Saginaw County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Saginaw County?
Public records in Saginaw County are defined as documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data processing records, and other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that have been created or received by Saginaw County in connection with the transaction of public business, pursuant to Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Act 442 of 1976, § 2(e).
Saginaw County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records that are available to citizens upon request. These records include:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, and probate cases from the Circuit Court and District Court
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, land contracts, and property assessments
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and assumed name certificates
- Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax rolls
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: County Commission meetings, board proceedings, and committee reports
- Budget and Financial Documents: Annual budgets, financial statements, and audit reports
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted by law)
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Zoning maps, permits, and planning documents
The Saginaw County Clerk's Office maintains vital records, Circuit Court records, and election records. Property records are maintained by the Register of Deeds, while tax records are kept by the Treasurer's Office. Court records are maintained by their respective courts, and law enforcement records are held by the Sheriff's Office and local police departments.
Is Saginaw County an Open Records County?
Saginaw County fully complies with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231-15.246, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under § 3(1) of this Act, "a person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of the requested public record of a public body."
The Michigan FOIA statute explicitly states in § 1(2) that: "It is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, 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, consistent with this act."
Saginaw County has established specific FOIA request procedures in accordance with state law. The county has designated FOIA coordinators in various departments to process requests and ensure compliance with statutory timelines.
Additionally, Saginaw County adheres to Michigan's Open Meetings Act (OMA), which requires that most meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with proper notice given, and minutes kept of all meetings. This commitment to transparency ensures citizens have access to both the records and proceedings of their local government.
How to Find Public Records in Saginaw County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Saginaw 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 official website. Citizens may search for court case information through the Michigan Courts Case Search system. Property information is accessible through the county's GIS Authority Search portal.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records in person:
- For vital records and Circuit Court records, visit the County Clerk's Office
- For property records, visit the Register of Deeds
- For tax information, visit the Treasurer's Office
- For court records, visit the specific court where the case was filed
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Written Requests: Submit a written FOIA request to the appropriate department. The county provides a standardized FOIA request form on its website. Written requests must include:
- Requestor's complete name, address, and contact information
- A detailed description of the records sought
- Statement of how the requestor wishes to receive the records (mail, email, in-person inspection)
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Electronic Requests: Submit FOIA requests via email to the designated FOIA coordinator for the department that maintains the records being sought.
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Criminal History Records: For background checks and criminal history information, utilize the Michigan State Police's ICHAT system (Internet Criminal History Access Tool).
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Vital Records Research: For birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, contact the County Clerk's Vital Records Division or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office for older records.
The county is required by law to respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended by an additional 10 business days if necessary. For complex requests, the county may provide a detailed fee estimate before proceeding with the request.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Saginaw County?
Saginaw County assesses fees for public records in accordance with § 4 of Michigan's FOIA, which permits charging actual costs for search, examination, review, and the deletion and separation of exempt from nonexempt information. Current fees for public records in Saginaw County include:
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Photocopies: $1.00 per page for standard letter/legal size documents
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Certified Copies: $10.00 certification fee plus copy costs
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Circuit Court Records: $1.00 per page plus a $10.00 certification fee if required
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Vital Records:
- 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: $15.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Divorce Decrees: $15.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
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Staff Time: For FOIA requests requiring extensive search or review, the county may charge the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work, calculated in 15-minute increments
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Electronic Records: Actual cost of necessary media (USB drives, CDs, etc.)
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Mailing Costs: Actual cost of mailing records in a reasonably economical manner
Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit card (for certain departments). Checks and money orders should be made payable to "Saginaw County."
Under FOIA § 4(2), the county may require a good-faith deposit of up to 50% of the estimated fee for requests expected to exceed $50.00. Fee waivers or reductions may be available if the request is determined to be in the public interest or for indigent requestors who submit an affidavit stating they are receiving public assistance.
Does Saginaw County Have Free Public Records?
Saginaw County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:
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In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to Michigan's FOIA § 3(1), individuals have the right to inspect public records at no charge during normal business hours. The county cannot charge for the inspection of records, though fees may apply if copies are requested.
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Online Resources: The following records are available at no cost through online portals:
- Court case information through the Michigan Courts Case Search system
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Election results and voter information (excluding confidential voter data)
- Property tax and assessment information through the GIS Authority Search
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the County Clerk's Office, Register of Deeds, and county libraries for searching certain public records at no charge.
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Public Interest Waiver: Under FOIA § 4(2), the county may waive or reduce fees if it determines that a waiver or reduction of the fee is in the public interest because searching for or furnishing copies of the public record can be considered as primarily benefiting the general public.
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Indigent Requestor Waiver: The first $20.00 of the fee must be waived for individuals who submit an affidavit stating they are indigent and receiving public assistance or can demonstrate facts showing inability to pay due to indigency.
It should be noted that while inspection is free, standard fees apply for obtaining physical or certified copies of records, as outlined in the fee schedule section above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Saginaw County?
Under Michigan's FOIA § 3(1), "a person" has the right to inspect, copy, or receive copies of public records, with certain exceptions:
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Michigan Residents: Any Michigan resident may request public records without stating a purpose or justifying the request. The law defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, firms, organizations, associations, governmental entities, or other legal entities.
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Non-Michigan Residents: While the Michigan FOIA does not explicitly restrict requests to state residents, some jurisdictions may interpret the law differently. In practice, Saginaw County generally processes requests regardless of residency status.
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Incarcerated Persons: Under § 1(2) of Michigan's FOIA, persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities are specifically excluded from the right to make FOIA requests.
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Identification Requirements: For certain records, particularly vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and some court records, requestors must provide proper identification and may need to demonstrate a direct interest in the record. For example:
- Birth certificates may be requested only by the person named on the certificate, their parent, legal guardian, or legal representative
- Death certificates may be requested by family members or those who can demonstrate a need for the record
- Marriage and divorce records have similar restrictions
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Commercial Purposes: While requests for commercial purposes are permitted, the county may consider the nature of the request when determining fee waivers.
Requestors are not generally required to state the purpose of their request, except where specifically required by law for restricted records. However, providing a clear purpose may help expedite the processing of complex requests.
What Records Are Confidential in Saginaw County?
Certain records in Saginaw County are exempt from disclosure under § 13 of Michigan's FOIA. These exemptions include:
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Personal Privacy Information: Information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical records protected under HIPAA
- Home addresses and telephone numbers of law enforcement officers, judges, and other officials
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Law Enforcement Records: Information that would:
- Interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Disclose the identity of a confidential source
- Disclose law enforcement investigative techniques
- Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
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Juvenile Records: Court records for individuals under 17 years of age, except as specifically authorized by the juvenile code
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Child Protective Services Records: Reports and information regarding child abuse or neglect investigations
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Sealed Court Records: Records that have been sealed by court order
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Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and related documents
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Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Communications between the county and its attorneys
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Deliberative Process Materials: Notes, drafts, and other materials reflecting pre-decisional deliberations
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Trade Secrets and Commercial Information: Confidential commercial or financial information provided to the county
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Security Measures: Information that would disclose security measures or emergency response plans
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Examination Materials: Test questions and scoring keys for employment or academic examinations
When 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, as required by § 14 of Michigan's FOIA.
Saginaw County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Saginaw County Clerk's Office
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5251
Saginaw County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Saginaw County Register of Deeds
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5270
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Saginaw County Circuit Court Records Office
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5540
Circuit Court Records
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Saginaw County Treasurer's Office
111 S. Michigan Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48602
(989) 790-5225
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays