Searching Ingham County Court Records
How do I search Ingham County court records?
Use the official Court Record Search at courts.ingham.org. Pick Circuit or Probate, then enter the last name or business name, first name, party type, and case type. For criminal and traffic cases you must add date of birth. The portal supports wildcard last-name search with at least two letters and no punctuation. The site is free. For step-by-step help, see the Ingham County court records page, which walks through each field and shows what to expect on a result list.
Are online court search results official records?
No. The Ingham portal states that criminal search results are not the official record. The official files are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, and you must review them in person or order copies. Use the online tool as a lead. If you need a certified copy for a job, an attorney, or another court, request it from the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Always verify a hit with the clerk before you act on it.
How far back do online court records go?
The Ingham portal says criminal cases go back to 2000. All other Circuit and Probate cases go back to 1986. Older files may exist in paper form at the courthouse, in clerk archives, or with the State Archives of Michigan. For old or paper-only files, contact the County Clerk or the relevant court directly. Fees may apply for paper copies. Some older case types may also be limited by retention rules under MCR 8.119.
Is date of birth required to search?
Yes, for criminal and traffic cases. The Ingham Court Record Search page states that DOB is required for those case types. Civil and Probate searches do not need DOB. If you do not know the date of birth, you can still try a wildcard name search on civil dockets. For criminal hits with no DOB match, you may need to visit the clerk or use ICHAT for a state-level check. The court dockets page also helps when you know the case number.
Where do I get an official Michigan criminal history?
The Ingham portal directs users to the Michigan State Police ICHAT system for an official criminal record check. ICHAT is the state's public criminal history tool and charges a per-search fee. It pulls from statewide police records, not just one county. Use ICHAT for background screening when allowed by law, employment vetting, or personal checks. For a single Ingham case file, the criminal records page covers what the local court file shows and how it differs from the state record.
Restricted, Sealed, and Confidential Records
Why can't I find a PPO case online?
The Ingham portal states that, under MCR 3.705, personal protection order case information is not available online. PPO files include sensitive safety details, and the rule blocks them from the public search tool. If you need PPO information for your own case or to confirm an order, contact the Circuit Court Clerk in person. The public records page explains other access limits set by court rule and state law, including how MCR 8.119 controls non-public files at the clerk level.
Can juvenile, sealed, or expunged records be searched?
No, not through the normal public search. Juvenile cases are restricted under MCL 712A.28, and the Family Division of the Circuit Court limits public access. Sealed and expunged files are also blocked. Under MCL 780.621 and MCL 780.623, a set-aside conviction may stay visible only to limited official agencies, such as law enforcement, courts, and licensing boards. Adoption records are confidential too. If you believe you have a right to access, contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court with ID and any court order.
Jail and Inmate Questions
How do I search for an Ingham County inmate?
Use the jail locator at jail.ingham.org. Search by name or inmate number after you complete the CAPTCHA. The tool is free. Results show current custody only, not past stays. Booking data may lag the actual booking by a short time. If a name does not appear, the person may already be out, in transit, or in another facility. For full search steps, mail rules, and visit rules, see the inmate records page. Call the jail to verify before you travel to the facility.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Ingham County uses a digital mail format. Send letters to: Inmate Name - Inmate Number, C/O Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 9175, Seminole, FL 33775-9175. The county switched to digital mail on April 1, 2023 to cut down on contraband while still allowing letters and greeting cards. Do not send mail to the jail address. The vendor scans and delivers mail in digital form. For full mail rules and what is not allowed, see the inmate records page or call the jail.
How do I deposit money or schedule a video visit?
The Ingham jail locator points users to eXpressAccount and the "Send Money" tab for deposits, and to SmartJailMail for messages. Phone support is (727) 349-1561. Vendor fees apply on top of the amount you send. Cash deposits at the jail lobby kiosk may also be allowed. Funds post to the inmate's commissary or phone account. Video visit rules are set by the jail and may change. For the full deposit and visit workflow, see the inmate records page or call jail support.
Does Ingham publish a released-inmate list?
No public released-inmate list was found on the official jail locator home page. To confirm a release, search the current jail roster, call jail records, check the court docket for a release order, sign up for VINELink alerts, or use the state or federal locator if the person was moved out of county. For the full release verification workflow, including MDOC OTIS for state prison and BOP for federal custody, see the released inmates page on this site.
Marriage, Divorce, and Probate
Where do I apply for a marriage license?
Apply through the Ingham County Clerk, online or in person, if residency rules allow. A 3-day waiting period applies before you can pick up the license. Both parties must meet the age and ID rules under state law. Fees and refund rules are set by the clerk. Bring valid ID and any required documents listed on the application page. For full steps, residency rules, certified copy requests, and ceremony rules, see the marriage and divorce records page.
Where are divorce records?
Divorce cases are Circuit Court family files in Ingham County. Use the Circuit option in the official Court Record Search to look up a case by party name or case number. For certified copies, contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Some divorce file items, such as Friend of the Court records and minor child details, may be limited. For filing steps, custody and support basics, and confidentiality rules, see the marriage and divorce records page.
Where do I search probate records?
Pick Probate in the Ingham Court Record Search to look up estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health treatment cases. You can also view paper files at the Probate Register's Office during filing hours. The Probate Court says current SCAO-approved forms must be used when they exist, per MCL 600.855 and MCR 5.113(A). The court also lists fee schedules and an inventory fee calculator. For a full walkthrough of case types, forms, and online services, see the probate records page.
Which Court Handles My Case
What court handles traffic tickets?
The 55th Judicial District Court handles traffic and civil infraction cases in Ingham County. The traffic division takes citations from law enforcement and processes some misdemeanor citations under the Michigan Vehicle Code, the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, and local ordinances. Pay online for civil infractions or contact the court for a hearing. The court does not accept pleadings by fax. Make checks out to "55th District Court." For full steps, payment limits, and the fines and costs schedule, see the traffic court records page.
What court handles felony cases?
Felony cases start in District Court with preliminary proceedings. If the case is bound over after a probable cause hearing, it moves to the 30th Circuit Court for trial. The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Ingham County and handles serious crimes, large civil suits, family cases, and appeals from lower courts. For a full overview of the trial court, judges, divisions, and online services, see the Circuit Court page. Use the official Court Record Search to find a felony case by name.
What court handles small claims and evictions?
The 55th Judicial District Court handles small claims, landlord-tenant cases, and other limited civil matters in Ingham County. Small claims have a dollar cap set by state law. Landlord-tenant cases include eviction and summary proceedings. As of June 5, 2025, MiFILE electronic filing began for 55th District Court civil actions. For full filing steps and where to find forms and self-help, start at the District Court page and the court records page. Always confirm fees with the court before you file.
How do I look up warrants?
Use the official 55th District Court warrant-list page for Ingham County. Always verify with the court or sheriff before you act on a hit. Names on a public warrant list are subject to change as warrants are served, recalled, or sealed. Do not arrest anyone yourself. If your name is on the list, call a lawyer or contact the court to set up a hearing. For full steps, warrant types, and how to clear a bench warrant, see the warrant records page on this site.
Still Have Questions?
For the right office, see the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the County Clerk. For broader access rules, see public records. For records by topic, browse court records, court dockets, criminal records, warrant records, inmate records, marriage and divorce, or probate records.