Oakland County Public Records

Oakland County public records are official documents maintained by local government offices that provide factual information about the county’s activities, property, and legal matters. These records cover property deeds, court cases, criminal histories, probate files, and vital statistics, offering transparency and reliable data for residents, researchers, and professionals.

People access these records for a variety of purposes, such as checking property ownership, reviewing civil or criminal case histories, tracking probate estates, or verifying legal documents like birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Oakland County Court serves as the central authority for managing these records, ensuring that all filings, case updates, and official documents are properly recorded, accessible, and compliant with Michigan law. The court maintains these records accurately and officially, making them available to the public unless restricted by privacy regulations, so residents and legal professionals can rely on them for official information.

Laws Governing Oakland County Public Records

Access to public records in Oakland County is governed primarily by Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for general county records. Court records, however, are maintained separately by the judicial system and may follow different rules and restrictions.

Governing Law: Michigan FOIA and Public Records

Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures that residents can request and obtain official county records from public agencies. FOIA covers a broad range of government records, including documents held by county departments, the Clerk/Register of Deeds, and other administrative offices.

Key points about FOIA in Oakland County:

• Requests must be submitted to the record custodian of the office holding the record.
• Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies or administrative processing.
• FOIA applies to non-court county records; courts often have their own procedures for record access.

For official information, visit the county’s website, oakgov.com, to learn how FOIA requests are handled.

County-Maintained Records vs. Court Records

Oakland County records fall into two primary categories:

1. County-Maintained Records:
   • Managed by administrative offices such as the Clerk/Register of Deeds.
   • Includes property deeds, mortgages, liens, vital records (birth, death, marriage), and probate filings.
   • Generally accessible through FOIA requests unless specifically exempted.
2. Court-Maintained Judicial Records:
   • Managed by the county courts themselves.
   • Includes civil and criminal filings, probate dockets, and court judgments.
   • These are often governed by court rules rather than FOIA, and access may be limited by legal restrictions.
   • Some records, like juvenile or sealed cases, are rarely available to the public.

For court-specific guidance, resources like michigancourtrecords.us provide official instructions on requesting judicial records.

Exemptions and Limitations

Not all public records are available for inspection. Certain categories are protected to maintain privacy or security:

• Juvenile records and adoption files
• Mental health records
• Law enforcement or investigative documents
• Sealed court cases or restricted legal filings

Records in these categories typically require court authorization or a special legal exception to access.

How to Search Public Records

Searching Oakland County public records begins with knowing what type of record you need and using the proper method. Court records, property deeds, probate cases, and vital records all have separate search tools and access requirements.

For court records, using the correct search method ensures you find the right case information quickly. Oakland County provides both online portals and in-person access to official documents. Online searches are often faster, while in-person visits may be necessary for restricted or certified copies.

How to Search Court Records Correctly

Court records include civil, criminal, and probate cases. Here’s how to search effectively:

1. Choose the correct portal: Use https://www.oakgov.com/courts/Pages/court-explorer.aspx for most court cases.
2. Search by case identifier: Enter the party name, case number, or filing date.
3. Filter results: Narrow by case type, court division, or year to avoid irrelevant matches.
4. Review case details: Click on the case to view filings, hearing dates, judgments, and motions.
5. Save important information: Keep case numbers or document IDs for ordering copies later.

Tips for accurate results:

• Use exact spelling and include middle initials.
• Check multiple identifiers (e.g., both parties’ names or filing year).
• Be aware of sealed or restricted cases, which may require formal requests.

Where to View and Search Oakland County Records

Oakland County offers several online portals and offices depending on the record type. Each has its own search criteria, access options, and fees.

Court Records

• Portal Name: Court Explorer
• URL: https://www.oakgov.com/courts/Pages/court-explorer.aspx
• Search By: Party name, case number, filing date
• Access Cost: Free to view online
• Download / Copy Fee: $0.10–$0.25 per page; certified copies $10+

Probate Records

• Portal Name: Probate Court Case Search
• URL: https://www.oakgov.com/probate/pages/casesearch.aspx
• Search By: Decedent name, case number, filing date
• Access Cost: Free online search
• Download / Copy Fee: $5–$10 for certified copies; $0.10–$0.25 per page for documents

