Public Records Resources for Grand Traverse, Michigan
Official government websites for Grand Traverse, Michigan and the surrounding area. All links point to .gov, .us, or .mil domains.
- 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.
About Grand Traverse County
County Seat
Traverse City
Established
1851
- The Register of Deeds maintains property records and land transactions.
Court Records & Case Information
State Street in Traverse City, has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, making it a central hub for legal matters. The historic Grand Traverse County Courthouse also processes requests for court records, case filings, and legal documents under Michigan public records law.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- To request arrest records, citizens must submit a written FOIA request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, describing the records sought with reasonable specificity.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Michigan and may be obtained through FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office or arresting agency.
- Fees for copies and research time may apply as permitted under MFOIA.
851 Woodmere Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Arrest Records
- Requests can be made in person or through written applications to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Michigan state guidelines, allowing for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Many case records can be searched online through the Michigan Courts' Case Search portal, though some sensitive cases (juvenile, mental health, certain family matters) have restricted access.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $10 to $20 per document, plus per-page copying charges.
- Record requests can be made in person, by mail, or online depending on the court division and record type sought.
400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49684
Property & Public Records
- Official certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus $5 for certification.
- Property tax records, assessed values, taxable values, and parcel information can be searched through Grand Traverse County's online property search system and GIS mapping portal.
- Grand Traverse County's GIS parcel viewer provides interactive maps showing parcel boundaries, ownership, zoning, and assessment data free of charge.
- Recording fees for new documents follow Michigan statute requirements.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Birth certificate copies cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost the same.
- Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks when requested by mail, same-day or next-day for in-person requests depending on volume.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all vital record requests.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The Michigan Secretary of State Business Services Division handles all formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information for Michigan businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
To search for someone recently arrested in Grand Traverse County, you can contact the Grand Traverse County Jail. The jail provides an inmate lookup service that can be accessed online through their official website. You can also call the jail directly for information about recent arrests and inmate status updates. the local Jail is located at 320 Washington Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
Mugshots or booking photos in Grand Traverse County can be obtained from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office. They maintain records of all bookings and may provide access to these images upon request. Some mugshots may be available through the online inmate search portal on the Sheriff's Office website. For more detailed inquiries, you can visit the Sheriff's Office at 851 Woodmere Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686.
How do I get a criminal background check in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
To obtain a criminal background check in Grand Traverse County, you can request it through the Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Locally, you may also contact the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office for guidance on accessing background check services. The ICHAT system allows you to search for criminal history records statewide, including those from the county.
How can I look up sex offenders in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
You can look up sex offenders in Grand Traverse County by using the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Michigan State Police and provides a searchable online database of registered sex offenders. You can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location within Grand Traverse County to find detailed information about registered offenders.
How do I register to vote in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
You can register to vote in Grand Traverse County through the Grand Traverse County Clerk's office at (231) 922-4760 or online at www.michigan.gov/vote, Michigan's official voter registration portal. Michigan offers same-day voter registration through Election Day, though registering at least 15 days before an election allows for mail or online registration; registrations within 14 days must be completed in person with proof of residency at your local clerk's office. The county voters can also request absentee ballots online without providing an excuse, making voting convenient for all eligible residents.
How do I look up property records in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
Property records in Grand Traverse County can be searched through the Register of Deeds office at www.grandtraverse.org/deedsearch, which provides free online access to recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents with viewable images. The county also offers a free GIS parcel viewer for interactive maps showing property boundaries, ownership, assessed values, and tax information. For official certified copies of recorded documents, contact the Register of Deeds at (231) 922-4720 or visit 400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 255, Traverse City; fees are $5 for the first page, $1 per additional page, plus $5 certification.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Grand Traverse County can be obtained from the Grand Traverse County Clerk at 400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 206, Traverse City, MI 49684, phone (231) 922-4760. Certified copies cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies of the same record, with processing taking 1-2 weeks by mail or same-day/next-day for in-person requests. Alternatively, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in Lansing can issue certificates for any Michigan vital event and offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs. Valid photo identification and proof of eligibility (immediate family member or legal representative) are required for all requests.
How do I find business license records in Grand Traverse County, Michigan?
Business records in Grand Traverse County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. The Grand Traverse County Clerk at (231) 922-4760 maintains fictitious name (DBA) registrations for businesses operating under assumed names. For corporations, LLCs, and other formal entities, search the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs database free online at www.michigan.gov/corpentities, which provides formation documents, registered agents, and status information for all Michigan businesses. Local business operating licenses for activities within Traverse City are issued by the City Finance Department, while county building and zoning permits are handled by the Grand Traverse County Building and Planning Departments at (231) 922-4780.