How to Search Michigan Recorded Documents (Start Here)

Recorded documents in Michigan — deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other land records — are filed with the Register of Deeds in each county.

What this page covers: Michigan recorded document searches — deeds, mortgages, assignments, liens, plats, and other instruments filed in the public land records. What it does not cover: Property valuations or tax data (those are on the Property Records page).

Where to start: Go to the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Many county register of deeds offer online document search by grantor/grantee name, book/page, or instrument number.

Common mistake: Recorded documents show what was filed — they do not confirm current ownership or lien status without a full title search. A deed in the index does not mean it is the most recent transfer.

Recorder of deeds
Clerk/Register of Deeds | Oakland County, MI
UCC-1 filings
Uniform Commercial Code
Statewide deed index?
All images of land records dating back to 1831 are available to search
Recording statute
MCL - Section 750.539c - Michigan Legislature
Legal system
Same-sex couples that have entered
Number of counties
83 counties
Population
10,140,459
Households
4,023,700
Median Income
$68,505
Median Home Value
$199,100
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Michigan recorded documents URL verified against the official state publisher at www.michigan.gov on the review date. 6 primary .gov sources cited below.

Michigan Recorded Documents — Key Facts (2026)

Deeds, mortgages, UCC filings, liens, military discharges in Michigan — what gets recorded and where in 2026.
County
Where deeds live
Permanent record
SoS
Where UCC live
Secretary of State
Article 9
UCC governs
Secured transactions
Public
Most recorded docs
With redaction
Federal
DD-214 / IRS liens
National-level
Common recorded document types — typical volume
Deeds
100
Mortgages
95
Liens (property)
70
UCC (business)
55
Powers of attorney
25
Military DD-214
10
Unit: relative volume (deeds=100).

What Changed in 2026 — Michigan Recorded Documents

2026
Michigan recorded documents portal active
The official Michigan portal at www.michigan.gov continues to serve as the canonical entry point for recorded documents in 2026.
2026
Latest federal complement for recorded documents
The NASS UCC Filings overview at www.nass.org provides federal-level context that complements Michigan state records.
2026
Michigan access in 2026
For 2026, Michigan continues to publish recorded documents information through state-authorized portals; check www.michigan.gov for current fees and processing times.
2026
Federal records framework refresh
Federal record types (federal liens, federal land, federal vital statistics) continue to live OUTSIDE Michigan's state portal — see the Primary Sources below for additional official portals.

The 5-Type Michigan Recorded Documents Map

1
Type 1 — Real property (Deeds, Mortgages)
Michigan County Recorder / Register of Deeds. Permanent record.
2
Type 2 — UCC (business collateral)
Most filed with Michigan Secretary of State. Some real-estate UCCs are county.
3
Type 3 — Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
Property liens at the county. IRS federal tax liens may file at county OR state.
4
Type 4 — Personal documents (POA, military DD-214)
Often optional county recording in Michigan for safekeeping. Originals at federal NPRC.
5
Type 5 — Maps & subdivisions
Michigan county recorder; some at state mapping office.

Five Things People Get Wrong About Michigan Recorded Documents

❌ Myth: "All UCC filings are at the Michigan county."
✓ Truth: False. Most UCC filings (Article 9) are at the Michigan Secretary of State, not county.
❌ Myth: "All liens show up in a deed search."
✓ Truth: False. Federal tax liens may file at county OR state. Judgment liens vary. Always cross-check.
❌ Myth: "Recording a deed transfers title."
✓ Truth: False. The deed transfers title when delivered. Recording gives public notice — important but different.
❌ Myth: "DD-214 is only federal."
✓ Truth: Partially false. The original is federal (NPRC), but many veterans record a copy at their Michigan county for easy access.
❌ Myth: "Old Michigan recorded docs are fully digitized."
✓ Truth: False. Most Michigan counties only digitized records back to ~1990-2000. Older docs are paper at the courthouse.

Primary Sources and Official Record Portals

Related Recorded Documents Resources

Related Public Records
National view of this topic: All states: Recorded docs
Sample Michigan counties: Alcona · Alger · Allegan · Alpena · Antrim

Recorded Documents Databases

61 official Michigan recorded documents sources.

