Midland, Michigan Public Records

The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by the county's judicial system. To find someone recently arrested in Midland County, individuals can contact the jail directly or use the online inmate search tool.

The 75th District Court, also located at 301 West Main Street, Midland, MI 48640 (phone: 989-832-6880, website: https://www.co.midland.mi.us/DistrictCourt), has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant matters, small claims cases up to $6,500, and traffic violations. The Midland County Probate Court, at 301 West Main Street (phone: 989-832-6880), handles probate estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and name changes. Michigan court records can be searched online through the Michigan Court Directory and Case Search systems, though availability varies by court. The Michigan Supreme Court's website (https://courts.michigan.gov) provides access to case information and electronic filing systems. Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the respective court clerk's office; fees typically include $10 for certification plus copy charges of $1 per page for most documents. Case searches conducted by court staff may incur additional fees. The District Court clerk's office handles payment of fines, scheduling of hearings, and issuance of domestic violence personal protection orders.

Residents can search property records online through the Midland County property search portal on the county website, which allows searches by address, parcel number, or owner name and displays assessed values, taxable values, property descriptions, sales history, and tax information. The Midland County Register of Deeds, located at 220 West Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640 (phone: 989-832-6880, website: https://www.co.midland.mi.us/RegisterOfDeeds), records and maintains all real estate documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, land contracts, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting title to real property. The Register of Deeds office provides online access to recorded documents through a searchable database on the county website, with images of recorded documents available for viewing and printing. Most searches are free to conduct online, though certified copies must be obtained from the office at a fee of $1 per page plus a $3 certification fee. The office also maintains plat maps and survey records. Midland County offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal that integrates parcel boundaries, aerial photography, zoning information, flood zones, and infrastructure data, accessible through the county's website for free public use.

Other major employers include MyMichigan Health, a regional healthcare system with its main hospital in Midland employing over 2,000 people, Midland Public Schools with approximately 1,000 employees, and Northwood University, a private business-focused university. The city also benefits from professional services, retail, and small businesses supported by the high-income resident base associated with Dow's executive and research workforce. Midland County's median household income is estimated at approximately $63,000, though the City of Midland itself has a higher median income of around $68,000, reflecting the concentration of professional and technical employment. The local economy has diversified somewhat in recent decades with growth in healthcare, education, and financial services, but remains closely tied to the chemical industry and global commodity markets. Recent developments include downtown revitalization efforts, expansion of the Midland Center for the Arts, and investments in recreational infrastructure. The city has maintained population stability and economic resilience compared to other Michigan manufacturing communities, benefiting from Dow's continued presence and the area's quality of life advantages that attract and retain educated workers.

The Midland Police Department, located at 2727 Airfield Drive, Midland, MI 48642 (phone: 989-839-4600, website: https://www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/police), serves the City of Midland and maintains records of arrests, incident reports, accident reports, and police logs within city limits. Citizens can request police reports in person at the department headquarters or by submitting a written request under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL 15.231 through 15.246. The department typically responds to FOIA requests within five business days, though extensions may apply for complex requests. Fees for copies and search time may apply according to the department's published fee schedule. The Midland County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2727 Rodd Street, Midland, MI 48640 (phone: 989-832-9111, website: https://www.co.midland.mi.us/Sheriff), provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Midland County and operates the Midland County Jail. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, warrant information, and detention records for the county. Residents can search for current jail inmates and recent bookings through the Midland County Sheriff's Office website inmate roster, which typically displays booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots for individuals in custody. To request arrest records, incident reports, or other law enforcement documents from the Sheriff's Office, individuals must submit a FOIA request in writing, either in person, by mail, or through the county's online FOIA portal. Michigan's FOIA law requires public bodies to respond within five business days and allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for document production, copying, and labor costs associated with fulfilling requests.

Birth certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests when records are available. The Midland County Clerk's Office, located at 220 West Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640 (phone: 989-832-6739, website: https://www.co.midland.mi.us/CountyClerk), issues marriage licenses for ceremonies performed in Michigan. The fee for a marriage license is $20 for Michigan residents who complete premarital education or $30 without the education; the license is valid for 33 days after the three-day waiting period. Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. Divorce records are obtained through the Circuit Court clerk at the same address. Michigan law requires that requesters provide valid identification and demonstrate eligibility to obtain certified vital records; immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with tangible interest may request records. Birth records are confidential for 100 years, though eligible individuals can access them earlier.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees professional and occupational licensing. Business entity formation (corporations, LLCs, partnerships) is handled by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations Division (phone: 517-241-6470, website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara). The Michigan Business One Stop portal (https://www.michigan.gov/businessonetstop) allows users to search existing business entities, check name availability, view corporate status, registered agents, and officer information free of charge. Assumed name (Doing Business As/DBA) registrations in Michigan are filed with the County Clerk where the business operates. The Midland County Clerk, at 220 West Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640 (phone: 989-832-6739), maintains DBA filings with a registration fee of $10; these filings must be renewed every five years. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements are filed with the Michigan Department of State and can be searched through their online database. Property tax assessments for commercial properties are available through the Midland County Equalization Department's online property search portal, showing assessed values, taxable values, and classification for business properties.

Election administration for Midland residents is managed by the Midland County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 220 West Ellsworth Street, Midland, MI 48640 (phone: 989-832-6739, website: https://www.co.midland.mi.us/CountyClerk). Michigan residents can register to vote online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us, in person at the County Clerk's office, at Secretary of State branch offices, or through automatic voter registration when obtaining or updating a driver's license. Michigan offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period and on Election Day. Voters must provide identification or sign an affidavit affirming their identity. The City of Midland holds municipal elections for Mayor and City Council positions; the Mayor serves a two-year term and City Council members serve four-year staggered terms. Midland city elections are held in odd-numbered years, typically in November. The next municipal election is scheduled for November 2025 for Mayor and several council seats. Voters can find their assigned polling location, view sample ballots, and check registration status through the Michigan Voter Information Center website by entering their address. Michigan maintains comprehensive public election records including voter registration lists (available for purchase by qualified requesters), campaign finance disclosures through the Michigan Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Reporting system, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results available on the county clerk's website and the state's election website. In the November 2024 presidential election, Midland County reported approximately 62% voter turnout with roughly 46,000 ballots cast out of approximately 74,000 registered voters. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Michigan voters including Midland residents will decide several key races: the Michigan Governor's race (Governor Gretchen Whitmer's term expires in 2027), state legislative seats in the Michigan House of Representatives (all 110 seats) and Michigan Senate (certain districts), county offices including Midland County Commissioner positions, and potentially local school board and millage proposals. There is no U.S. Senate seat from Michigan on the ballot in 2026. Michigan law provides for no-excuse absentee voting; any registered voter can request an absentee ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center online, by mail, or in person at their local clerk's office up to 4 p.m. on the day before Election Day. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail, deposited in secure drop boxes, or delivered in person to the clerk's office.