by precinct; most village residents vote at Mill Creek Middle School, 7305 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road, or Faith Lutheran Church, 9575 North Territorial Road, depending on their address. The Michigan Voter Information Center provides a polling place lookup tool by entering a residential address. In the November 2024 presidential election, Washtenaw County recorded approximately 74% voter turnout with over 240,000 ballots cast, reflecting the county's historically high civic engagement. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Michigan voters will decide several significant races: the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Gary Peters is not up for election in 2026 (Michigan's Senate seats are contested in 2024 and 2030 cycles), but voters will elect all 110 members of the Michigan House of Representatives, including the district representing Dexter (currently the 47th District). State executive offices including Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General are elected in midterm years but were last elected in 2022, so they will not appear on the 2026 ballot. At the county level, several Washtenaw County Commissioner seats, the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds, County Treasurer, County Sheriff, and Prosecuting Attorney will be contested. Dexter voters will also decide 22nd Circuit Court judge positions and potentially local school board seats and millage proposals. Michigan makes extensive election records publicly available: voter registration lists can be purchased from county clerks for lawful purposes; campaign finance reports for all candidates and committees are searchable at www.michigan.gov/campaignfinance maintained by the Secretary of State; candidate filings and petitions are public records available from the county clerk; and detailed precinct-level election results are published on the county elections website after each election. Michigan law (MCL 168.1 et seq.) governs election administration and provides for transparent, accessible elections with extensive early voting options and no-excuse absentee voting available to all registered voters. Dexter residents can sign up for election notifications through the Washtenaw County Elections website to receive updates about upcoming elections, ballot issues, and polling place information.