Leelanau County

• Leelanau County Clerk's office maintains vital records and election administration, while the Register of Deeds (Register of Deeds) handles property transactions and land records.

The Leelanau County Court serves Leelanau County and is located at 8525 E. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for this county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Michigan online court portal.

Leelanau County Michigan court jurisdiction is the 85th District Court. The court is located at 8525 E. Government Center Drive, Suite 200, Suttons Bay, MI 49682. The court has jurisdiction over civil cases up to $25,000, small claims up to $6,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and criminal misdemeanors.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• To request arrest records, citizens must submit a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office describing the specific records sought.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and may be obtained through FOIA requests to the Sheriff's Office, though Leelanau County does not maintain an online mugshot database.

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 court proceedings.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• The Michigan Courts Online Case Search system provides some access to case information, though not all Leelanau County cases appear in this database.
• For full record searches, requests should be submitted in person or by mail to the specific court.
• Fees for copies are typically $1.00 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional certification fee of approximately $10.00.
• Research fees may apply for extensive searches requiring clerk assistance.

• Leelanau County offers a free online property search through the Register of Deeds website at leelanau.gov/registerofdeeds.asp, where users can search and view recorded documents dating back multiple decades.
• Document images can be viewed free of charge, though certified copies require an in-person or mail request.
• Recording fees vary by document type: standard documents are $30 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
• Leelanau County provides a GIS parcel viewer accessible through Leelanau County website, allowing users to search by parcel number, address, or owner name to view property boundaries, tax information, and sales history.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus the certification fee.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Birth certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies.
• Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests.
• The fee is $30 and there is no waiting period or blood test required.
• VitalChek offers expedited online ordering of Michigan vital records through michigan.gov/mdhhs for an additional fee, with turnaround times of 5-10 business days.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• This free online database allows searches by business name, registered agent, or identification number.
• The Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, serving Leland, Northport, Suttons Bay, and surrounding areas, can be reached at leelanauchamber.com and provides business resources and networking opportunities.