Michigan Background Check Records
Michigan background check records are available through several state and county sources. The Michigan State Police runs ICHAT, the Internet Criminal History Access Tool, which covers felony and serious misdemeanor history from all 83 counties. You can search by name online, request fingerprint-based checks through licensed vendors, or pull court records through the statewide MiCOURT system. This guide covers every method and source for finding Michigan background check information.
Michigan Background Check Overview
Michigan Background Check: The ICHAT System
ICHAT stands for Internet Criminal History Access Tool. It is the main public-facing background check database in Michigan. The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center runs it. You search by the person's full name and date of birth. Results appear right away. The fee is $10 per name, paid by credit card. Each alias or maiden name counts as a separate search at the same cost.
The ICHAT portal covers all felonies and serious misdemeanors punishable by more than 93 days. That includes felony arrests, misdemeanor convictions, and data reported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts across all 83 counties. The system draws from the State Police criminal justice information database. Agencies update it as cases move through the system.
Some records do not appear in ICHAT. Suppressed records stay hidden. Warrant data is not included. The tool also leaves out federal records, tribal records, traffic-only records, juvenile records, and criminal history from other states. Local misdemeanors punishable by 93 days or less may also be missing. For a full picture, combine an ICHAT search with a check of county court records.
The MSP Central Records Division handles inquiries about the system. You can reach them at (517) 241-0606. Their mailing address is Michigan State Police, CJIC, P.O. Box 30266, Lansing, MI 48909-7766.
The screenshot above shows the Michigan State Police records page where you can access ICHAT and other criminal history services.
Note: ICHAT accepts credit card payments only. Each name search costs $10. Results are returned immediately. You can print or save results after payment.
Fingerprint-Based Michigan Background Checks
Fingerprint checks go deeper than name-based searches. They match a person using biometric data, which removes the risk of confusion with common names. The Michigan State Police processes fingerprint submissions through licensed Livescan vendors across the state. This type of check is required for immigration, adoption, visa applications, and personal records checks.
The process starts with the RI-030 Livescan Fingerprint Background Check Request form. You get this form from the agency that requires the check. Fill out sections II and IV, then visit an approved Livescan vendor. The vendor collects a state and FBI search fee along with a service fee. Turnaround is typically seven business days or less for checks required by law. Results go directly to the requesting agency.
The image above is from the MSP FOIA portal, where you can submit public records requests to the Michigan State Police.
For personal checks not tied to licensing or law, use a fingerprint card instead. The form is RI-008. The fee is $30.00, paid by money order or check made out to the State of Michigan. Mail it to Michigan State Police, CJIC, P.O. Box 30266, Lansing, MI 48909-7766. Processing takes three to five weeks. If you need additional certified copies, add $1.00 per copy to your payment when you send the request.
What Michigan Background Check Records Show
Criminal records in Michigan can include a wide range of information. Full legal name and known aliases appear at the top. Date of birth and physical description are listed as well. Booking photographs, case numbers, arrest dates, and the name of the arresting agency are part of the file. You will also find charge details, offense classification, court case numbers, prosecution info, and final dispositions from the courts.
When a conviction happened, sentencing data is part of the record. This means jail or prison terms, probation conditions and duration, fines, costs, restitution, community service, and any treatment requirements. Appeals show up too when they occur. The level of detail depends on which source you use. ICHAT gives a broad overview. County court case files give the full picture, showing every motion filed, every order issued, and every docket entry from start to finish.
Michigan background check records typically include:
- Full legal name, aliases, and date of birth
- Arrest dates, charges filed, and arresting agencies
- Court case numbers and current case status
- Conviction or dismissal outcomes
- Sentencing details and probation records
- Sex offender registration status where applicable
Restricted records do not appear in public searches. Juvenile records, mental health proceedings, sealed case files, and sexual assault victim information are all kept out of public view. Under Michigan Court Rule 1.109, certain personal identifying information is also restricted from court records.
