Oakland County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Oakland County?

Public records in Oakland County are defined under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically MCL § 15.231-15.246, as writings prepared, owned, used, possessed, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Oakland County maintains numerous categories of public records that are accessible to citizens pursuant to state law.

The following types of public records are maintained by various Oakland County departments and offices:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases processed through the Oakland County Circuit Court and District Courts
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments
• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and assumed name registrations (DBA)
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax foreclosures
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Commission proceedings, board meetings, and committee sessions
• Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, financial statements, and audit reports
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with legally required redactions)
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds serves as the primary custodian for many county records, including vital records, court filings, and property documents. Other records are maintained by specific departments such as the Oakland County Treasurer for tax records and the Oakland County Equalization Division for property assessment information.

Is Oakland County an Open Records County?

Oakland County adheres to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under MCL § 15.231-15.246, which establishes the public's right to access government records. The statute explicitly states 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 as public officials and public employees."

Under MCL § 15.233(1), the law provides that "Upon providing a public body's FOIA coordinator with a written request that describes a public record sufficiently to enable the public body to find the public record, a person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of the requested public record of the public body."

Oakland County has established specific FOIA procedures in compliance with state law. The county maintains a dedicated FOIA webpage that outlines the process for submitting requests and provides contact information for departmental FOIA coordinators.

In addition to FOIA compliance, Oakland County operations are subject to Michigan's Open Meetings Act (MCL § 15.261-15.275), which requires that most meetings of public bodies be open to the public with proper notice. The Oakland County Board of Commissioners and other county boards regularly publish meeting agendas and minutes in accordance with this law.

The county has also implemented transparency initiatives that exceed minimum legal requirements, including online access to many records through the county's official website and public terminals at county offices.

How to Find Public Records in Oakland County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Oakland County may utilize several methods to access information. The county provides multiple channels for record retrieval:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. Interested parties may access:

   • Court records through the Oakland County Circuit Court case search
   • Property records via the Oakland County Register of Deeds search portal
   • Meeting minutes and agendas through the Board of Commissioners webpage
   • Tax information through the Oakland County Treasurer property tax search

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect or request copies of records:

   • For vital records and court documents, visit the County Clerk's office
   • For property records, visit the Register of Deeds
   • For tax records, visit the County Treasurer

3. FOIA Requests: For records not readily available, submit a formal FOIA request to the appropriate department's FOIA coordinator. Requests must:

   • Be in writing (mail, email, fax, or in-person delivery)
   • Describe the records with sufficient detail
   • Include contact information for the requestor

4. Mail Requests: Submit written requests to the specific department that maintains the desired records, including appropriate identification and fees.

The county currently provides standardized FOIA request forms that may be used to ensure all necessary information is included. Pursuant to MCL § 15.235, the county must respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if necessary.

For specialized records, contact the specific department directly:

Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Department 480
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0561
Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds

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

Oakland County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the provisions outlined in MCL § 15.234 of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. The current fee structure includes:

• Copying/Printing Fees: $0.10 per page for standard black and white copies
• Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document for certification
• Digital Media: Actual cost of media (CD/DVD/USB drive) when electronic copies are requested
• Mailing Costs: Actual cost of postage for mailed records
• Labor Costs: Hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the necessary tasks when extensive search, examination, review, or redaction is required

Specific record types have standardized fees established by state law or county ordinance:

• 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: $20.00 for certified copies
• Property Records: $5.00 per document for the first page, $2.00 for each additional page
• Court Records: Varies by document type and length (typically $1.00 per page)

The county accepts payment via cash, check, money order, and major credit cards for in-person transactions. Online record requests typically require credit card payment.

Under MCL § 15.234(2), the county may waive or reduce fees if doing so is in the public interest because access 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 or reduction of fees.

A detailed fee schedule is available on the Oakland County FOIA webpage and at each department that maintains public records.

Does Oakland County Have Free Public Records?

Oakland County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Michigan law. Under MCL § 15.233(3), public bodies must furnish "reasonable facilities for the inspection and examination of its public records during normal business hours." This provision ensures that members of the public may inspect records without charge, though copying fees may still apply.