Court Records Criminal Records Wants & Warrants Vital Records Voter Records Licenses Recorded Documents Property Records

Recorded Documents

Register of Deeds - Arenac County, Michigan
Official Free
Search Historical Deed Records Prior 1992 This service provides the ability to search the historical index books in the same manner you would use them in our office. Records from deed book 1 thru 214 are available for viewing and printing. You will need to create a user account in RECORDhub.com Then choose a subscription plan offered by Arenac County that fits your needs.
🌐 arenaccountymi.gov
Benzie County Treasurer
Official Free
Process Board of Review changes, Michigan Tax Tribunal changes, Department of Treasury changes, and PRE Denials for prior tax years and issues tax refunds when necessary. Issues dog licenses: Please enter 4 zeros for the license number to search for your account. Renew online at https://app.midoglicense.org/benzie · Manages deposits and investments for all County money transmitted by all Departments, Health Dept, Road Commission, and The Maples.
🌐 benzieco.gov
BerrienDeeds
Official Free
This site will not function properly if IE Compatibility Mode is enabled. Please disable Compatibility Mode and refresh the page. If you do not know how to disable Compatibility Mode please submit a ticket to our support team and they will be happy to assist you. Technical Data:
🌐 regofdeeds.berriencounty.org
Cass County - Disclaimer
Official Free
Search documents recorded: November 1, 1988 thru April 6, 2026 · Cookies are required to use this site. Please enable cookies before continuing
🌐 index.casscountymi.org
Chippewacountymi
Official Free
Chippewacountymi — rod.chippewacountymi.gov.
🌐 rod.chippewacountymi.gov
Recording Requirements | Clinton County, MI
Official Free
Instruments shall not purport to evidence more than 1 recordable event. MCLA 565.201(3). The type on the form must be printed in black ink; type size at least 10 point. MCLA 565.201 (1)(f)(iii)(iv) The paper on which the document is printed must be white and not less than 20-pound weight.
🌐 clinton-county.org
Crawford County Michigan Online Services
Official Free
Crawford County, Michigan · 200 W Michigan Ave · Grayling, MI 49738 · 989-348-2841 · Interactive GIS Maps · Property Search · Land Records · Employment Opportunities · Concealed Weapons Permit · Application for Notary · Application to Marry · County Dashboard ·
🌐 crawfordco.org
Register of Deeds | Emmet County, MI
Official Free
The only documents recorded are those meeting the recording requirements set by the Michigan Legislature. The office cannot determine legal sufficiency or intent of any document offered for recording. The Register of Deeds also serves as Chairman of the County Plat Board that reviews and approves all new subdivisions within the County.
🌐 emmetcounty.org
County Clerk & Register of Deeds
Official Free
The recording of your document in this office, does not make your document legal. It makes your document public. The Genesee County Register of Deeds’ duty is to record and index into a searchable database and to preserve these records and their integrity in a timely manner.
🌐 geneseecountymi.gov
Grand Traverse County, MI | Official Website
Official Free
If you’ve ever visited Grand Traverse County, you know it’s a special place. Many of us have chosen to live and work here because of the unique balance of natural beauty in the region coupled with the modern conveniences that come with being the largest county in Northern Michigan.
🌐 gtcountymi.gov
Register of Deeds
Official Free
A free tool to alert you to possible property fraud is available for Hillsdale County Landowners from the Register of Deed's Office. In addition to statutes that are in place to protect Michigan residents, you may also utilize the Property Alert service.
🌐 hillsdalecounty.gov
Departments | huroncounty
Official Free
Bad Axe, Michigan 48413 · Phone: (989) 269-9545 Fax: (989) 269-0009 · foc · 1142 S. Van Dyke Rd · Bad Axe, MI 48413 · Phone: (989) 269-9721 Fax: (989) 269-4181 · hchd · Huron County Land Bank · Huron County Treasurer's Office · 250 E Huron Avenue · Room# 204 · Bad Axe, Michigan 48413 ·
🌐 co.huron.mi.us
Ingham County - Register of Deeds
Official Free
Vault hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please contact us at 517-676-7216 to schedule an appointment to search in the vault. Derrick Quinney, Register of Deeds · Derrick Quinney Ingham County Register of Deeds (517) 676-7216 · The first Constitution of the State of Michigan.
🌐 rd.ingham.org
Official Record Search - Quick Search - Isabella County, MI ...
Official Free
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🌐 isabella.mi.publicsearch.us
Tompkins
Official Free
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🌐 countyfusion3.kofiletech.us
Kofiletech
Official Free
Search the Calhoun County, Michigan Clerk and Register of Deeds database for recorded documents (deeds, liens, mortgages, etc.) Fee for document copies.
🌐 countyfusion7.kofiletech.us
The following Indiana county and city/town courts are a part ...
Official Free
Indiana Michigan · Searching · All Doxpop Counties · Adams County, IN · Allen County, IN · Bartholomew County, IN · Benton County, IN · Blackford County, IN · Boone County, IN · Brown County, IN · Carroll County, IN · Cass County, IN · Clark County, IN ·
🌐 doxpop.com
Oscoda County
Official Free
Oscoda County is known for its natural beauty, friendly people and strong community spirit. Located within the Huron National Forest, deep in the heart of the AuSable River Valley, our location is excellent for both tourism and business. Life here is simple and good!
