Mackinac County Background Check and Public Records

Mackinac County background check records are maintained by the county clerk and the 33rd Circuit Court in St. Ignace, along with the Michigan State Police ICHAT system and statewide offender registries. This page covers how to find criminal records, court case files, and related public records for people connected to Mackinac County in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula.

ICHAT: Start Your Search Here

For a Mackinac County background check, the Michigan State Police ICHAT system is the best starting point. ICHAT searches the state's criminal history database covering all 83 Michigan counties for $10 per name. You pay by credit card and see results instantly at apps.michigan.gov/ichat.

ICHAT captures felonies and serious misdemeanors over 93 days. It does not show local misdemeanors, traffic offenses, juvenile records, suppressed cases, or federal and tribal court records. Because Mackinac County has limited local online access, the statewide ICHAT search is particularly useful here. Each name searched is a separate fee.

Mackinac County Clerk in St. Ignace

The Mackinac County Clerk is Hillary Vowell, located at 100 S. Marley, Room 10, St. Ignace, MI 49781. Phone: (906) 643-7300. Fax: (906) 643-7302. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The clerk serves as the recorder of official county records. Responsibilities include handling vital records, managing concealed weapon permit applications, issuing marriage licenses, registering business names, and serving as the election official for the county. The clerk's office is also where you request certified copies of vital records.

Vital records in Mackinac County go back to 1867 for births, deaths, and marriages. Certified vital records cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy. Bring a valid photo ID when requesting records in person. Mail requests are accepted with written identification and appropriate fees.

33rd Circuit Court Records

The 33rd Circuit Court in St. Ignace handles felony criminal cases and civil matters over $25,000. The circuit court phone is (906) 643-7305. For felony case records and civil case files, contact the circuit court directly. The circuit court is in the same complex as the county clerk's office.

The District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil matters under $25,000. A Probate Court handles estate and guardianship proceedings. Mackinac County has limited online court records access. The statewide MiCOURT portal offers free basic case information for most courts, including Mackinac County. Use it to find case numbers before calling or visiting for documents.

Court records are public under Michigan Court Rule 8.119. Anyone can inspect public case files in person. Copies run $1.00 per page for standard documents. For mail requests, write to the clerk's office with the case details, your contact information, and payment.

Types of Records Available

Background check searches in Mackinac County can turn up several types of records. Criminal records include felony case files from the 33rd Circuit and misdemeanor records from the district court. Family court records cover divorce filings, child custody orders, and protection orders. Civil cases include lawsuits, judgments, and small claims decisions.

Vital records at the clerk's office go back to 1867. Land records and property filings are also on file. Business registrations, notary commissions, and CPL records are accessible through the clerk. These records can be used to verify identity, confirm addresses, and build a broader picture of a person's history in Mackinac County.

For FOIA requests, send a written request to the specific office holding the records. The county clerk handles county-level FOIA. The sheriff handles law enforcement records. The Michigan State Police FOIA portal handles state-level requests. Michigan requires a 5-business-day response window for all FOIA requests.

Corrections and Offender Registries

The Michigan Department of Corrections OTIS system is free and shows people under active state supervision or discharged within the last 3 years. It does not show older records past that window. The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry lets you search by name or location at no cost. Both tools are available without a login.

Together, ICHAT, MiCOURT, OTIS, and the sex offender registry give the most complete picture possible for a Mackinac County background check using public tools. For help understanding any of these systems, visit Michigan Legal Help.

Note: Mackinac County is small and remote. Call ahead before making an in-person visit to confirm staff availability and current hours.

Nearby Counties

Mackinac County is at the eastern end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Neighboring counties may hold records for people with ties to this region.