Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County is located in southeastern Michigan, approximately 45 miles west of Detroit. The county seat is Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, one of the nation's premier research institutions. Established in 1826 and organized in 1829, Washtenaw County covers approximately 722 square miles and has a population of roughly 372,000 residents as of recent estimates, making it the sixth-most populous county in Michigan.

• The County Clerk's office, County Recorder (Register of Deeds), and County Assessor all maintain offices at or near this address.
• The Register of Deeds maintains land records and is located at 200 North Main Street.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county's unincorporated areas. It oversees the operation of the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community engagement programs and specialized divisions such as the Community Engagement Division, which focuses on building relationships between law enforcement and residents. The Sheriff's Office also plays a crucial role in coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety across the county.

Police Departments

Washtenaw County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Ann Arbor Police Department, Ypsilanti Police Department, and Saline Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city or township, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to effectively address criminal activity across the county.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving unincorporated areas and providing countywide services including jail operations, court security, and patrol. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 2201 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, phone (734) 994-2911, with a website at www.washtenaw.org/sheriff. The Washtenaw County Jail, located at the same address, houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates.

• Requests for arrest records, police reports, and incident reports must be submitted in writing to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
• Each agency maintains its own FOIA procedures and fee schedules.
• Historical booking photos may require a formal FOIA request.
• Processing fees typically apply for copies of arrest records and related documents.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Washtenaw County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Michigan State Police provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT). The Michigan Bureau of Investigation assists in providing comprehensive criminal history information for Washtenaw County residents.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Washtenaw County are maintained by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records through the respective law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal written request. A Washtenaw County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's information. These records are accessible under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which governs the public's right to access government records.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Washtenaw County Jail, located in Ann Arbor, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, providing inmate lookup services through its online portal. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Michigan state laws, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Washtenaw County are taken and retained by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. While Michigan does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted. The availability of mugshots online is subject to the policies of the Sheriff's Office and applicable state laws.

Washtenaw County's court system includes the 22nd Circuit Court, located at 101 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48107, phone (734) 222-3270. The Circuit Court hears felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. The 14A District Court, also located at the Washtenaw County Trial Court building at 101 East Huron Street (phone 734-484-6600 for the Ypsilanti division), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations.

• Fees for copies are typically $1.00 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional fee.

The Washtenaw County Register of Deeds, located at 200 North Main Street, P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 (phone 734-222-6655), maintains land and property records for the county. The office records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, survey records, and other documents affecting real property. The Register of Deeds website (www.washtenaw.org/deeds) provides free online access to recorded documents through a searchable database dating back many decades. Users can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, liber and page number, or parcel identification number.

• Digital images of recorded documents are available for viewing and printing at no charge for online access.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
• The Register of Deeds also maintains military discharge records (DD-214s) in a confidential database accessible only to the veteran or authorized representatives.

Vital records for Washtenaw County are handled by the Washtenaw County Clerk's office, located at 200 North Main Street, Suite 130, P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 (phone 734-222-6655). Birth certificates for births occurring in Washtenaw County can be requested from the County Clerk. Certified copies cost $34.00 for the first copy and $16.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Death certificates for deaths occurring in Washtenaw County are also available through the County Clerk at the same fee schedule.

• Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks for mail requests.
• Walk-in requests may be available for same-day service depending on record availability and volume.
• Marriage licenses are issued by the Washtenaw County Clerk's office; applicants must apply in person with valid identification and pay a fee of $30.00 (reduced to $10.00 if premarital education is completed).
• Online ordering through VitalChek is available for Michigan vital records with expedited processing options and additional service fees.

Business license records in Washtenaw County vary by county, as local cities and townships issue most business licenses and permits. The Washtenaw County Clerk, located at 200 North Main Street, Suite 130, Ann Arbor, MI 48107 (phone 734-222-6655), accepts filings for Doing Business As (DBA) names and fictitious business name registrations at the county level. These records are public and can be searched through the County Clerk's office.

Elections in Washtenaw County are administered by the Washtenaw County Clerk's office, located at 200 North Main Street, Suite 130, P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. The Elections Division can be reached at (734) 222-6730, and information is available at www.washtenaw.org/clerk. Voter registration in Michigan is available online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office, Secretary of State branch offices, or designated voter registration agencies.

• Michigan offers Election Day registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on the same day at their city or township clerk's office during early voting periods or on Election Day.
• Traditional registration deadlines apply for those registering by mail (15 days before an election).
• To request an absentee ballot in Washtenaw County, voters should contact their city or township clerk directly, apply online through the Michigan Voter Information Center, or submit a written request.
• Absentee ballots can be requested up to 75 days before an election.

Washtenaw County's economy is anchored by education, healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing. The University of Michigan is the largest employer with over 30,000 employees, generating significant economic activity through research, healthcare (Michigan Medicine), and educational services. Other major employers include Trinity Health, the automotive supplier sector, St. Joseph Mercy Health System, and Eastern Michigan University.

• The median household income in Washtenaw County is approximately $76,000, significantly higher than the Michigan state average, reflecting the county's educated workforce and high concentration of professional jobs.

Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ✅ Free Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 9/10 — Washtenaw County provides exceptional digital access to public records with comprehensive online portals for property, jail, court, and election information.

Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in Washtenaw County, Michigan.