Genesee County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Genesee County?
Public records in Genesee County are defined according to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), specifically under MCL § 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." These records document government activities and are generally accessible to the public.
Genesee County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, and probate cases processed through the 7th Circuit Court, District Courts, and Probate Court
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and land contracts maintained by the Register of Deeds
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees available through the County Clerk's Office
- Business Records: Assumed names (DBA), notary public commissions, and business registrations
- 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 meetings, board proceedings, and committee records
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with legally required redactions), and jail records
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and planning documents
Each record type is maintained by specific county departments. The Genesee County Clerk/Register oversees three major divisions: Vital Records, Elections, and Register of Deeds. Court records are maintained by the Legal Division of the Clerk's Office and respective court clerks.
Is Genesee County an Open Records County?
Genesee County adheres to Michigan's open records laws, primarily operating under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records and information.
Under MCL § 15.233(1), the law states: "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."
Genesee County has established specific FOIA procedures in compliance with state law. The county maintains a FOIA Coordinator who processes requests and ensures compliance with statutory requirements. Each department within the county government may have designated FOIA liaisons to facilitate record retrieval.
Additionally, Genesee County complies with Michigan's Open Meetings Act, MCL § 15.261 et seq, which requires public bodies to conduct business in open meetings, with limited exceptions for closed sessions. This ensures transparency in government decision-making processes.
The county's commitment to open records is further demonstrated through its online access portals for various record types, allowing citizens to access many records without formal FOIA requests.
How to Find Public Records in Genesee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Genesee County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's online portals:
- Property records can be searched through the Register of Deeds online records search
- Court records are accessible via the Michigan Courts Case Search system
- County Commission minutes and agendas are posted on the County Board of Commissioners webpage
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:
- For vital records: Visit the County Clerk's Vital Records Division
- For property records: Visit the Register of Deeds Office
- For court records: Visit the appropriate court clerk's office
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FOIA Requests: For records not readily available, submit a formal FOIA request:
- Complete the county's FOIA Request Form
- Submit the form to the appropriate department or the county's FOIA Coordinator
- Requests must describe the records sought with sufficient specificity
- Departments must respond within 5 business days (with possible 10-day extension)
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Mail or Email Requests: Many departments accept requests via mail or email:
- Include complete contact information
- Clearly describe the records being requested
- Specify preferred format (paper copies, electronic files, inspection only)
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Telephone Inquiries: While formal requests typically require written documentation, staff can provide guidance on record availability and request procedures by phone.
For specialized records, contact the specific department:
- Circuit Court records: Legal Division of the County Clerk's Office
- Vital records: County Clerk's Vital Records Division
- Property records: Register of Deeds
- Tax records: County Treasurer's Office
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Genesee County?
Genesee County assesses fees for public records in accordance with MCL § 15.234 of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which permits charging reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. Current fee structures include:
Standard FOIA Request Fees:
- Paper copies: $0.10 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
- Labor costs: Actual hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of retrieving the information (charged in 15-minute increments)
- Mailing costs: Actual cost of mailing records in a reasonably economical manner
- Electronic records: Actual cost of digital media (USB drives, CDs) if requested
Specific Departmental Fees:
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Vital Records Division:
- 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
- Divorce decrees: $15.00 for certified copies
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Register of Deeds:
- Recording fees: $30.00 for the first page, $3.00 for each additional page
- Certified copies of recorded documents: $15.00 for the first page, $3.00 for each additional page
- Online access fees: $2.00 per document view/download
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Court Records:
- Case file copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified court documents: $10.00 plus copy fees
- Record searches: $20.00 per name/case
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (in most offices). Some online services require credit card payment.
Fee waivers may be granted if the county determines that waiving or reducing fees is in the public interest because access primarily benefits the general public. Additionally, individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are indigent and receiving public assistance may receive a waiver for the first $20.00 of fees.
Does Genesee County Have Free Public Records?