Michigan FOIA and Public Records Access
Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, known as 1976 PA 442, gives the public the right to request records held by government agencies. This applies to police incident reports, arrest logs, court case files, and other criminal justice records at the county or city level. The law requires agencies to respond within five business days. They can extend that by 10 additional business days with written notice to the requester.
The Michigan State Police runs its own FOIA request portal through MILogin. You submit requests online, track them, and receive responses electronically. Fees vary by request. There is a $2.00 processing fee added to online payments. For checks made payable to the State of Michigan, mail them to Michigan State Police, Cashiers Unit, P.O. Box 30266, Lansing, MI 48909. Under MCL 15.234, agencies can charge reasonable fees for search time and copies.
Standard copy rates run $1.00 to $2.00 per page across most counties. Certified copies cost $10.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each page after that. Some records are free to view in person. Public inspection at the courthouse or clerk's office is allowed at no charge under Michigan Court Rule 8.119(J). Always confirm the fee with the specific office before sending a request.
Michigan Offender Databases
Two major state databases help the public find information about people under criminal supervision. Both are free and open to anyone.
The Michigan Department of Corrections runs OTIS, the Offender Tracking Information System. It lists current prisoners, parolees, and probationers under active state supervision. It also covers people discharged within three years of their supervision end date. Once three years pass after discharge, the record drops off the system. OTIS does not include people who are fully done with supervision and beyond that window. You can search OTIS at the Michigan Department of Corrections website.
The image above shows the Michigan Department of Corrections offender search tool, which tracks people under current state supervision.
The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry is a separate tool. Search it by name, county, address, or by proximity to a specific location. Results show compliance status and conviction details. The registry is updated on an ongoing basis as offenders register and as their addresses change. Anyone can search it at no cost at mipsor.state.mi.us. No account or registration is needed.
Michigan Court Records for Background Checks
Court records are a key part of any Michigan background check. The statewide MiCOURT Case Search system lets you look up cases across all 83 counties. Visit micourt.courts.michigan.gov to get started. You can search by name, case number, or attorney. Filter by county, court type, and case type. Basic case info is free. For the actual documents, you contact the county clerk directly.
Michigan has three main types of trial courts that generate criminal records. Circuit courts handle felony cases and major civil matters. District courts cover misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil matters under $25,000. Probate courts deal with estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings. Each court keeps its own records and sets its own process for getting copies.
To get copies of court records, contact the clerk of the court where the case was filed. You can visit in person, send a written mail request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, or use MiCOURT for basic case lookups. Copy fees vary by county. Regular copies run $1.00 to $2.00 per page. Certified copies cost $10.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each page after that. Inspection in person is free under MCR 8.119(J). For legal help understanding court records, try Michigan Legal Help, a free resource run by legal aid organizations in the state.
Michigan Courts maintains a comprehensive online portal where you can search case records across all court types statewide.
Michigan Clean Slate and Record Sealing
Michigan's Clean Slate law changes what shows up in background check searches over time. The law automatically seals certain convictions after waiting periods. Non-violent misdemeanors can be sealed after seven years. Felonies eligible for set-aside can be sealed after ten years. The 2021 and 2023 Clean Slate amendments expanded eligibility to include first-offense OWI convictions under House Bills 4219 and 4220. Public Act 362 seals most juvenile court records as well.
Sealed records do not appear in ICHAT. Court files may still exist, but access is restricted. If a conviction has been set aside, it should not show in most public searches. People seeking to clear their records can find step-by-step guidance at michiganlegalhelp.org. That site explains eligibility, forms, and what to expect at court. It is free and run by legal aid organizations across Michigan.
Note: Executive Directive 2018-4 limits when state and local government can ask about criminal history. The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act also bars asking about misdemeanor arrests not resulting in conviction. These rules affect government processes, not access to public court records.
Browse Michigan Background Check Records by County
Each of Michigan's 83 counties has its own court system and clerk's office. Select a county below to find local resources for background check and criminal records in that area.
Michigan Background Check Records by City
Residents of major Michigan cities can access background check records through their local police department and the county court system. Select a city below for local resources.