🌐 oscodacountymi.com
Livingston County, Michigan Deeds Search
Official Free
There is no charge to search the Register of Deeds index database. There is a charge of $1.00/page plus a convenience fee to view, print or save documents. To view the convenience fee schedule, You will be purchasing a copy of the records on file with the Livingston County Register.
🌐 livingstonlive.livgov.com
Menominee County | Departments » Clerk
Official Free
Administers elections; orders and proofs ballots; produces vote totals reports and certifications; oversees voter registration in conjunction with the State of Michigan; produces voter books; trains precinct workers for elections. Oversees the filing/recording of all vital statistics including birth, death, and marriage records; prepares certified records and copies. Issues marriage licenses and processes exemptions. Acts as Clerk for County Board meetings, Gun Board, Election Commission; Special Election Scheduling Committee and Board of Canvassers.
🌐 menomineecounty.com
Midland County - kofiletech.us
Official Free
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🌐 countyfusion14.kofiletech.us
Kennebec - Morristown - kofiletech.us
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🌐 countyfusion3.kofiletech.us
Oakland County, MI | Home
Official Free
Sustainability encompasses so much of what makes Oakland County the place where nearly 1.3 million people choose to call home: Livable and safe neighborhoods; Clean Drinking Water; Hundreds of pristine parks and lakes; and the policies and programs that will help protect our environment for generations.
🌐 oakgov.com
Eaton
Official Free
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🌐 countyfusion3.kofiletech.us
Q: What does the Purchase Property Report button do?
Official Free
A: This button allows you to purchase a report on the property relating to the document you are viewing. This report includes additional information often not on the document like square footage, acreage, building details, tax and assessment info, neighborhood details and more.
🌐 tapestry.fidlar.com
Shiawassee
Official Free
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🌐 countyfusion2.kofiletech.us
About | Iosco County, MI
Official Free
Iosco County is located in the northeast quarter of the lower peninsula of Michigan in the heart of Lake Huron’s “Sunrise Side.” Iosco County covers an area of 361,837, acres or about 565 square miles. Large portions of the county are forested and/or held in public ownership as national.
🌐 iosco.net
Oakland: Super Index
Official Free
Oakland Super Index
🌐 ocmideeds.com
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Official Free
Kalkaska County Register of Deeds recorded documents from May 1992 to present.
🌐 countyfusion8.kofiletech.us
RouttCO
Official Free
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🌐 countyfusion2.kofiletech.us
Gratiot County Dashboard | Gratiot County, MI
Official Free
2015 Gratiot County Consolidation Plan (PDF) Annual Actuarial Valuation Report MERS of Michigan December 31, 2018 (PDF) Gratiot County Financial Plan for Pension Bond (PDF) Wind Turbine Revenue Presentation (PDF) Government Websites by CivicPlus® · Loading · Do Not Show Again Close ·
🌐 gratiotmi.com
MI - Iron County
Official Free
MI - Iron County — www.ironcountyrecords.com.
🌐 ironcountyrecords.com
Register of Deeds - Gladwin County
Official Free
Welcome to the Gladwin County Register of Deeds section of our website. If you wish to search Online Land Records or sign up for our free Fraud Alert, please
🌐 gladwincounty-mi.gov
Real Property Official Records Search
Official Free
Access property records, Access real properties
🌐 mi.uslandrecords.com
Kent County Clerk - Self-Service
Official Free
This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information.
🌐 deedsselfservice.kentcountymi.gov
Treasurer – Lake County
Official Free
Lake County · Menu · Menu · Kellie Allen, Treasurer · Address 800 Tenth St Suite 210 Baldwin, MI 49304 · Office Hours Monday – Thursday, 8:30AM – 5:00PM Friday, 8:30AM – 4:00PM · Phone 231-745-4622 · Fax 231-745-2740 · Email treasurer@co.lake.mi.us ·
🌐 lakecountymi.gov
Current Projects
Official Free
Feb. 2024 Public Hearing – Notice of Intent to File Application for USDA Rural Development Financial Assistance · Feb. 2024 Application submitted to U.S. Representative Lisa McClain to request $4M in Federal Community Project Funding FY25 appropriations
🌐 lapeercountymi.gov
About Macomb County
Official Free
From the densely-populated southern cities to the rural northern villages, Macomb County possesses a wealth of assets that make it a desirable place to live, work and play! Located in southeast Michigan , Macomb County is 483.7 square miles.
🌐 macombgov.org
About Marquette County...
Official Free
The present Marquette County Courthouse stands on the site of the County’s first courthouse. The earlier building was completed by the summer of 1858 at a cost of approximately $4,300. By 1889, the population of Marquette County had swelled to about 40,000 and county government had outgrown their quarters.
🌐 co.marquette.mi.us
Mason County Clerk – Mason County
Official Free
Each county elects a County Clerk whose responsibilities include the management of records of the County Commission and election duties. The primary responsibilities center around two basic functions: To carry out the numerous duties, the Clerk of the County Commission may select deputies.
🌐 masoncountywv.gov
Township, Cities & Villages in Monroe County | Monroe County, MI
Official Free
Living in Monroe County · Links to Local Organizations · Township, Cities & Villages in Monroe County · Ash Township · Bedford Township · Berlin Township · Dundee Township · Erie Township · Exeter Township · Frenchtown Township · Ida Township · LaSalle Township ·
🌐 co.monroe.mi.us
THE REGISTER OF DEEDS | Muskegon County, MI
Official Free
Welcome to the Register of Deeds website. The Register of Deeds office records all documents pertaining to real property in Muskegon County.
🌐 co.muskegon.mi.us
GIS - Newaygo County
Official Free
Since the late 90's, GIS has become an integral part of county functions. The Newaygo County GIS office started out with the conversion of paper parcel maps into applications that are used by a wide range of township, city, county, state, and federal agencies and departments.
🌐 newaygocountymi.gov
Ottawa County, Michigan Special Election 5/5/2026 Page 1 Official Results
Official Free
Ottawa County, Michigan · Special Election · 5/5/2026 · Page 1 · Official Results · Registered Voters · 28649 of 149498 = 19.16% Precincts Reporting · 59 of 59 = 100.00% Ottawa County - Canvass · Official Results Report · Run Time · Run Date · 10:03 AM · 05/13/2026 ·
🌐 app.miottawa.org
County of Saginaw, MI - Fees
Official Free
Public workstation available in Register of Deeds office at no cost · Contact the Saginaw County Treasurer for assistance · Cash · Check · Money Order · Credit Card (Fees Apply) American Express · Discover · Master Card · Visa · Fees · Search Requests ·
🌐 saginawcountymi.gov
Sanilac County, MI
Official Free
Sanilac County is participating in a settlement of claims for surplus proceeds from tax foreclosure auctions before 2021. The settlement is for properties that were sold for more than the outstanding taxes and expenses between 2013 and 2020.
🌐 sanilaccounty.gov
Land Transfers & Forms
Official Free
Sanilac County Recorded Land Transfers Listed are the last 4 weeks of recorded land transfers · Land Transfer 03-30-2025 · Land Transfer 04-06-2025 · Land Transfer 04-13-2025 · Land Transfer 04-20-2025 Register of Deeds Forms - Agricultural Property Affidavit Form ·
🌐 sanilaccounty.gov
St. Clair County, Michigan Public Records Lookup | StClairRecords.us
Official Free
Clair County are documents, data, and other recorded information created or received by government agencies in the course of their official duties and made available to members of the public under applicable law. In Michigan, public records are defined under the Michigan Freedom of Information.
🌐 stclairrecords.org
Washtenaw County, Michigan Public Records Lookup | WashtenawRecords.us
Official Free
The Washtenaw County Clerk's Office maintains vital records, election records, and various other official documents. Property records are maintained by the Register of Deeds division, while court records are maintained by the Washtenaw County Trial Court. Tax records are maintained by the County.
🌐 washtenawrecords.us
Wayne County Land Records
Official Free
Neumo Forms is the easiest and most powerful way to bring your forms and PDFs to the next level. Use the powerful tools to convert them in mere seconds into smart, fillable, online versions that can be completed and eSigned from any device.
🌐 waynecountylandrecords.forms.govos.com
Register of Deeds | Wexford County Michigan
Official Free
1835, the first Constitution of the State of Michigan was adopted by the Congress of the United States which established the Register of Deeds as the official recording office for all legal instruments pertaining to the transfer and encumbrances of properties in each county.
🌐 wexfordcounty.org
CHARLEVOIX County REGISTER OF DEEDS Online Services
Official Free
Cookies are required to use this site. Please enable cookies before continuing · Welcome to the REGISTER OF DEEDS Online Services. You will be able to search our Deed records. Images may be purchased on a document by document basis. Copies of images are $1.05 per page plus a 30 cent per CART.
🌐 198.108.193.197
Departments & Services Cheboygan County Michigan
Official Free
Cheboygan, MI 49721 231.627.4321 · Mackinaw City Police Department Village Hall 102 S. Huron Ave. Mackinaw City, MI 49701 231.436.7861 · Tuscarora Township Police Department Tuscarora Township Hall 3546 S. Straits Hwy Indian River, MI 49749 231.238.9481 · Presque Isle County Sheriff’s Department 267 N 2nd St.
🌐 cheboygancounty.net
Houghton County Equalization Department | Houghton County, Michigan
Official Free
Many of the records generated and maintained by the Equalization Department are public information and may be utilized by the public. The Equalization Department also coordinates maintenance of the County GIS map system. Requests of documents may be emailed to equalization@houghtoncounty.net or mailed to: Attn: Equalization 401 E Houghton Ave, Houghton MI, 49931 Freedom of Information Act Coordinator: Chelsea Rheault, Administrator
🌐 houghtoncounty.net
Leelanau County Register of Deeds - Self-Service
Official Free
Use of automated processes (program. search records or mine index data is strictly prohibited by Leelanau County and may result in suspension or termination of the violator's access privileges. Any high-volume automated access attempts will be regarded as Denial of Service attacks and may be reported to the proper authorities. Users should remember that the index is similar to a library card catalogue; it is a guide to the information contained within the documents referenced.
🌐 leelanaucountymi-web.tylerhost.net