Property Records

• Portal Name: Super Index / Property Records Search
• URL: https://www.oakgov.com/assessor/pages/super-index.aspx
• Search By: Parcel ID, owner name, address, deed book & page
• Access Cost: Free online
• Download / Copy Fee: $0.10–$0.25 per page; certified deeds $10+

Vital Records

• Portal Name: Life Events / Vital Records Portal
• URL: https://www.oakgov.com/vitalrecords
• Search By: Full name and approximate date
• Access Cost: Some searches require a registered account
• Download / Copy Fee: $12–$20 per certified certificate; standard copies $5–$10

Property & Land Records in Oakland County

Property and land records in Oakland County provide a detailed account of real estate ownership and transactions. These records include deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents maintained by the county’s Register of Deeds office, helping residents, investors, and professionals verify property information quickly.

What is Covered Under Property Records

Oakland County property records cover a wide range of real estate documents. These include:

• Deeds: Legal proof of property ownership transfers.
• Mortgages: Records of loans secured by real estate.
• Liens: Claims placed on property for unpaid debts.
• Foreclosure documents: Notices and filings related to foreclosed properties.
• Personal property filings: Such as financing statements related to movable property.

The Register of Deeds / Clerk’s office manages all these records, ensuring accuracy and accessibility. The county maintains historical property records dating back to January 1, 1964, excluding subdivision plat maps. For older or specialized documents, consulting the main index system at the county office can provide additional details.

How to Search Property Records — Online and Offline

Oakland County offers several tools to perform property record searches efficiently. The primary resource is the Oakland County Super Index, also called the Super Search Index, which allows users to search by grantor, grantee, parcel ID, or property address. This tool provides fast access to deeds, mortgages, liens, and other recorded documents.

Additional tools include:

• Acreage Books Search: Useful for historical land ownership and acreage details.
• Property Records Notification (PRN) Service: Sends alerts when new filings or changes occur on a specific property.
• Map and Plat Tools: Ideal for identifying land parcels through GIS-based mapping and plat searches.

To perform a search:

1. Visit the Oakland County property records portal.
2. Select the search type (grantor, grantee, parcel ID, or address).
3. Review available documents and choose whether to view them online or order copies.
4. Note that online subscriptions may be required for frequent users, and small fees may apply for certain document copies.

These tools help professionals, homeowners, and researchers access accurate and timely land records, improving transparency in real estate dealings.

How to Obtain Copies of Recorded Documents

Copies of property records can be obtained through multiple channels:

• Online portal: Download digital copies directly from the county’s system.
• Mail request: Order paper copies to be sent to a mailing address.
• In-person: Visit the Register of Deeds office at 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Building 12E, Pontiac, MI.

Available documents include deeds, mortgages, liens, financing statements, and more. As of November 3, 2025, UCC filings are no longer recorded separately and are now treated under land record fees.

Court & Civil Records in Oakland County

Court and civil records in Oakland County provide official documentation of legal proceedings, including civil lawsuits, family law matters, and business-related cases. These records are maintained by the Clerk/Register of Deeds Legal Records Division for the 6th Judicial Circuit Court and offer detailed information about each case.

What Are Court & Civil Records in Oakland County

Court and civil records cover a wide range of legal actions in Oakland County. Civil lawsuits include personal injury claims, contract disputes, and business-related litigation. Domestic or family court matters involve divorce, child custody, and support arrangements. Additionally, the county handles business disputes, civil harassment cases, and other general civil litigation.

These records provide a complete view of a case, including filings, legal motions, and court outcomes. They serve as an official reference for parties, attorneys, researchers, and the public. All records are carefully maintained to reflect accurate case histories and legal actions as filed with the court.

Key types of civil and court records include:

• Civil lawsuits: personal injury, breach of contract, property disputes
• Domestic matters: divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support
• Business-related cases: corporate disputes, contract enforcement
• General civil litigation: injunctions, debt collection, civil harassment

The Legal Records Division ensures all civil records comply with statutory requirements and are properly cataloged for public reference.

How to Search Court & Civil Records Using Court Explorer

Oakland County provides a digital platform called Court Explorer, which allows users to search civil and court records quickly. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Court Explorer displays all relevant information, making it easier to review cases without visiting the courthouse.

