Michigan Public Records Key Terms

Use Michigan public records key terms to find the records you need

Doing a search for public records can often be a daunting task. These types of searches are done for various reasons such as background checks for possible employment, business and professional license validation, birth and death records, criminal convictions, alimony and divorce records, lawsuits and wage garnishments.

What used to be an exhaustive effort of research is now much easier and, in most cases, free. The following types of records are available to the general public.

 

Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS)

All serious misdemeanor and felonies which are punishable by over 93 days are reported to the state information repository by courts, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, and in all Michigan counties. You can search this information in the Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS).
Try: The Michigan Department of Corrections explains what OTIS is and what information it provides.

Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry

The Michigan State Police maintain a public registry of sex offenders, which provides the people of Michigan with an appropriate and comprehensive means of monitoring people who pose a potential threat to the community.
Try: The Michigan State Police provides a detailed overview of the sex offender registry and how to search and utilize it in order to conduct an online inquiry.

Unclaimed property

Unclaimed property refers to a huge amount of lost or forgotten assets from bank accounts, expired safe deposit boxes, stocks and uncashed checks. They are turned over to the Michigan Department of Treasury, which becomes the custodian of these types of assets while they attempt to return them to the rightful owners.
Try: The Michigan Department of Treasury has an extensive amount of detail on types of unclaimed property, how to search for property, and how to claim that property if it is yours.

Unclaimed child support

Child support receivers are required to give their current address and any change of address to the Court. Sometimes addresses are not up to date and when child support funds are received, they are unable to be forwarded to the appropriate recipients. The State holds these unclaimed monies for one year and then sends them to the Department of Treasury's unclaimed property area.
Try: The Michigan.gov website provides information for those who may receive support but may not have claimed it all. It offers an online search for these funds as long as the appropriate information is provided.

Center for Educational Performance and Information

The Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) maintains and reports data regarding Michigan's K-12 public schools including information about students, individual schools, and educational staff and personnel. This data helps to determine the adequate yearly progress, state school aid payments, accreditation, teacher qualifications and graduation/dropout rates.
Try: Visit the Center for Educational Performance and Information website for more information.

Michigan State Bar Association

The State Bar Association helps to promote many different types of administrative improvements in the justice system in Michigan by improving access and education about the legal system and it's function. The Association also makes it's membership a requirement for all attorneys that are licensed to practice law in Michigan and has an active public referral system to assist consumers in finding the right lawyer.
Try: The State Bar of Michigan website has additional information.

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