The following records are currently available for free inspection or access:

• In-Person Record Inspection: Any non-exempt public record may be viewed at no cost during regular business hours at the appropriate county office
• Online Records: Several categories of records are freely accessible through the county's website:
  • Board of Commissioners meeting minutes and agendas
  • County budget documents
  • Election results
  • Basic property information through the Land Access portal
  • County ordinances and regulations

The Oakland County Public Library also provides free access to many county records and legal resources, including computer terminals for searching public databases.

Oakland County Law Library
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Department 453
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0012
Oakland County Law Library

Additionally, the county provides public access computer terminals at various county offices where visitors may search electronic records at no charge, though printing fees may apply.

Who Can Request Public Records in Oakland County?

Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, specifically MCL § 15.232(i), "person" is defined as "an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity." This broad definition establishes that virtually anyone may request public records from Oakland County, regardless of:

• Citizenship status
• State or county residency
• Age (though minors may face practical limitations)
• Purpose or intended use of the records

Requestors are not generally required to state the purpose for their request, as MCL § 15.233(3) specifies that "A public body shall not... require a person to state the purpose for which the person desires the public record, except to establish whether the person is requesting the record for a commercial purpose or to determine whether the public body should waive all or a portion of the costs for the request."

For certain specialized records, additional requirements may apply:

• Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records may require the requestor to demonstrate a direct and legitimate interest in the record, such as being the person named in the record, an immediate family member, or legal representative
• Law Enforcement Records: Some police records may require proof of identity or relationship to the subject
• Medical Records: Access is typically limited to the individual or their authorized representative

Commercial requestors may be subject to different fee structures for certain records, particularly those maintained by the Register of Deeds office, in accordance with state law.

Non-residents of Michigan maintain the same rights to access Oakland County public records as residents, as the Michigan FOIA does not contain residency restrictions.

What Records Are Confidential in Oakland County?

Oakland County maintains certain records that are exempt from disclosure under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, specifically MCL § 15.243, which enumerates statutory exemptions. The following categories of records are generally considered confidential:

• Personal Privacy Information: Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information
• Medical Records: Health information protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors, except under specific circumstances outlined in MCL § 712A.28
• Child Protective Services Records: Information regarding child abuse or neglect investigations
• Law Enforcement Investigative Records: Information that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings or deprive a person of a fair trial
• Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal advice and strategy documents between county officials and county attorneys
• Trade Secrets and Commercial Information: Confidential business data submitted to the county
• Security Measures: Information that would disclose security procedures or emergency response plans
• Sealed Court Records: Documents ordered sealed by a judge
• Adoption Records: Information regarding adoptions, which are confidential under MCL § 710.67
• Personnel Records: Employee evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information (with exceptions for certain salary and employment information)
• Examination Materials: Test questions and scoring keys used for employment or licensing examinations

The county applies a balancing test when considering discretionary exemptions, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the interest protected by the exemption. Under MCL § 15.244, if a record contains both exempt and non-exempt material, the county must separate the exempt material and make the non-exempt material available for inspection and copying.

Individuals seeking access to confidential records may, in some cases, obtain court orders authorizing disclosure or submit specialized requests with proper authorization and identification.

Oakland County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Oakland County Register of Deeds
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Department 480
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0561
Oakland County Register of Deeds

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Oakland County Register of Deeds office maintains and provides access to property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and land contracts. The office serves as the official repository for all real estate transactions within Oakland County.

Services available at the Register of Deeds office include:

• Recording of property documents
• Searching property records
• Obtaining certified copies of recorded documents
• Requesting tract index searches
• Filing and searching UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements

The office maintains records dating back to the 1800s, with computerized records available from 1964 to the present. Earlier records are available on microfilm and in bound books at the office.

For expedited service, the Register of Deeds offers online access to property records through its Land Records System. Subscribers can search and view documents, though official copies must still be obtained from the office.

Satellite Office:
Oakland County Service Center
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 12 East
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-858-0561
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Lookup Public Records in Oakland County

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