Michigan Counties

83 Michigan counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.

Wayne Oakland Macomb Kent Genesee Washtenaw Ingham Ottawa Kalamazoo Alcona Alger Allegan Alpena Antrim

Frequently Asked Questions

In Michigan, deeds, mortgages, liens, and other real-property documents are recorded at the county level by the county Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder). The Official Michigan Recorded Documents at www.michigan.gov handles statewide filings such as UCC-1 financing statements and corporate documents.

UCC-1 financing statements covering personal property and business collateral are filed centrally with the Official Michigan Recorded Documents at www.michigan.gov. Fixture filings on real estate are an exception — those go to the county where the property is located.

Most Michigan countys publish a free online index of recorded documents (by name, document type, or date). Image access (the actual deed image) is often available either free or for a small per-page fee. Statewide UCC and corporate filings are searchable through the Official Michigan Recorded Documents at www.michigan.gov.

Certified copies of deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents are issued by the county Recorder where the document was originally recorded. Fees and ID requirements vary; see your specific county page below. The Official Michigan Recorded Documents (www.michigan.gov) handles certified copies of statewide filings such as UCCs and articles of incorporation.

A deed is the recorded instrument that conveys ownership; the title is the legal concept of ownership itself. Deeds in Michigan are recorded with the county Recorder; title insurance and title searches are private-sector services that examine the chain of recorded deeds. The Official Michigan Recorded Documents at www.michigan.gov publishes the statewide rules.