Highland Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Highland, Michigan government websites.
About Highland, Michigan
Government Type
City Council
The city government of Highland, Michigan operates under a municipal government structure serving residents of Oakland County. The city provides essential services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, utilities, parks and recreation, and community development. City council meetings are open to the public and typically held at City Hall. Residents can contact the city clerk's office for meeting schedules, agendas, and public records. The Oakland County government provides additional services including property tax administration, voter registration, court services, and county-level law enforcement through the Sheriff's Office. For information about city services, permits, zoning, or to submit a public records request, contact the Highland municipal offices directly.
Law enforcement in Highland is primarily managed by the Highland Police Department, which is focused on public safety and maintaining order within the community. In addition to local law enforcement, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office also provides services and support, particularly for more serious incidents or investigations. If you need criminal records, the process begins with the Highland Police Department’s records unit, where individuals can request arrest records, booking data, and mugshots. These records may require a formal request, possibly including identification and a fee. If further information is needed, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office offers access to more extensive records, including incarceration details. Individuals can obtain criminal history information through the Michigan State Police via the Criminal Justice Information Center. This state-level repository provides an online look-up portal for a fee, making it a convenient option for those needing full background checks. Highland falls under the jurisdiction of the Oakland County Circuit Court, where residents can access a variety of public records. Court records, including civil, criminal, and family matters, can be requested either online through the Oakland County Court website or in person at the clerk's office. Residents can also obtain vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, through the Oakland County Clerk-Recorder’s office or by contacting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for state-level records. Property records are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, with online portals available for easy access to property data. For broader public records requests, residents can use the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which allows individuals to request various records from governmental bodies. Typical response times for FOIA requests range from 5 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request, ensuring that residents have access to the information they need in a timely manner.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Highland, Oakland County comes primarily from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, which provides patrol and investigative services to the township. Municipal departments in neighboring cities, including the Troy Police Department, Farmington Hills Police Department, and Rochester Hills Police Department, handle their own jurisdictions but frequently coordinate with county authorities on regional matters. When major crimes or emergencies cross municipal boundaries, these agencies work together to pool resources and expertise.
Jail & Inmate Records
Anyone arrested in Highland or elsewhere in Oakland County typically ends up at the Oakland County Jail in Pontiac. The facility processes inmates through booking procedures that include fingerprinting, photographing, and initial documentation. Those seeking information about current inmates can use the lookup tool available through the Oakland County Sheriff's Office website. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and the facility posts detailed guidelines online for families and attorneys.
Arrest Records
Arrest records for incidents in the area are kept by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and by municipal police departments depending on which agency made the arrest. Residents and legal representatives can obtain these records by contacting the specific law enforcement agency that handled the case. The documents typically contain personal details of the arrested individual, circumstances of the arrest, formal charges, and scheduled court appearances.
Court Records
Highland and surrounding communities fall under the jurisdiction of the 52nd District Court (https://www.oakgov.com/courts/52ndDistrictCourt/Pages/default.aspx), which handles both civil disputes and criminal matters. Residents can access court records, case files, and dockets either through the court's website or by making a trip to the courthouse in person.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Oakland County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Michigan State Police provide statewide criminal background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides access to public criminal history records. The Michigan Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for more background investigations.
Public Records Access
The Highland Township Clerk's Office is the repository for various public documents, from meeting minutes to local ordinances and other municipal records. These materials are available through the township website (https://www.highlandtwp.com/clerk.html) or by stopping by the clerk's office directly. For property related records, deeds, mortgages, liens, and similar documents covering Highland and the broader region, the Oakland County Register of Deeds (https://www.oakgov.com/deeds/) maintains searchable databases and physical files.
Vital Records
Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, for Highland residents are maintained by the Oakland County Clerk's Office (https://www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/Pages/default.aspx). Requests for these records can be made online, by mail, or in person at Oakland County Clerk's office. The Highland Township Clerk's Office can also provide some limited vital record information and assist with obtaining copies from Oakland County.