Genesee County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:
Free In-Person Inspection: Under MCL § 15.233(3), individuals have the right to inspect public records at no charge during normal business hours. The county cannot charge for the labor costs associated with the search for and retrieval of public records that are available for inspection. Requestors may examine records and take notes without incurring fees, provided that:
- The inspection occurs during regular business hours
- The inspection does not disrupt county operations
- Records are available for public inspection (not exempt)
Free Online Resources:
- Genesee County Board of Commissioners meeting agendas and minutes
- Genesee County Election Results and voter information
- Basic property information through the Equalization Department
- County budget documents and financial reports
- Public notices and announcements on the county website
Limited Free Copies:
- Self-service computer terminals at certain county offices allow viewing of records without printing fees
- Some departments may provide limited free copies for certain essential documents to low-income residents
- Veterans may receive free copies of military discharge records for benefit purposes
The Michigan Courts Case Search system provides free basic case information, though detailed documents typically require fees.
While many records can be accessed for free, fees may still apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive searches requiring significant staff time. The county's fee structure is designed to recover actual costs rather than generate revenue.
Who Can Request Public Records in Genesee County?
Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, specifically MCL § 15.233(1), "a person" has the right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of requested public records. This broad definition establishes that:
- Any individual, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records
- Requestors do not need to be Michigan residents or Genesee County residents
- Organizations, businesses, media outlets, and government entities may also submit requests
- Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request, except in limited circumstances
- Anonymous requests are not permitted; requestors must provide contact information
For most general records, requestors are not required to show identification. However, certain record types have specific eligibility restrictions:
Vital Records Access:
- Birth certificates: Available only to the person named on the record, parents, legal guardians, or authorized representatives with proper identification
- Death certificates: Available to anyone who can provide the necessary identifying information
- Marriage and divorce records: Generally available to anyone, though certified copies may have restrictions
Court Records:
- Most court records are available to any requestor
- Sealed or confidential court records (juvenile cases, adoption proceedings) are restricted to parties to the case or their legal representatives
- Some sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available court documents
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active investigation records may be restricted
- Criminal history information has specific access limitations under state law
- Juvenile law enforcement records have additional protections
When requesting records about oneself, identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information. For requests involving another person's records, additional documentation may be required to demonstrate legal authority to access such records.
What Records Are Confidential in Genesee County?
Genesee County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with MCL § 15.243 of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which establishes exemptions from disclosure. The following record types are generally not available for public inspection:
Court and Law Enforcement Records:
- Sealed court records pursuant to court order
- Juvenile court proceedings and records (with limited exceptions)
- Adoption records and proceedings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Active criminal investigation records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Information that would identify confidential sources or undercover agents
- Law enforcement investigative techniques and procedures
Personal Privacy Information:
- Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and state ID numbers
- Financial account information and credit card numbers
- Medical and mental health records protected under HIPAA
- School records protected under FERPA
- Employment and personnel records (except for specific information about public employees)
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Government Operations:
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Attorney work product prepared in anticipation of litigation
- Trade secrets or commercial/financial information voluntarily provided in confidence
- Records subject to executive privilege
- Critical infrastructure and security information
- Information related to ongoing contract bid processes before final award
- Inter-agency or intra-agency communications of an advisory nature
Child Protection Records:
- Child protective services records and investigations
- Foster care case files
- Records pertaining to child abuse or neglect
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county must separate the material and make the non-exempt information available, as required by MCL § 15.244. The county must explain the basis for any denial of records by citing the specific statutory exemption.
Michigan law requires public bodies to apply a balancing test in some cases, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the interest protected by the exemption.
Genesee County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Genesee County Register of Deeds
1101 Beach Street, Room 138
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3060
Genesee County Register of Deeds
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Additional County Offices for Public Records:
Genesee County Clerk's Office - Vital Records Division
1101 Beach Street, Room 140
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3225
Genesee County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Genesee County Circuit Court - Legal Division
900 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3220
Genesee County Circuit Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Genesee County Treasurer's Office
1101 Beach Street, Room 104
Flint, MI 48502
(810) 257-3054
Genesee County Treasurer
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Lookup Public Records in Genesee County
Genesee County Register of Deeds Online Records Search