About St. Joseph County
County Seat
Centreville
Established
1829
Named After
the St
- Joseph County Register of Deeds, also at 125 W Main Street, records land transactions, mortgages, and property documents.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, residents can request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information from any of these agencies.
- Written FOIA requests should specify the records sought and include contact information.
- Mugshot and booking photos are generally considered public records and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though some restrictions apply for juvenile records and certain sensitive cases.
- Response to FOIA requests must be made within five business days under Michigan law, with possible extensions.
- Fees for copying records are permitted under the statute's guidelines.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond process follows Michigan state guidelines, allowing for cash or surety bonds, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Copies of documents cost $1.00 per page for standard copying, with certified copies available for an additional fee.
125 W Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032
Property & Public Records
- There is typically a subscription fee for enhanced access, though basic searches may be available at no charge.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained by visiting the Register of Deeds office in person or submitting a written request by mail with appropriate fees.
- The current recording fee schedule is available on St.
- Joseph County provides a GIS mapping system and parcel viewer online that displays property boundaries, tax information, ownership data, and assessment values.
125 W Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032
Vital Records
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 of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time is typically 3-5 business days when applying in person at St.
- Online ordering is available through the Michigan Vital Records website at michigan.gov/mdhhs for an additional convenience fee.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $30 and there is no waiting period in Michigan.
125 W Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The Michigan Business Entity Search is available online at cofs.lara.michigan.gov/corpweb where users can search for registered businesses by name, identification number, or registered agent.
- This free database provides information on business status, formation date, registered agent, and filing history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in St. Joseph County, Michigan?
To search for someone recently arrested in St. Joseph County, Michigan, you can contact the St. Joseph County Jail. The facility allows for inmate lookup through their online portal or by calling the jail directly. The jail is located at 650 E. Main St., Centreville, MI 49032. You can also visit the St Joseph County Sheriff's Office website for more information on recent arrests and inmate searches.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in St. Joseph County, Michigan?
Mugshots and booking photos in St. Joseph County, Michigan, can be obtained from the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their official website or upon request at their office. The Sheriff's Office is located at 650 E. Main St., Centreville, MI 49032. You should check their online resources or contact them directly for specific procedures and any applicable fees.
How do I get a criminal background check in St. Joseph County, Michigan?
To obtain a criminal background check in St. Joseph County, Michigan, you can request it through the Michigan State Police's Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). Locally, you may also contact the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office for guidance on accessing background checks. The ICHAT system provides a check of criminal records across the state, including the region.
How can I look up sex offenders in St. Joseph County, Michigan?
To look up sex offenders in St. Joseph County, Michigan, you can use the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the Michigan State Police and provides detailed information on registered sex offenders throughout the state, including those residing in St. Joseph County. The registry is accessible online and allows searches by name, location, and compliance status.
How do I register to vote in St. Joseph County, Michigan?
You can register to vote in St. Joseph County through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote, which offers online registration and updates. Alternatively, contact the St. Joseph County Clerk's office at (269) 467-5602 or visit 125 W Main Street in Centreville to register in person. Michigan offers Election Day registration, so you can register and vote on the same day with proof of residency. Once registered, you can request an absentee ballot online for any election without providing a reason.
How do I look up property records in St. Joseph County, Michigan?
Property records in St. Joseph County can be searched through the Register of Deeds office at 125 W Main Street, Centreville, or online via the county website at stjosephcountymi.org. The online system allows searches for deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents by name, address, or parcel number. The county also maintains a GIS parcel viewer showing property boundaries, ownership, and tax assessment information. For certified copies of documents, contact the Register of Deeds at (269) 467-5641.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in St. Joseph County, Michigan?
Birth and death certificates for St. Joseph County can be requested through the County Clerk's office at 125 W Main Street, Centreville, phone (269) 467-5602, or through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Certified copies cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies of the same record. You must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility under MCL 333.2882, as only authorized individuals can obtain certified copies. Online ordering is available through michigan.gov/mdhhs or VitalChek with additional convenience fees.
How do I find business license records in St. Joseph County, Michigan?
Business records in St. Joseph County can be found through multiple sources. The St. Joseph County Clerk at (269) 467-5602 maintains local DBA and fictitious name registrations. For corporations and LLCs, use the Michigan Business Entity Search at cofs.lara.michigan.gov/corpweb, which provides free access to all registered businesses in the state. Local business licenses and permits may be issued by individual municipalities such as Sturgis or Three Rivers, so contact the relevant city clerk for specific licensing information.