Search Kalamazoo County Background Check Records
Kalamazoo County background check records are maintained by the County Clerk, the 9th Circuit Court, the 8th District Court, and the Michigan State Police. This page explains where to find criminal history, court case records, and related public records for individuals tied to Kalamazoo County.
Kalamazoo County Overview
ICHAT: Michigan Criminal History Search
The Michigan State Police ICHAT system is the starting point for most Kalamazoo County background checks. It covers all 83 Michigan counties and returns felonies plus serious misdemeanors. The cost is $10 per name searched. You pay by credit card and results appear right away.
ICHAT pulls from the state criminal repository maintained by the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center. It does not include local misdemeanors punishable by 93 days or less, juvenile records, traffic citations, or records from federal and tribal courts. If the person you are searching used multiple names, each name costs a separate $10 fee. Access the tool at apps.michigan.gov/ichat.
For a fuller picture, combine ICHAT with a direct search of Kalamazoo County court records and a check of the sex offender and corrections databases.
Kalamazoo County Clerk and Court Records
The Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds is a combined office. It handles vital records, business name filings, military discharge records, notary commissions, concealed pistol license applications, and election administration. Land records go back to 1831. The clerk is also the chief election official for the county.
The 9th Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, and family court. A new judge took the bench on January 1, 2025. The 8th District Court covers criminal misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small claims. Online payment is available for some 8th District Court matters. The Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings.
Court records can be searched online through the statewide MiCOURT portal. You can also request copies in person at the clerk's office or by mail. The clerk's page is at kalcounty.com/clerk/.
The screenshot below is from the Kalamazoo County Clerk page, which is the entry point for court record requests and vital records in this county.
The Kalamazoo County Clerk office handles records requests for court cases and vital documents. Visit the clerk page for contact details and forms.
The combined Clerk and Register of Deeds office serves as the central repository for public records in Kalamazoo County, including court filings dating back decades.
| Court | 9th Circuit Court / 8th District Court |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Kalamazoo, MI |
| Clerk Website | kalcounty.com/clerk |
| Online Case Search | MiCOURT Statewide Portal |
Types of Records You Can Find
A Kalamazoo County background check may pull several types of records. Criminal records come from the circuit court (felonies) and district court (misdemeanors). Civil records include lawsuits, judgments, and small claims decisions. Family court records cover divorce filings, custody orders, and protection orders. Probate records show estate proceedings and guardianships.
Vital records kept by the clerk include birth, death, and marriage records. These are useful for identity verification during background research. Business name filings are also public record. Land records from 1831 forward are in the Register of Deeds office and can be searched in person or online through Laredo for subscribers.
Note: Some records held by the Probate Court, such as mental health proceedings and adoption files, are confidential under Michigan law.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff and Corrections Records
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff maintains arrest records and incident reports. To get copies, you submit a FOIA request to the sheriff's office. Michigan law requires a response within 5 business days. You can reach the Michigan State Police FOIA portal at michigan.gov/msp/services/foia for state-level records, but county sheriff records go through the county.
The county also has a Gun Violence Reduction Initiative, which has generated public data on enforcement actions. These records may appear in court case searches related to firearms offenses.
For current jail and corrections data, the Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system shows people under active state supervision. The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry covers registered offenders by name and address.
How to Request Records
In person, go to the Kalamazoo County Clerk's office during business hours with a photo ID and the case details. The clerk can look up cases and make copies. Bring a check or cash for copy fees. Mail requests are also accepted with a written description of what you need, payment, and a return envelope.
Online, the MiCOURT portal at micourt.courts.michigan.gov/case-search/ is free and covers most cases. It shows case status and docket history. You still need to contact the clerk for actual document copies. The clerk page at kalcounty.com/clerk/ has contact information and forms for records requests.
Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org offers free guides for people who need help understanding what records exist and how to get them.
Nearby Counties
Kalamazoo County borders several counties in southwest Michigan. If a record is tied to this region but not found in Kalamazoo, check the neighboring counties below.