Information accessible through Court Explorer includes:

• Docket entries: register of actions documenting each step of the case
• Case parties and attorneys: names of plaintiffs, defendants, and legal representatives
• Case type and filings: detailed description of the legal matter
• Civil case history: motions, hearings, judgments, and final resolutions

Ordering copies of records is straightforward. Users can obtain:

• Regular copies: $1 per page
• Certified copies: $10 per case plus $1 per page
• Online payment service fees may apply for mailed or electronic copies

Documents can be downloaded directly or requested to be mailed, providing flexibility depending on the user’s needs.

eFiling and Case Management Processes

Many civil filings in Oakland County are handled electronically through MiFILE, the county’s eFiling system. This system allows attorneys and parties to submit documents digitally, creating immediate electronic records for civil cases.

Certain cases may have restrictions or additional procedures:

• Cases bound over from the District Court may follow different protocols.
• Sensitive matters, such as juvenile, mental health, or domestic violence cases, may have limited public access.
• Protective orders (PPOs) and specialized filings may require additional steps or authorization for viewing.

The eFiling system ensures that records are accurate, updated in real-time, and accessible in compliance with Michigan law. This provides a secure and efficient method to manage civil litigation documentation.

Criminal Records & Inmate / Arrest Records

Criminal records in Oakland County include detailed information about felony cases, certain misdemeanors, convictions, and sentencing details. These records are publicly accessible through the Court Explorer for the 6th Judicial Circuit Court, though some limitations apply.

What Criminal Records Include

Criminal court records cover felony cases, certain misdemeanors, criminal dockets, sentencing information, and convictions. In Oakland County, these records are maintained as part of the official court system and can be searched via https://courtexplorer.oakgov.com/.

Common elements found in criminal records include:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Charges and case type (felony or misdemeanor)
• Court hearings and docket entries
• Sentencing outcomes and probation details
• Inmate status or arrest history

Limitations: Some records are restricted to protect privacy. These may include:

• Juvenile records
• Personal protection orders (PPOs)
• Mental-health-related records
• Sealed or expunged cases

These restrictions mean not all criminal data is publicly available.

How to Search Criminal Cases

Searching for criminal records in Oakland County is straightforward using Court Explorer. Users can:

1. Visit the Court Explorer website: courtexplorer.oakgov.com
2. Choose case type: Select “Criminal” to filter results
3. Search by name or case number: Enter full or partial names or case numbers
4. Apply filters: Narrow results by year or case status

This process provides quick access to criminal dockets, charge details, and case outcomes.

Obtaining Copies of Criminal Records

Once a record is located, users can order official documents such as the register of actions, court filings, and docket entries. Key points include:

• Fees: The same as civil court documents
• Delivery: Most documents are available by email or mail; certified copies are mailed only
• Purpose: Records retrieved from Court Explorer are intended for personal reference, not for employment background checks

For official background checks, other state or federal resources may be required.

Additional Notes and Resources

Oakland County’s criminal data provides a transparent record of public criminal cases, but must be used responsibly. Using the search tools effectively can provide detailed arrest records, inmate status, and court docket information for personal inquiries. Reliable sources include:

• https://courtexplorer.oakgov.com/
• https://www.oakgov.com/

Probate Records & Other Specialized Courts

Probate records in Oakland County document legal matters related to wills, estates, and guardianships. These records are managed by the county’s probate court and often include conservatorships and estate settlements.

What Are Probate Records?

Probate records serve as official documentation of estate administration. They include wills that outline how property is distributed, estate records detailing the management and inventory of assets, and guardianship documents assigning someone to oversee the personal or financial affairs of minors or incapacitated adults. District Court oversight ensures that these probate matters are legally verified and properly recorded, providing an official channel for disputes or questions about estates. Conservatorship records, closely related to guardianships, focus mainly on financial management. These records can provide clarity on legal authority over an estate, protect the rights of beneficiaries, and confirm court-approved decisions. They are often used by families, attorneys, and financial professionals.

Searching Probate Records in Oakland County

Oakland County offers an online https://www.oakgov.com/courts/probate/pages/default.aspx tool where users can search by name to find current or closed cases. Entering the full legal name of the individual usually yields the best results. For some older records or cases with restricted access, a case number may be required. Not all records are available online. Sensitive cases involving minors, private estates, or certain guardianships may have access restrictions. In such instances, obtaining full copies may require a visit to the probate court or submitting a formal request.

