Grand Traverse County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Grand Traverse County?

Public records in Grand Traverse County are defined according to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under MCL Act 442 of 1976 § 15.232(i), as "a writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created." Grand Traverse County maintains numerous categories of public records that are accessible to citizens and other interested parties.

The following types of public records are maintained by various departments within Grand Traverse County:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records are maintained by the County Clerk's Office and the 86th District Court. These include case filings, judgments, and court proceedings.
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are maintained by the Register of Deeds Office. These documents provide a history of property ownership and encumbrances.
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are maintained by the County Clerk's Office. Some older vital records may also be available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) are maintained by the County Clerk's Office.
Tax Records: Property tax information and assessment records are maintained by the County Treasurer's Office and the Equalization Department.
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results are maintained by the County Clerk's Office, which serves as the chief election official for the county.
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of county commission meetings, board proceedings, and other governmental bodies are maintained by the respective departments and the County Clerk's Office.
Budget and Financial Documents: County financial records, budgets, and expenditure reports are maintained by the Finance Department.
Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports (where permitted by law) are maintained by the Sheriff's Department.
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning permits, and land use records are maintained by the Planning and Development Department.

Grand Traverse County provides access to many of these records through their Online Records portal, which serves as a centralized access point for digital public records.

Is Grand Traverse County an Open Records County?

Grand Traverse County adheres to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as established under MCL Act 442 of 1976 § 15.231. This statute explicitly states that "all persons... are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees... so that they may fully participate in the democratic process."

Under § 15.233(1) of the Michigan FOIA, "a public body shall furnish a requesting person with a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records, and shall furnish reasonable facilities for making memoranda or abstracts from its public records during the usual business hours."

Grand Traverse County has implemented specific policies to comply with state transparency laws. The county maintains a dedicated FOIA coordinator who processes requests in accordance with statutory timelines. County departments are required to respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, with a possible 10-day extension as permitted under state law.

The county also complies with Michigan's Open Meetings Act (OMA), which requires that most governmental meetings be open to the public, with proper notice given in advance. This commitment to transparency extends to the publication of meeting agendas, minutes, and other public documents on the county's official website.

Grand Traverse County's public records policy aligns with the state's declaration in § 15.231(2) that "it is the public policy of this state that all persons... are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them."

How to Find Public Records in Grand Traverse County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Grand Traverse County records may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's Online Records portal. Users can search for various documents including:
- Property records through the Register of Deeds search system
- Court records through the Civil & Criminal Records Search portal
- Marriage licenses, dog licenses, and other county records
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records in person:
- For court records, visit the County Clerk's Office at the Governmental Center
- For property records, visit the Register of Deeds Office
- For vital records, visit the County Clerk's Office
Written Requests: Submit a FOIA request in writing to the appropriate department. The county provides a standard FOIA request form on their website. Written requests must include:
- Requestor's complete name, address, and contact information
- A detailed description of the records sought
- Statement of how the requestor wishes to receive the records (mail, email, in-person inspection)
Michigan Court System: For court records that may not be available through county systems, the Michigan Courts Case Search provides access to case information from courts throughout the state.
State-Level Records: For certain records maintained at the state level, such as criminal history information, users may access the Michigan State Police Criminal History Records system.

When submitting requests, requestors should be as specific as possible about the records they seek to facilitate prompt processing. Pursuant to Michigan FOIA § 15.235, the county must respond to requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if necessary.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Grand Traverse County?

Grand Traverse County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act § 15.234, which permits public bodies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. The current fee structure includes:

Copy Fees: Standard paper copies are $0.10 per page for letter or legal size documents.
Certified Copies: Documents requiring certification (such as vital records) incur additional fees:
- Birth certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Death certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Marriage licenses: $15.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Court Records: Fees for court documents are established by state statute and court rules:
- Case searches: $10.00 per name searched
- Certified copies of court documents: $10.00 plus $1.00 per page
- Non-certified copies: $1.00 per page
Property Records: The Register of Deeds charges:
- Document copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 plus $1.00 per page
FOIA Request Fees: For complex FOIA requests, the county may charge:
- Labor costs for searching, examining, and reviewing records (calculated at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task)
- Actual cost of computer discs, mailing containers, and postage
- Labor costs for making copies (calculated at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task)

Payment methods accepted by Grand Traverse County offices include:

Cash (in-person only)
Personal checks
Money orders
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) - subject to a processing fee
Online payments for certain record types

Under Michigan FOIA § 15.234(2), fee waivers or reductions may be available if the county determines that a waiver or reduction is in the public interest because access to the information primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are receiving public assistance or can demonstrate inability to pay may receive a waiver of the first $20.00 of fees.

Does Grand Traverse County Have Free Public Records?

Grand Traverse County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost, in accordance with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act § 15.233(3), which states that a public body shall furnish a reasonable opportunity for inspection and examination of its public records without charge.

Free public records access options include:

In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours at the appropriate county office. The County Clerk's Office provides computer terminals for the public to review court records without charge.
Online Access: Many records are available at no cost through the county's Online Records portal, including:
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Public notices
- Election results
- County budget documents
- Basic property information
86th District Court Records: Basic case information is available through the 86th District Court website, though access to some criminal cases may be limited during system updates.
Michigan Court Records: The Michigan Courts Case Search provides free access to basic case information from courts throughout Michigan, including Grand Traverse County cases.
Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available at various county offices for free public access to certain electronic records, including:
- Property records at the Register of Deeds Office
- Court records at the County Clerk's Office
- Tax records at the Treasurer's Office

It should be noted that while inspection of records is free, fees may still apply if copies are requested. Additionally, pursuant to Michigan FOIA § 15.234(1), the first $20.00 of a fee shall be waived for individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are indigent or receiving public assistance.

Who Can Request Public Records in Grand Traverse County?

Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act § 15.232(e), "person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity. The term "person" does not include an individual serving a sentence of imprisonment in a state or county correctional facility.

In Grand Traverse County, the following eligibility requirements apply to public records requests:

Residency Requirements: There is no residency requirement for requesting public records. Both Michigan residents and non-residents may submit FOIA requests to Grand Traverse County departments.
Identification Requirements: For most general records, requestors are not required to provide identification. However, certain records may require verification of identity:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) require proper identification to prevent fraud
- Court records with restricted access may require identification and verification of eligibility
- Property records with restricted information may require proof of interest
Purpose Statement: Under Michigan FOIA § 15.233(3), a public body may not require a person to state the purpose for which they request information, except to determine whether the request is for a commercial purpose or to process a request for a public record that is available on the public body's website.
Requesting Your Own Records vs. Others' Records: Different standards apply when requesting personal records versus those of others:
- Personal records: Individuals may access their own records with proper identification
- Others' records: Access may be limited for certain record types protected by privacy laws
- Authorized representatives: Attorneys, legal guardians, or those with power of attorney may request records on behalf of others with proper documentation
Commercial Requests: While commercial entities may request public records, Michigan FOIA § 15.234(1)(c) allows public bodies to charge additional fees for requests made for commercial purposes.
Incarcerated Individuals: Pursuant to Michigan FOIA § 15.232(e), individuals serving sentences in state or county correctional facilities are not eligible to make FOIA requests.

What Records Are Confidential in Grand Traverse County?

Grand Traverse County maintains certain records that are exempt from public disclosure in accordance with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act § 15.243, which establishes specific exemptions from disclosure. The following record types are generally considered confidential:

Personal Privacy Information: Information of a personal nature where public disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical information
Law Enforcement Records: Certain investigative records are exempt, including:
- Active investigation records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Information that would deprive a person of a fair trial
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Information that would disclose law enforcement techniques or procedures
- Information that would endanger the life or safety of law enforcement personnel
Juvenile Records: Court records pertaining to minors are generally confidential under Michigan Court Rules and the Juvenile Code.
Child Protective Services Records: Records related to child abuse and neglect investigations are confidential under Michigan's Child Protection Law.
Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by court order.
Mental Health Records: Information regarding mental health treatment is protected under Michigan Mental Health Code § 330.1748.
Personnel Records: Certain information in personnel files that would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Attorney-Client Communications: Communications between the county and its legal counsel that are subject to attorney-client privilege.
Trade Secrets: Commercial or financial information voluntarily provided to the county for use in developing governmental policy.
Security Measures: Records relating to security measures, including emergency response plans and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Sealed Court Records: Records that have been sealed by court order.

Under Michigan FOIA § 15.244, if a public record contains both exempt and non-exempt material, the county must separate the exempt material and make the non-exempt material available for examination and copying. Additionally, under § 15.243(2), the county may, at its discretion, disclose an exempt public record unless disclosure is prohibited by law.

Grand Traverse County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Grand Traverse County Register of Deeds
400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 103
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4753
Register of Deeds

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Grand Traverse County Clerk's Office
400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 101
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4760
County Clerk's Office

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

86th District Court
280 Washington Street
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4701
86th District Court

Court Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and court-observed holidays

The Register of Deeds Office maintains and provides access to property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and land contracts. The County Clerk's Office maintains vital records, court records, and other official documents. Both offices provide public terminals for record searches during regular business hours. Appointments are recommended for extensive research but not required for basic record requests.