Public Records & Services in Ferndale

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Ferndale, Oakland County, Michigan are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Oakland County school administration or the Michigan Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Ferndale, Oakland County, Michigan is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Ferndale police department or the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Ferndale Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Oakland County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Ferndale, Michigan residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Oakland County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact local police (where present) or the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Michigan Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Ferndale — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The primary detention facility for the county operates in Pontiac, where the Oakland County Jail processes individuals arrested throughout the area. Upon arrival, detainees are fingerprinted, photographed, and booked into the system. The facility maintains specific visitation rules that require advance scheduling, with detailed guidelines posted online.

Arrest Records

When arrests occur in Oakland County, the records are maintained by both the Sheriff's Office and individual municipal police departments depending on which agency made the arrest. Residents and attorneys seeking these records must contact the specific law enforcement agency that handled the case. The documents typically contain personal information about the individual, circumstances of the arrest, filed charges, and scheduled court appearances. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act governs how the public can access these records while balancing transparency with privacy protections.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Oakland County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides access to public criminal history records. The Michigan State Police also offers resources for more background investigations.

Vital Records

The Ferndale, Michigan, vital records system is managed by the Ferndale Michigan City Clerk's office, located at 300 E. Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220. This office maintains records of births, deaths, and marriages that have occurred within the city limits. Residents and individuals can request copies of vital records by visiting the City Clerk's office or accessing the online request form available on the city's website at https://www.ferndalemi.gov/cityclerk.

Business & Licensing Records

The business community in Ferndale, Michigan thrives with a diverse mix of independent shops and larger commercial operations that give the city its distinctive character. The Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) supports this entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing resources and assistance to both new and established enterprises. Business owners seeking licenses, permits, or other business related public records can visit the City of Ferndale website at https://www.ferndalemi.gov/ or contact the DDA directly for guidance on navigating local requirements.

Economy & Demographics

Ferndale, Michigan, boasts a diverse and vibrant economy, driven by a mix of local businesses, commercial enterprises, and community initiatives. The city's economy includes a thriving downtown district, a growing technology and innovation sector, and a strong focus on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship. Public records related to the Ferndale economy, such as economic development plans, tax information, and business licensing data, can be accessed through the City of Ferndale website at https://www.ferndalemi.gov/ or by contacting the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority.

Elections & Voter Records

The Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, Elections Division administers all election activities for Ferndale residents from its office at 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341. Voters can reach the division at 248-858-0564 or visit oakgov.com/clerkrod/elections for information. This office handles federal, state, county, and local elections for the city and all other Oakland County communities, maintaining voter registration databases and certifying results. Michigan residents can register to vote online at michigan.gov/vote through Election Day itself.
Since implementing Election Day registration in 2018, the state allows residents to register and vote the same day at their city or township clerk's office with proof of residency. Standard online registration requires a Michigan driver's license or state ID. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Michigan residents for at least 30 days. Residents can also register at the Ferndale City Clerk's office at 300 East Nine Mile Road during business hours or at any Secretary of State branch. As an incorporated city, Ferndale conducts its own municipal elections for Mayor and City Council. Voters elect a Mayor and five City Council members to four-year terms on non-partisan ballots. These municipal elections take place in odd-numbered years, typically in November, with the next scheduled for November 4, 2025. Mayoral races occur simultaneously with some council seats. Candidate filing details and local ballot measure information are available through the Ferndale City Clerk at 248-546-2332 and at ferndalemi.gov. Residents can locate their assigned polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote by entering their name and date of birth. The site displays polling place addresses, sample ballots, and early voting locations. Michigan began offering nine days of early in-person voting starting in 2024, available at designated early voting centers throughout the city. The state makes extensive election records available to the public. Voter registration lists, excluding birthdates and driver's license numbers, can be obtained through written request and payment of fees. Campaign finance disclosures for state and local candidates are searchable at michigan.gov/sos under Campaign Finance. Candidate filings, nomination petitions, and financial disclosures are all public records. The Oakland County Clerk publishes precinct-level election results at oakgov.com/clerkrod/elections shortly after certification, typically within two weeks of Election Day. 03 million registered voters, demonstrating Oakland County's strong civic engagement in presidential cycles. The ballot will feature races for Governor (four-year term), all 110 Michigan House of Representatives seats (two-year terms), approximately 19 Michigan Senate seats (four-year terms in rotation), statewide offices including Secretary of State and Attorney General, Oakland County executive and commission seats, judicial positions including circuit and district court judges, and potentially county offices such as Sheriff, Clerk, Treasurer, and Prosecutor. Local voters will also decide city proposals and Oakland County millages if placed on the ballot. State legislative districts were redrawn following the 2020 census by Michigan's Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting to all registered voters. Any voter can request an absentee ballot online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at the Ferndale City Clerk's office. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. The Friday before Election Day, though voters can request and submit absentee ballots in person at the clerk's office through 8:00 p.m. On Election Day. Completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 p.m. On Election Day either by mail (postmarks do not count), at the clerk's office, or in designated drop boxes located throughout the city.
City Info
StateMichigan
CountyOakland
Population19,156

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Ferndale, Michigan, residents can register online through the Michigan Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Oakland 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 Ferndale, contact the Oakland County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Ferndale, Michigan are maintained by the City of Ferndale Assessor and the Oakland County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Oakland County, including parcels in Ferndale. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Oakland 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 Oakland County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Ferndale, 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 Oakland County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Oakland 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.