Business & Licensing Records
Property records and tax information for commercial and residential parcels in the township are maintained by the Highland Township Assessor's Office (https://www.highlandtwp.com/assessing.html). The office tracks assessments and related data for all properties within local boundaries. Meanwhile, the Highland Chamber of Commerce (https://www.highlandchamber.com/) offers support and resources to businesses operating in the area, including a directory of member companies.
Economy & Demographics
Highland's economy is diverse, with a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. The township's largest employers include healthcare providers, manufacturing companies, and retail businesses. Economic development information, including data on local businesses and industry, can be found on the Highland Township website (https://www.highlandtwp.com/economic-development.html) and through the Highland Chamber of Commerce (https://www.highlandchamber.com/).
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Highland Township receive election services through the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Elections Division at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (phone: 248-858-0564; website: oakgov.com/clerkrod/elections). Michigan residents can register online at michigan.gov/vote using the Secretary of State Voter Information Center, which requires a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID. The state now permits Election Day registration, meaning qualified residents can register and vote the same day at their local clerk's office or polling place with proof of residency.
Highland Township residents also have the option to register in person at the Highland Township Clerk's office, 305 W. Livingston Road, Highland, MI 48357 (phone: 248-887-4551). The township elects a Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer, and four Trustees, all serving four-year terms during August primary and November general elections in even-numbered years. The next township elections arrive in August and November 2026, when voters will choose township board members alongside state and federal candidates. Residents locate their assigned polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote by entering their address - the township operates multiple precincts across its 36 square miles, with polling locations typically at Highland Township Hall, area schools, and community centers. Oakland County recorded approximately 63-65% voter turnout in the November 2024 presidential election, with over 700,000 ballots cast from roughly 1.1 million registered voters, demonstrating strong civic participation. In the November 3, 2026 general election, Highland and Oakland County voters will decide races for Michigan Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General (all four-year terms), one U.S. Senate seat (Gary Peters' seat, Class II), Michigan's complete 110-member House of Representatives, and half of the 38-member Michigan Senate. Highland falls within Michigan Senate District 22 and House District 44 (subject to redistricting). County-level contests include Oakland County Executive, Sheriff, Clerk, Treasurer, Prosecutor, and County Commissioner districts. Michigan voters may request absentee ballots without providing a reason - any registered voter can submit a request through the Michigan Voter Information Center online, by mail, or in person at the township clerk's office up to 4:00 PM on the Monday before the election, with ballots due by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Public election records available through the Oakland County Elections office include voter registration lists (available with restrictions), precinct-level election results, candidate filings and petitions, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and certified election results dating back decades. Statewide candidate campaign finance is searchable through the Michigan Secretary of State at michigan.gov/campaignfinance.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10, Oakland County and Michigan provide exceptional public records access with free online databases for property records, court case searches, business entities, and inmate information, supported by FOIA compliance and modern e-government systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Highland, Oakland County, Michigan?
Public schools in Highland, Oakland 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.
2 What are the crime statistics for Highland, Oakland County, Michigan?
Crime data for Highland, Oakland 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 the Highland police department or the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Highland, Oakland County, Michigan Library?
The Highland Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Oakland County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Highland, Oakland County, Michigan Public Library located?
The Highland Public Library serves residents of Highland and the surrounding Oakland County area in Michigan. Contact the library or visit the Oakland County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Highland, Oakland County, Michigan?
Fingerprinting services for Highland, Michigan residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Oakland County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Highland Police Department or Oakland County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Highland, Oakland County, Michigan, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Highland, Oakland 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 Oakland County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Highland, Michigan?
To register to vote in Highland, 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 Highland, contact the Oakland County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Highland, Michigan?
Property records for Highland, Michigan are maintained by the Oakland City/Township Assessor's Office 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 Highland. 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. For in-person requests, visit the Oakland County offices at the county courthouse. The Oakland County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Highland, Michigan?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Highland, 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.
10 How do I find business license records in Highland, Michigan?
Business licensing for Highland, Michigan operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Highland town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Highland limits. Oakland County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Michigan businesses must register with the Michigan Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Michigan Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Michigan licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Highland, contact the Highland clerk's office and the Oakland County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Oakland County, Michigan
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: