Michigan Background Checks

Not all Michigan background checks need extensive paperwork and individual permission. Background checks can also be completed online, through a process that utilizes the openness of data in public records.

How Does This Work?

To perform Michigan background checks online, all you need to do is perform a simple search on a website that has aggregated the contents of public records. These websites have taken the legwork out of finding information, by requesting Michigan records and allowing them to be available for search.

Searching public records is legal, simple, and doesn't require any permissions. You can search for anyone you want, whenever you want. You simply need to know their first name, last name, and possibly the city and/or state or residence in order to narrow down the results.

What Information Can Be Found?

Public records have a surprising amount of depth, so you can find information on things like:

  • Criminal histories
  • Marriage licenses
  • Current addresses

    • And much more. Some websites even offer the ability to locate their own personal social media pages.

    Why Search These Records?

    People from all over the country have their own reasons to perform Michigan background checks. Some want to check out a babysitter or house sitter to see if they have a criminal history. Others want to see what is new with an old friend. Still others are hoping to locate an address, or are simply looking for fun in order to see what information is available about the people they know. There are countless reasons that someone may wish to search these records, and any and all reasons are perfectly valid.

    Michigan background checks are now quick and easy thanks to these public records collection websites, and finding out anything you want to know about others is as simple as entering in a name.

    Michigan Criminal Records

    The CJIC (Criminal Justice Information Center) maintains all Michigan criminal records, including history of charges, arrests and convictions of any crimes committed in Michigan. Michigan criminal records information is collected from state prosecutors, courts and law enforcement agencies and then matched with a corresponding record (if it exists) in the CJIC system.

    When a person in Michigan is arrested, police are required to submit fingerprints and arrest information if that person is charged with a serious misdemeanor or felony that will result in a sentence exceeding 92 days. In the instance of committing minor misdemeanor offenses, police are only required to submit fingerprint information after the person is convicted and the fines will total over $100.

    The CJIC can search for Michigan criminal records by name or using fingerprints, although a fingerprint search is only performed under state or federal statute or via executive order. A Michigan criminal record will detail personal descriptions (such as name, date of birth and gender), list any misdemeanor convictions, as well as any felony convictions or arrests.

    Michigan criminal records are considered public information, and since criminal convictions are also publicly available, anyone may request a criminal background search. Usually, employers will request Michigan criminal records prior to hiring a candidate, but should be aware that all Michigan criminal records don’t guarantee a positive match since identifying information can be falsified. In addition, if a search comes back with no results, this also does not guarantee that the individual does not have a criminal record in another state or under an alias.

    To request criminal records by mail do the following:

    For additional information on obtaining Michigan criminal records, please contact the office at the address or phone number below:

    Michigan Department of State Police
    Criminal Justice Information Center
    Freedom of Information Unit
    106 W. Allegan St.
    Lansing, MI 48933
    (517) 332-2521

    Resource Links
    Michigan Criminal History Records
    Request Form

    Michigan Court Records

    Michigan court records can be located through varying identifiers, such as docket sheets, party names involved in court cases, and attorney case lists. If you only know part of the information, you can search for a certain docket via attorney name and vice versa. The search option online allow you to search closed cases for information as well.

    If you need additional information, any of the district clerk’s offices can help conduct a personalized search. However, if you know definitively the district that held the case in which you are interested in researching, directly contacting that clerk’s office directly is advised.

    To search for court records online do the following:

    For additional information on obtaining Michigan court records, please contact the clerk’s office below, and they will direct you to the correct clerk’s office if necessary:

    District IV Lansing
    Hall of Justice
    925 W. Ottawa St.
    P.O. Box 30022
    Lansing, MI 48909
    (517) 373-0786

    Resource Links
    Michigan Case Inquiry Search Tips

    Michigan Jail Records

    Michigan jail records are available online through OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System) and are available to the public. There are over 300,000 inmates, parolees and probationers in OTIS. If the Michigan jail record you seek involves an offender not yet sentenced or serving in jails (versus a prison), that offender will not be in OTIS. Michigan law requires OTIS to maintain inmate records for three years following his release, and thus, you can locate Michigan jail records of a prisoner previously serving time but now released.

    Michigan also operates the MCVNN (Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network), which gives registered crime victims automated telephone notifications if an inmate is released. Telephone notifications are also made if an inmate escapes, is released on bond, or is discharged by court order. The public may also call the MCVNN phone number for information regarding an inmate’s status.

    To search for jail records online do the following:

    For additional information on locating Michigan jail records, please contact the Michigan Department of Corrections at the address or phone number below:

    Michigan Department of Corrections
    206 E. Michigan Ave.
    Grandview Plaza
    PO Box 30003
    Lansing, MI 48909
    (517) 335-1426

    MCVNN Hotline
    (800) 770-7657

    Resource Links
    Michigan Tracking Information System

    Michigan Driving Records

    Obtaining your personal Michigan driving record is as simple as filling out a form and paying the $7 fee unless you inquire in person at your local Secretary of State branch office, in which case the fee is $8. Your Michigan driving record will include any speeding tickets, violations and accidents, even if you weren’t at fault.

    When you request your Michigan driving record, you will need to provide your Michigan driver’s license number, full name and date of birth. You can also obtain vehicle records, such as title record or recreational vehicle record, you will need to provide the license plate, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or registration number.

    For additional information on obtaining Michigan driving records, please contact the office at the address or phone number below:

    Michigan Department of State
    Record Lookup Unit
    7064 Crowner Drive
    Lansing, MI 48918
    (517) 322-1624

    Resource Links
    Michigan Driving Record Information
    Request Form

    Additional Resources

    Michigan Sexual Offender Registry
    Michigan Attorney General