The Michigan registrar is the county official who records documents that create or change property rights, business ownership, and vital records

Michigan has two types of registrars, and which one you contact depends on what you need recorded. The county register of deeds records property documents—deeds, mortgages, liens, easements—and maintains the chain of ownership for real estate. The county clerk records vital records (births, deaths, marriages) and business filings (articles of incorporation, assumed names, UCC statements). Both are elected county officials, and both offices are required by Michigan law to keep these records public and searchable.

You do not need to visit in person for most transactions. Many Michigan counties now accept documents by mail, email, or through online portals. Fees vary by county and by document type—a deed recording typically costs $15 to $30, while a vital record copy costs $10 to $25. The registrar's office is also where you go to search existing records if you need to verify ownership, check for liens, or obtain a certified copy of a birth or marriage certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • The county register of deeds handles property documents and ownership records; the county clerk handles vital records and business filings.
  • Most Michigan counties accept document submissions by mail or email, so you can record a deed or file paperwork without visiting the office.
  • Recording fees are set by each county and typically range from $15 to $30 for property documents and $10 to $25 for vital record copies.
  • All recorded documents are public record and searchable through the county registrar's office or online databases maintained by the county.
  • If you need a certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate, you request it from the county clerk where the event was recorded, not where you live.

Register of Deeds vs. County Clerk: Which One You Need

The register of deeds is the office for anything involving real property. If you are buying a house, the deed goes to the register of deeds. If you take out a mortgage, the lender records a mortgage document there. If someone places a lien on your property (for unpaid taxes, contractor work, or a judgment), that lien is recorded with the register of deeds. If you want to search whether a property has liens or to see the full ownership history, you search the register of deeds records.

The county clerk handles vital records and business filings. You go to the county clerk to request a certified copy of a birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage license. You also file business documents there—articles of incorporation for an LLC or corporation, assumed name certificates (also called DBAs), and UCC financing statements (used when someone borrows money and pledges personal property as collateral). Some counties combine these offices into one building, but the records are kept separate and searched separately.

If you are unsure which office handles your document, call the county courthouse and ask for the register of deeds or county clerk by name. Both offices maintain websites listing their hours, fees, and submission methods.

How to Record a Document in Michigan

To record a document with the register of deeds, you need the original document (or a certified copy), the correct fee, and a cover sheet. Michigan does not require a standard cover sheet, but many counties provide one on their website. The document itself must be legible, on white paper, and meet basic formatting rules—margins at least one inch, text at least 10-point font, and the first page must include a space for the register's stamp.

You can submit documents by mail, email, or in person, depending on the county. Some counties accept email submissions and process them within one to three business days. Others require in-person filing or mail submission. A few larger counties (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb) offer online filing systems where you upload the document and pay the fee electronically. Check your county register of deeds website for the current method and any additional requirements.

After the document is recorded, the register of deeds stamps it with the recording date and number, then returns it to you (if you submitted the original) or keeps it on file (if you submitted a copy). The recording date is the official date of the transaction for legal purposes, so timing matters if you are closing on a property or need the document recorded before a important date.

Searching Michigan Property Records and Vital Records

Most Michigan counties maintain searchable online databases of recorded property documents. You can search by property address, owner name, or document number without paying a fee. These databases are usually accessible through the county website or through a third-party service the county contracts with. Some counties use the same vendor statewide, while others use different systems, so the search interface varies.

If you cannot find what you need online, you can request a certified copy or a title search from the register of deeds office. A certified copy costs $1 to $2 per page plus a search fee (typically $5 to $10). A title search—a document showing the full chain of ownership and any liens—costs more (usually $25 to $50) but is often worth it if you are buying property or need to prove clear ownership.

For vital records, you search through the county clerk's office. Most counties do not offer online searches for vital records for privacy reasons. You request a certified copy by mail, email, or in person, providing the person's name, date of birth or death, and the year the event occurred. Processing times range from same-day (if you visit in person) to two weeks (if you mail the request).

Recording Fees and Processing Times by County

Michigan law allows each county to set its own recording fees within a range set by the state. Property document recording fees typically range from $15 to $30 per document, depending on the number of pages and the county. Vital record copies cost $10 to $25 per certified copy. Some counties charge extra for rush processing or for documents that are longer than a standard page.

Processing times depend on the submission method and the county's workload. Documents submitted in person are often recorded the same day. Mail submissions typically take three to five business days. Email submissions, where accepted, usually take one to three business days. During high-volume periods (end of month, tax season), processing may take longer. If you have a important date, call the register of deeds office to ask about current wait times before you submit.

Most Michigan counties accept payment by check, money order, or credit card (if submitting online or by email). Some accept cash if you visit in person. Always include the fee with your submission—documents without payment are typically held until the fee arrives.

When You Need a Certified Copy vs. a Regular Copy

A certified copy is a photocopy of the recorded document stamped and signed by the registrar, stating that it is a true and accurate copy of the original on file. Banks, title companies, courts, and government agencies usually require a certified copy because it proves the document was officially recorded and has not been altered. A certified copy costs more than a regular copy (typically $1 to $2 per page plus a search fee) but is necessary for most legal and financial transactions.

A regular copy is a photocopy without the registrar's certification. You can use a regular copy for your own records or for informal reference, but it has no legal weight. If you are buying a house, refinancing a mortgage, or proving ownership in a dispute, you need a certified copy. If you just want to see what a document says, a regular copy is fine and may be cheaper or free if you search the online database and print it yourself.

For vital records, the distinction is even sharper. A certified vital record is the only version accepted by schools, employers, government agencies, and passport offices. A regular copy is not accepted for these purposes. Always request a certified copy when you order a birth, death, or marriage certificate, unless you are certain you only need it for your own reference.

Finding Your County Registrar's Office and Contact Information

Each of Michigan's 83 counties has a register of deeds and a county clerk. To find the correct office, search "[your county name] register of deeds" or "[your county name] county clerk" online. The county website will list the office address, phone number, hours, and often a link to the online record search or submission portal.

If you do not know which county to contact, use the property address (for deeds and liens) or the location where the vital event occurred (for birth, death, or marriage records). For example, if you are buying a house in Washtenaw County, you contact the Washtenaw County Register of Deeds. If you need a birth certificate for someone born in Wayne County, you contact the Wayne County Clerk.

Many counties now offer email submission and online portals, which can be faster and more convenient than mailing documents or visiting in person. Check the county website for the current submission methods and any special instructions for your document type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I record a document online in Michigan?

Some Michigan counties offer online filing systems where you upload the document and pay the fee electronically. Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties have these systems. Smaller counties may accept email submissions instead. Check your county register of deeds website for the current options.

How long does it take to record a deed in Michigan?

In-person submissions are often recorded the same day. Mail submissions typically take three to five business days. Email submissions, where accepted, usually take one to three business days. Call the register of deeds office if you have a important date and want to confirm current processing times.

What if I need a certified copy of a birth certificate but do not know which county to contact?

Contact the county clerk where the person was born. If you do not know the county, call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services vital records unit at 517-335-8656, and they can tell you which county has the record on file.

Do I need a lawyer to record a deed in Michigan?

No. You can record a deed yourself by submitting it to the register of deeds with the correct fee. However, a lawyer or title company can handle the filing for you if you prefer. Most real estate transactions include title company services that handle recording as part of the closing process.

Can I search Michigan property records for free?

Yes. Most Michigan counties maintain free online databases where you can search recorded property documents by address, owner name, or document number. Certified copies and title searches cost a fee, but the basic search is free.