Other Specialized Courts

Beyond probate, Oakland County handles cases in other specialized courts, each with its own types of records and rules for review. Family or domestic courts manage divorces, child custody, support cases, and domestic legal matters. Business or commercial courts handle corporate disputes, contracts, and other business-related claims. Mental health or conservatorship cases sometimes overlap with probate matters and involve oversight of personal affairs. Each court may maintain a separate system for reviewing and ordering records. Some filings are confidential to protect privacy or comply with state laws, meaning only limited information is available publicly. Understanding which court handles a case can make it easier to locate records efficiently.

Vital Records & Life‑Events, Birth, Death, Marriage

Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are official documents maintained by Oakland County that document life’s key events. These records are separate from property, court, or criminal records and are managed by the County Clerk’s Life Events & Services division.

Oakland County’s vital records serve multiple purposes. They provide proof of identity, support genealogical research, and verify personal information for legal or administrative needs. For example, birth certificates confirm identity and age, marriage records document family history, and death certificates are essential for estate settlements or historical research. Many genealogical enthusiasts rely on historical records, some dating back to 1868, to trace family lineage and build family trees.

How to Access Vital Records

Accessing these records differs from general public record searches. Requests often require special forms, identification verification, and applicable fees. The County offers several options for obtaining vital records:

• Online Requests: Certain birth, death, and marriage certificates can be requested through the official website https://www.oakgov.com
• Mail-In Applications: Forms can be submitted with identification copies and payment.
• In-Person Visits: Applicants can visit the Clerk’s office for immediate record requests.

Key Points for Users

• Genealogy & Historical Research: Marriage and death records dating back to 1868 are available for historical inquiries.
• Verification & Identification: Official certificates serve as proof for employment, travel, or legal matters.
• Privacy Compliance: Access is restricted to protect sensitive information, and minors’ records may require additional documentation.

Vital records remain an essential part of Oakland County’s official documents, supporting both current administrative needs and historical research. For anyone performing a public record search or a record lookup, these life-event documents are considered official county records with their own request procedures.

How to Request Records — Practical Steps, Fees

Requesting Oakland County public records is straightforward if you follow the right steps and know which office or portal to contact. Users can access records online, in person, or by mail, and fees vary depending on the type of record requested.

Identify the Record Type

Before submitting a request, determine the exact record needed. Common categories include:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, or probate case files.
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, parcel information.
• Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates.
• Other Public Records: Meeting minutes, resolutions, licenses, or official reports.

Knowing the type of record ensures the request reaches the correct custodian and saves time.

Choose the Appropriate Custodian or Portal

Oakland County provides several official portals depending on the record type:

Selecting the correct portal or custodian helps avoid delays and ensures accurate results.

Gather Required Information

Most requests require key details to locate the record:

• Name of the individual or entity involved
• Case number, parcel ID, or document number
• Dates relevant to the record (e.g., filing date, event date)

Having these details ready streamlines the search process, whether online, in person, or by mail.

Choose a Request Method

Oakland County allows several ways to request records:

• Online Requests: Most modern records can be accessed through portals like Court Explorer or Super Index.
• In-Person Requests: Needed for older, sealed, or certified documents, or when original copies are required.
• Mail Requests: Suitable for certified copies or when online submission is not possible.

Some records may require a FOIA request if they are not publicly available online. Note that court records often follow separate rules and may not be accessible through FOIA.

Pay Applicable Fees

Fees vary by record type and format. Examples include:

Payment can usually be made online, in person, or via check/money order for mail requests.

Timing and Delivery

• Court Explorer Orders: Typically processed within two business days for delivery by mail or email.
• Property Records via Super Index: Instant access for online subscribers.
• In-Person or FOIA Requests: May take longer, especially for older, non-digitized, or unusual records.

Planning ensures the timely receipt of the requested records.

Contact Key Offices

For additional assistance, users can reach the main Oakland County offices:

Calling ahead can confirm availability, fees, and the fastest method for receiving records.

Limitations, Privacy, and Exemptions

Not all Oakland County records are open to the public. Certain documents, such as juvenile cases or sealed court files, have legal protections that restrict access. Courts operate under rules that differ from typical public records laws. Michigan Trial Court Records Management Standards and administrative orders set limits on what can be shared. This means some records are confidential, even if they might seem like public information.

