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How to Find Public Records in Antrim County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in northern Michigan may access a broad range of publicly available information through AntrimRecords.us and through official Antrim County government offices. The county maintains records across multiple departments, and the information available may include court filings, property documents, vital records, and other government-generated materials. The scope and completeness of any record set depends on the originating office, the date of the record, and applicable state law exemptions.
Record categories that members of the public may encounter include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
- Meeting minutes and county commission agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning documents
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
The Antrim County official website provides a centralized starting point for locating county services and records portals. Members of the public may access the county's online services portal to search 13th Circuit Court civil and criminal case records, access 86th District Court cases, and use the court's e-filing system. Court case information is also searchable through the statewide MiCOURT case search tool maintained by the Michigan Supreme Court. Property records are searchable through the Antrim County Register of Deeds public search portal. No registration is required to conduct basic searches on most county platforms.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Antrim County Courthouse in Bellaire to inspect records at the Register of Deeds, County Clerk, or Circuit Court offices. Staff at each office can assist with locating documents and processing copy requests. Requestors should bring identifying information relevant to the record sought, such as a party name, parcel number, or case number.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate department by mail. Requests should include the requestor's name and contact information, a description of the record sought, the preferred format for response, and any applicable fees. Under Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.235, a public body must respond to a written FOIA request within five business days of receipt, with a possible extension of up to ten additional business days.
Phone/Email:
- Antrim County Clerk: (231) 533-6353
- Antrim County Register of Deeds: (231) 533-6021
What Are Public Records in Antrim County?
Public records in Antrim County are defined under Michigan law as any writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Under Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.232, a "public record" encompasses documents, computer data, photographs, films, and other recorded information created or received by a government body.
The following record types are maintained by Antrim County departments:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | 13th Circuit Court / 86th District Court |
| Probate and family court records | Antrim County Probate Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | County Clerk |
| Tax and property assessment records | County Treasurer / Equalization |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Administrator / Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Antrim County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning Department |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
As noted on the county's records page, "The Register of Deeds office maintains an index and copy of all recorded documents pertaining to real property located within the county," making it the primary repository for land-related instruments.
Is Antrim County an Open Records County?
Antrim County operates in full compliance with Michigan's statewide open records framework. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., all public bodies in the state, including county departments, are required to disclose public records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that records are considered public unless the government demonstrates a lawful basis for withholding them.
Michigan's FOIA applies to all county offices, boards, commissions, and departments. The Antrim County Board of Commissioners and all subordinate agencies are subject to the Act's disclosure requirements. The Michigan Attorney General's office provides guidance on FOIA compliance applicable to all counties in the state.
The Michigan 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. Antrim County commission meetings and board proceedings are conducted in accordance with this requirement.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Antrim County?
The fee structure for public records in Antrim County is governed by Michigan FOIA and varies by record type and the office processing the request.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white copies (letter/legal) | $0.10 per page (standard FOIA rate) |
| Certification of documents | Varies by office |
| Electronic format copies | Labor and media costs may apply |
| Search and labor fees | Charged when search exceeds the first hour |
Under MCL § 15.234, a public body may charge a fee that does not exceed the actual cost of processing a FOIA request, including the cost of labor, duplication, and mailing. Inspection of records in person is not subject to a copy fee. The Register of Deeds may charge separate recording and copy fees for certified property documents, which are set by state statute and may differ from standard FOIA copy rates.
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request.
Fee waivers are available under Michigan FOIA for indigent individuals and for nonprofit organizations acting in the public interest, subject to the public body's determination.
Does Antrim County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Antrim County government offices during regular business hours. Michigan FOIA does not permit a public body to charge a fee for in-person inspection of records; fees apply only when copies are requested.
The following free access options are currently available:
- Online court case search: The MiCOURT case search tool provides free access to case information for courts statewide. As noted on the platform, "The information available here is presented on-line for informational use only and does not replace the official record on file with the court."
- Property record search: The public search options page of the Register of Deeds allows members of the public to search recorded property documents at no charge.
- In-person inspection: Members of the public may inspect records at the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, or Circuit Court offices without charge during office hours.
Certified copies and physical reproductions are subject to applicable fees as described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Antrim County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Antrim County. Michigan FOIA does not restrict access to residents of the state; non-residents retain the same right to request records as Michigan residents. Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request, and public bodies may not condition disclosure on the provision of a reason.
Requestors are not required to provide identification to submit a FOIA request, though identification may be required for in-person access to certain restricted record categories. Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal court filings or vital records, may be required to present government-issued identification to verify identity before release.
Certain record types carry additional eligibility requirements. Certified copies of vital records, for example, are restricted to the subject of the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrated legal interest, pursuant to Michigan law governing vital records access.
What Records Are Confidential in Antrim County?
Michigan FOIA identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from mandatory disclosure. Antrim County offices apply these exemptions in accordance with state law. Exempt and confidential record categories include:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and financial account data
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records
- Child protective services and child welfare records
- Personnel records, except as required by law
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, vulnerability assessments, and critical infrastructure details
Under MCL § 15.243, a public body is permitted—but not always required—to withhold exempt records. In some cases, a balancing test applies, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the privacy or security interest in nondisclosure. When a public body denies a request in whole or in part, it must provide a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption relied upon.
Antrim County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Antrim County Register of Deeds
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
(231) 533-6021
Antrim County Register of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Antrim County Clerk
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
(231) 533-6353
Antrim County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
13th Circuit Court
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
(231) 533-6368
13th Circuit Court Online Services
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Antrim County Sheriff's Office
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
(231) 533-8627
Members of the public seeking records from multiple departments may begin their search at the Antrim County official website, which provides directory information and links to individual department pages.