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How to Find Public Records in Clare County in 2026
ClareRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Clare County, Michigan. Members of the public seeking court filings, property documents, vital records, or other official documents may locate those materials through a combination of online portals, in-person visits to county offices, and written requests submitted to the appropriate custodian. The availability and completeness of any given record depends on the record type, the custodian agency, and applicable state law.
Record categories that may be accessible through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and fictitious name registrations
- Property tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Online Access: Members of the public may search court case information through the MiCOURT case search portal, which provides online access to case records from Clare Circuit Court, Clare Juvenile Division, and Clare Probate Court. No registration is required to conduct a basic case search. Property records maintained by the Clare County Register of Deeds are accessible through the county's online land records system. The Michigan Courts case search tool also provides access to opinions and orders issued by Michigan courts.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Clare County Clerk's Office at 255 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should identify the record type, provide relevant identifying information such as names and dates, and submit a written or verbal request to the clerk on duty.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Clare County Clerk at P.O. Box 438, Harrison, MI 48625. Requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.235, a public body must respond to a written FOIA request within five business days of receipt, with a possible extension of up to ten additional business days.
Phone/Email: The Clare County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at 989-539-7131. Requestors are advised to confirm email availability directly with the office, as electronic submission procedures may vary by record type.
What Are Public Records in Clare County?
Public records in Clare County are defined by Michigan state law as any writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.232, a "public record" includes handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostating, photographing, photocopying, and every other means of recording, including electronic data.
The following record types are currently maintained by Clare County agencies:
| Record Type | Custodian Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Clare County Circuit Court |
| Probate and estate records | Clare County Probate Court |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Clare County Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Clare County Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | Clare County Clerk / City of Clare |
| Property tax and assessment records | Clare County Treasurer / Equalization |
| Voting and election records | Clare County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Clare County Board of Commissioners |
| Law enforcement records | Clare County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Clare County Planning and Zoning |
Property deed and mortgage records are filed with the Clare County Register of Deeds, located at 255 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625. Court records from the Clare Circuit Court, Clare Juvenile Division, and Clare Probate Court are searchable through the Michigan Courts online system. Municipal records for the City of Clare are maintained by the City of Clare, which provides a full range of municipal services to residents and the public.
Is Clare County an Open Records County?
Clare County operates in full compliance with Michigan's statewide open records framework. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., all public bodies in the state, including county agencies, are required to disclose public records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The Act establishes 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."
Clare County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the Michigan FOIA governs all public records requests submitted to county departments, the circuit court, the register of deeds, and other public bodies operating within the county. The Michigan Attorney General's office provides guidance on FOIA compliance applicable to all Michigan counties. Public bodies must designate a FOIA Coordinator responsible for receiving and processing requests, and each department within Clare County maintains its own coordinator for that purpose.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Clare County?
The fee structure for public records in Clare County is governed by the Michigan FOIA and the individual fee schedules adopted by each public body. Under MCL § 15.234, a public body may charge a fee for providing copies of public records, but that fee may not exceed the actual cost of duplication.
Standard fees currently applicable to Clare County public records requests include:
- Paper copies: $0.10 per page (standard 8.5" x 11" black-and-white)
- Certification of records: Fees vary by office; the Register of Deeds charges a standard certification fee per document
- Electronic format: Fees reflect the actual cost of the electronic medium used
- Search and labor fees: A public body may charge for the labor cost of searching, examining, reviewing, and separating exempt from non-exempt material, calculated at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task
- Inspection fees: No fee may be charged for in-person inspection of public records
Accepted payment methods at Clare County offices include cash, check, and money order made payable to the appropriate county department. Fee waivers are available under MCL § 15.234(4) when the requester demonstrates that the public interest in disclosure substantially outweighs any private interest and that the information is not sought primarily for personal or commercial benefit.
Does Clare County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Clare County offices during regular business hours. Michigan law does not permit a public body to charge a fee for the in-person inspection of records; members of the public may review documents on-site at no cost. Charges apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.
Several categories of records are accessible at no cost through official online platforms:
- Court case information is searchable at no charge through the Michigan Courts case search system, which covers Clare Circuit Court, Clare Juvenile Division, and Clare Probate Court
- Basic case status and docket information is available through the MiCOURT online portal without registration or fees
- Property record indexes maintained by the Clare County Register of Deeds may be reviewed in person at the office without charge
- Meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents posted to county and municipal websites are available to the public at no cost
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing a record in person carries no fee, obtaining a physical or electronic copy is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Clare County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Clare County. Michigan's FOIA does not restrict access to residents of the state; non-residents retain the same right to request public records as Michigan residents. Under MCL § 15.232, a "person" is defined broadly to include individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, associations, governmental entities, and other legal entities.
Requestors are not required to:
- Provide proof of Michigan residency
- State the purpose of the request
- Justify their need for the records
Identification may be requested by the public body in limited circumstances, such as when the requestor seeks records that contain personal information about themselves. Persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities are currently excluded from FOIA rights under Michigan law. Certain record types, such as law enforcement investigative records or records containing personal identifying information, may require the requestor to demonstrate a qualifying interest or legal standing before access is granted.
What Records Are Confidential in Clare County?
Not all records maintained by Clare County agencies are subject to public disclosure. Michigan's FOIA enumerates specific categories of exempt records under MCL § 15.243, which permits or requires public bodies to withhold certain information from disclosure. Exempt and confidential record categories include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order are not accessible to the general public
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Michigan's Juvenile Code
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in connection with an active investigation are exempt to the extent that disclosure would interfere with the investigation
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from disclosure
- Medical records: Health information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed under Michigan law
- Child protective services records: Records maintained by child welfare agencies are confidential
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for public officials' performance records
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to a public body in confidence is protected
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Records that could endanger public safety if disclosed are withheld
When a public body withholds a record or portion of a record, it must provide a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption relied upon. Michigan courts apply a balancing test in certain circumstances to determine whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest in confidentiality.
Clare County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Clare County Register of Deeds
255 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: 989-539-7131
Fax: 989-539-6616
Clare County Register of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Clare County Clerk's Office
255 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: 989-539-7131
Clare County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Clare Circuit Court
255 W. Main Street
Harrison, MI 48625
Phone: 989-539-7109
Clare Circuit Court – Michigan Courts
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
City of Clare – Municipal Offices
202 W. Fifth Street
Clare, MI 48617
Phone: 989-386-7541
City of Clare
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
As noted by the Michigan Supreme Court, "the Michigan Supreme Court is providing the information on this website as a public service," and users are advised that online case information does not replace the official record on file with the court. Members of the public requiring certified copies or official documentation must obtain those materials directly from the appropriate custodian office.