Search Michigan People Records
Michigan keeps public records at both the state and county level that can help you find people across all 83 counties. A Michigan people search pulls up court cases, criminal records, vital records, professional licenses, and much more. Several state agencies run free online databases open to anyone with a name to search. The Michigan State Police, the court system, and the Department of Health and Human Services all maintain searchable tools. County clerk offices and circuit courts hold local files too. This page covers the main tools and resources for running a people search in Michigan, from state databases to local county offices that keep public records on file.
Michigan People Search Overview
Michigan Criminal History Records
The Michigan State Police runs the state's main criminal history database. It is called the Internet Criminal History Access Tool, or ICHAT. You can look up any person by name through this system. Each search costs $10. ICHAT pulls records from state and local law enforcement agencies across Michigan. Under MCL 28.261a, the state police must maintain this system for public access. It is one of the most used people search tools in the state. Visit apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT to run a search. Results come back fast. You get a report that shows any criminal convictions tied to that name in Michigan.
The Michigan State Police website at michigan.gov/msp is the main hub for criminal records and public safety tools in the state.
From this site you can reach ICHAT, crime maps, and other law enforcement resources for your Michigan people search.
The Michigan Department of Corrections runs a free tool called OTIS. That stands for Offender Tracking Information System. OTIS lets you search for people who are or were under state supervision. This covers current inmates, parolees, and people on probation. You search by name and get photos, sentence details, and release dates. There is no cost to use it. OTIS is a strong tool for any Michigan people search that involves someone who may have served time in a state facility.
The OTIS search portal is available at mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2.
It shows photos, sentences, and expected release dates for each person in the system.
Michigan also has a public sex offender registry called PSOR. You can search it by name, zip code, or county. It is free.
The registry is at mspsor.com.
This tool shows addresses, photos, and offense details for all registered offenders in Michigan.
Michigan people search records tied to criminal history include:
- ICHAT name-based criminal history results
- OTIS offender and inmate records
- Sex offender registry listings
- County jail booking records
- Circuit court criminal case files
Note: ICHAT charges $10 per search, but OTIS and the sex offender registry are both free to use for any Michigan people search.
Search People in Michigan Courts
Michigan courts handle civil, criminal, family, and probate cases across all 83 counties. The state runs an online case search tool called MiCOURT. It covers courts statewide. You can search by name, case number, or case type. The system shows party names, hearing dates, docket entries, and case status. Go to micourt.courts.michigan.gov to try it. This is a key resource for any people search that involves court records in Michigan.
Court records in Michigan are open to the public under MCL 600.1420. Anyone can look up a case. You do not need to be part of it. You do not need to give a reason. County circuit courts hold the full case files for most matters. Each county has its own circuit court clerk who manages these records. You can visit in person or send a written request for copies. Some county courts also run their own search tools on their websites, which makes a local people search even easier.
Find Michigan Vital Records
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services keeps vital records that go back to 1867. This includes birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These records are useful for a people search when you need to check names, dates, or family ties. Under MCL 333.2891, most vital records in Michigan are available to the public after a set time period.
The MDHHS vital records page at michigan.gov/mdhhs explains how to order copies and what forms you need.
You can order records online, by mail, or in person at county clerk offices across the state.
County clerks also issue copies of birth and death records at the local level. This can be faster than going through the state office. If you know which county a person lived in, start there. The clerk can search their files by name and date. Fees vary by county but are usually around $15 to $25 for a certified copy.
Note: County clerk offices often process vital record requests faster than the state MDHHS office for a Michigan people search.
Michigan License and Business Records
Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, known as LARA, handles professional and business licensing for the whole state. You can look up any licensed professional by name. This covers doctors, nurses, dentists, contractors, real estate agents, and many more fields. It is a handy people search tool when you need to check if someone holds a valid license in Michigan. You can also verify their license status and see if any actions have been taken against it. The license lookup is at val.apps.lara.state.mi.us.
The LARA permits and license portal at aca-prod.accela.com/MILARA lets you search for permits and professional records.
Enter a name or license number to check if someone holds a valid Michigan license or permit.
The Michigan Secretary of State handles business filings, vehicle titles, and other state records. You can search for business entities through the Michigan Business Registry at mibusinessregistry.lara.state.mi.us. This helps when a people search involves finding someone tied to a business in Michigan.
The Secretary of State website at michigan.gov/sos covers many state services beyond just business records.
You can find information on business filings, notary services, and other public records through this portal.
Find More Michigan People Records
Michigan runs several other databases that help with a people search. The state Treasury Department keeps an unclaimed property database. You can search by name to see if someone has money or assets waiting to be claimed. Many people have no idea they have funds sitting there.
The unclaimed property search is at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov.
Type in a name and the state will show you any unclaimed funds tied to that person in Michigan.
The Michigan Open Data Portal has data sets from dozens of state agencies. Some of these include records that tie back to people, businesses, and public services. It is free and open to everyone.
Browse state data at data.michigan.gov.
The portal holds records from across state government that can support a Michigan people search.
For historical records, Michiganology is a free genealogy and history tool run by the Library of Michigan. It has old newspapers, census data, city directories, and other records that go back well over a century. If your people search involves finding someone from Michigan's past, this is the place to start.
Start your search at michiganology.org.
This site has digitized newspapers, vital records indexes, and other archival materials from across Michigan.
Access Michigan Public Records
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to request public records from any state or local agency. The law is in MCL 15.231 through MCL 15.246. You can ask for records in writing. The agency must respond within five business days. Some records are exempt, like those that could harm personal privacy or public safety. But most government records are open for a people search or any other lawful reason. You do not have to explain why you want them.
The main state portal at michigan.gov has links to all state agencies and their FOIA contacts.
Each state agency has its own FOIA coordinator who handles records requests from the public.
The Michigan Legislature website at legislature.mi.gov lets you look up any state law or statute by topic or MCL number.
You can search for the specific laws that govern public records access and people search tools in Michigan.
To file a FOIA request, write to the agency that holds the records you need. Include:
- Your name and contact information
- A clear description of the records you want
- The time period the records cover
- How you want to receive the records
Note: Michigan agencies must respond to FOIA requests within five business days, though they can ask for a short extension if the request is large.
Michigan People Search by County
Michigan has 83 counties. Each one has its own clerk office and circuit court that hold public records useful for a people search. Pick a county below to find local offices, contact info, and search tools.
People Search in Major Michigan Cities
Major Michigan cities are served by the county court systems around them. Pick a city below to find which county handles records for that area and what people search tools are available.