logo
ShiawasseeRecords.us
Search Public Records

Shiawassee County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Shiawassee County?

Public records in Shiawassee County are defined under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., as any writing prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Members of the public may inspect or obtain copies of these documents from the appropriate county or state office.

The following categories of public records are currently maintained and accessible in Shiawassee County:

  • Court records — Civil, criminal, probate, and family court case files are maintained by the Shiawassee County Trial Court and may be searched through the MiCOURT Case Search portal, which provides online access for informational purposes only and does not replace the official record on file with the court.
  • Property records — Deeds, mortgages, liens, and land transfers are recorded and maintained by the Shiawassee County Register of Deeds.
  • Vital records — Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are issued through the Shiawassee County Clerk's office; statewide records are also accessible through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services vital records program.
  • Business records — Assumed name (DBA) filings, business licenses, and permits are processed through the County Clerk and relevant municipal offices.
  • Tax records — Property tax assessments and payment histories are maintained by the Shiawassee County Treasurer's office.
  • Voting and election records — Voter registration data and election results are administered by the County Clerk.
  • Meeting minutes and agendas — Records of the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners and subordinate boards are available through the County Clerk's office and the county's official website.
  • Budget and financial documents — Annual budgets, audits, and expenditure reports are public documents maintained by the County Administrator's office.
  • Law enforcement records — Arrest logs and incident reports, where permitted by law, are available through the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office.
  • Land use and zoning records — Zoning maps, variance applications, and planning documents are maintained by the Shiawassee County Planning and Zoning Department.

Is Shiawassee County an Open Records County?

Shiawassee County fully complies with Michigan's statewide open records framework. Under MCL § 15.232, all public bodies in Michigan — including county offices, courts, and boards — are required to disclose public records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Shiawassee County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs all public records requests submitted to county offices.

Key provisions of the Act include:

  • Public bodies must respond to a written FOIA request within 5 business days of receipt, with a possible 10-business-day extension under MCL § 15.235.
  • Requestors are not required to state a reason for their request.
  • Public bodies must provide a written notice of denial, including the specific statutory basis for any exemption claimed.

Michigan's Open Meetings Act (MCL § 15.261 et seq.) further requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public and that minutes be made available for inspection. Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners meetings are conducted in compliance with this statute, and meeting minutes are posted publicly following approval.

How to Find Public Records in Shiawassee County in 2026

Members of the public may access Shiawassee County public records through several channels, depending on the record type sought.

Online Access:

In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the relevant county office during public counter hours to inspect records or submit a written FOIA request. Requests submitted in person are processed under the same statutory timelines as written or mailed requests.

Written or Mailed Requests: FOIA requests may be submitted in writing to the FOIA Coordinator of the applicable public body. Requests should identify the records sought with sufficient specificity to allow the office to locate them. No specific form is required under state law, though individual offices may provide optional request forms.

Steps to Request Records:

  1. Identify the office that maintains the record type sought.
  2. Submit a written FOIA request to that office's designated FOIA Coordinator.
  3. Await a response within 5 business days (or up to 15 business days with an extension notice).
  4. Pay any applicable fees upon notification of record availability.
  5. Inspect or receive copies of the responsive records.

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

Current fees for public records in Shiawassee County are governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which sets limits on what public bodies may charge. Under MCL § 15.234, public bodies may charge for the following:

  • Paper copies: A standard fee not to exceed $0.10 per page for standard 8.5" x 11" black-and-white copies, unless the public body can demonstrate higher actual costs.
  • Labor costs: Charges for the time spent searching, locating, examining, reviewing, and separating exempt from non-exempt material, calculated at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task.
  • Mailing costs: Actual postage and packaging costs for records delivered by mail.
  • Digital media: Actual cost of the digital storage medium (e.g., USB drive or CD) if records are provided in electronic format.