Key court record limitations include:

• Sealed Records: Legal filings or cases sealed by court order, often to protect sensitive information.
• Juvenile Records: Proceedings involving minors are usually closed to protect privacy.
• Mental Health Records: Certain evaluations, commitments, or treatment files are legally protected.
• Family and Protective Orders: Adoption, custody, and restraining orders often include restricted documents.
• Law Enforcement Investigative Files: Active investigations or internal reports may be withheld.

Unlike standard FOIA requests for county records, court records follow their own rules. FOIA limitations mean a request for sealed or protected records may be denied, even if submitted properly. For county-held records outside the court system, FOIA can still be used, but details may be redacted.

If the information needed isn’t readily available, the recommended steps include:

1. Contact the court clerk or county office directly for guidance on specific records.
2. Submit a detailed FOIA request for county-managed documents.
3. Provide exact case names, dates, or reference numbers to improve the likelihood of response.

Keeping privacy and legal restrictions in mind ensures requests comply with Michigan law. Being aware of these public records exemptions helps set realistic expectations and avoid delays.

Location & Office Information

Oakland County public records can be obtained both online and in person at official county offices. The Clerk/Register of Deeds office and Probate Court are the primary locations for accessing a wide range of records.

Clerk / Register of Deeds Office

The Clerk/Register of Deeds office is located at:
1200 N Telegraph Rd, Building 12E, Pontiac, MI 48341

Contact & Office Hours:

• Phone: (248) 858-0550
• Email: clerk@oakgov.com
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Directions & Parking:
The office is in the Pontiac Civic Center complex. Visitor parking is available near the building, and handicap-accessible spaces are provided. Entry is through the main lobby, with signs directing to the Clerk/Register of Deeds offices.

Records Available:
This office handles several official county records, including:

• Property deeds and land records
• Court civil records
• Probate filings
• Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates

Probate Court & Specialized Courts

Probate Court & Family Court are separate offices but are located nearby in Pontiac:

• Probate Court Address: 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Building 14, Pontiac, MI 48341
• Phone: (248) 858-0570
• Family Court Address: 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Building 15, Pontiac, MI 48341
• Phone: (248) 858-0580

Records Accessed In Person:
At Probate and Family Courts, residents can view and request records, including:

• Wills and estate documents
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Family law filings, such as divorce and custody cases

Visiting Requirements:
Visitors must present a valid ID. Some documents may require prior approval or scheduling. Certain sensitive records may only be accessible by legal parties or through formal requests.

Online Portals vs In-Person Access

Oakland County offers multiple online portals for public record research:

• Court Explorer: Civil and criminal case lookups
• Super Index: Comprehensive property and court records
• Vital Records Requests Portal: Birth, death, and marriage records

When to Visit in Person:

• Older records not digitized
• Certified copies of vital documents
• FOIA requests or restricted court filings

FAQ About Public Records

This section answers common questions about obtaining public records in Oakland County, covering property, court, and vital records. Each answer provides practical information for residents, researchers, and legal professionals.

How do I find a property deed in Oakland County?

Property deeds in Oakland County are maintained by the Register of Deeds office, which keeps official records of property ownership. Residents can search records using the property owner’s name or parcel number. Many deeds are available digitally for convenient viewing, and requests for certified copies are accepted for a small fee. Accessing these records helps verify ownership, check property history, and prepare legal documents.

Is there a cost to search county records?

Basic searches for public records in Oakland County are generally free, but obtaining copies or certified documents may involve fees. Online access allows residents to view property, court, and vital records at no charge for simple inquiries. Printed or certified copies usually cost between $1 and $15 per document, depending on the type. Some third-party websites may charge additional convenience fees.

Can I view criminal court records online for free?

Some criminal court records in Oakland County are available for free online through the Clerk of Courts website, which provides access to certain case dockets and judgments. Records related to juvenile cases, sealed cases, or sensitive information are not publicly accessible. Viewing online may require user registration or identity verification to ensure proper access.

What if I need certified copies of court documents?

Certified copies of court documents are available through the Clerk of Courts or the Register of Deeds. Requests can be submitted online or in person, providing details such as the case number or document title. Fees vary based on the type of record requested. Certified copies are recognized for legal, real estate, and official purposes, ensuring documents are formally acknowledged by the county.

How far back do property records go?

Oakland County property records can date back to the 1800s, although availability depends on the type of document. Older records may only exist in physical archives, while modern records are often fully digitized for quick searches. Residents or researchers looking for historical property information may need to visit the county archives or request copies from the Register of Deeds office.