Fees vary by record type and the office processing the request. Vital records such as certified birth or death certificates carry separate statutory fees set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Property deed copies obtained from the Register of Deeds are subject to recording and copy fees established by state statute.

Accepted payment methods typically include cash, check, or money order payable to the applicable county office. Individual offices may also accept credit or debit card payments; members of the public should confirm accepted methods with the specific office prior to submitting payment.

Fee waivers are available under MCL § 15.234(4) when the requester is an indigent individual who provides an affidavit attesting to inability to pay, or when the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated to outweigh the cost of production.

Does Shiawassee County Have Free Public Records?

Free inspection of public records is available in Shiawassee County. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge during the public body's regular business hours. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

Several government-maintained online resources currently provide free access to Shiawassee County public records:

  • The MiCOURT Case Search system allows free online lookup of court case information maintained by Michigan courts.
  • The Michigan Secretary of State provides free access to certain business entity filings through its online database.
  • The Shiawassee County official website provides free access to Board of Commissioners meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents.
  • The Michigan DHHS vital records information page provides guidance on accessing birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, including options for ordering certified copies.

Who Can Request Public Records in Shiawassee County?

Any person may submit a public records request in Shiawassee County. Under MCL § 15.232, the term "person" includes individuals, corporations, partnerships, firms, organizations, associations, governmental entities, and other legal entities. Requestors are not required to be Michigan residents, and non-residents retain the same rights of access as residents under current law.

Requestors are generally not required to:

  • Provide identification when submitting a FOIA request.
  • State the purpose for which the records are sought.
  • Demonstrate a personal interest in the records requested.

Certain record types carry additional access restrictions regardless of who is requesting them. For example, records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, sealed court files, or records containing protected personal information may be withheld or redacted even when requested by the subject of the record. Individuals requesting their own records — such as personal criminal history or vital records — may be required to provide proof of identity to verify eligibility for certified copies.

Attorneys, journalists, researchers, and members of the general public all possess equal standing to submit FOIA requests to Shiawassee County public bodies under current Michigan law.

What Records Are Confidential in Shiawassee County?

Certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure under Michigan law. MCL § 15.243 enumerates the specific exemptions applicable to all public bodies in Michigan, including those in Shiawassee County. The following records are currently exempt from mandatory disclosure:

  • Sealed court records — Records sealed by judicial order are not subject to public inspection.
  • Juvenile records — Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Michigan's juvenile code.
  • Ongoing investigation records — Law enforcement records compiled in connection with an active criminal investigation are exempt to the extent that disclosure would interfere with the investigation or endanger individuals.
  • Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar personally identifiable information are protected from disclosure.
  • Medical records — Health and medical information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • Adoption records — Adoption proceedings and related records are confidential under Michigan's adoption statutes.
  • Child welfare and protective services records — Records maintained by child protective services are exempt from public disclosure.
  • Personnel records — Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for certain public employee information such as name, position, and compensation.
  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information — Commercially sensitive information submitted to a public body in confidence is exempt from disclosure.
  • Security plans and critical infrastructure details — Records describing security measures for public facilities or infrastructure are withheld to protect public safety.

Where a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the public body is required under MCL § 15.244 to separate and disclose the non-exempt portions rather than withhold the entire record.

Shiawassee County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Shiawassee County Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and maintaining land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting real property in the county. Members of the public may inspect land records in person during regular counter hours or submit written requests by mail.

Shiawassee County Register of Deeds 208 N. Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817 (989) 743-2242 Shiawassee County Register of Deeds

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding state and federal holidays)

Shiawassee County Clerk's Office 208 N. Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817 (989) 743-2242 Shiawassee County Clerk

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Shiawassee County Trial Court 208 N. Shiawassee Street, Corunna, MI 48817 (989) 743-2278 Shiawassee County Trial Court

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office 1769 E. Corunna Avenue, Corunna, MI 48817 (989) 743-2241 Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office

Lookup Public Records in Shiawassee County