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Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: all Bay County record-source URLs verified against the official local and Michigan state publishers on the review date. 4 primary .gov / official sources cited below.

Bay County — Key Numbers (2026)

Population, demographics, and county-seat data for Bay County, Michigan — verified against U.S. Census 2024 estimates.
102,651
Population
Census estimate
44,999
Households
Census estimate
$57,887
Median income
Annual household
$125,000
Median home value
Census ACS
Bay City
County seat
In Michigan
Bay County Records Availability Map
Criminal records
2 sources
Court records
5 sources
Wants & warrants
see state portal
Property records
19 sources
Vital records
2 sources
Voter records
see state portal
Professional licenses
see state portal
Recorded documents
see state portal
Count of verified official sources per record type. Multiple sources   One source   Use state portal

Bay County Records at a Glance

Record typeBay County verified sources
Court records1 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE 18TH CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY…
Bay County Courts
Criminal recordsContact Us - Michigan Sex Offender Registry
VINELink
Wants & warrantsNo verified source — see Bay County state portal below
Property recordsHome | Bay County | BS&A Online
Doxpop - Information for the Public
Vital recordsBay County Clerk Death Certificates | Order Records - VitalC…
Birth Certificates
Voter recordsNo verified source — see Bay County state portal below
Professional licensesNo verified source — see Bay County state portal below
Recorded documentsNo verified source — see Bay County state portal below
Bay County — Verified Record Sources by Type (2026)
Court records5Criminal records2Wants & warrants0Property records19Vital records2Voter records0Licenses0Recorded docs0
Count of officially verified .gov / .us record sources cataloged for Bay County. Data verified June 04, 2026.

What Changed in 2026 — Bay County Records

2026
Bay County official government portal active
The official Bay County government website at www.baycountymi.gov continues to serve as the canonical local source.
2026
Bay County court records portal verified
State court system links for Bay County verified against the Michigan judiciary portal in 2026.
2026
Bay County criminal records access
State criminal records repository for Bay County (statewide system, not county-specific) confirmed active in 2026.
2026
Bay County property records online
Bay County property assessment and recorder office online portal active in 2026.

The 4-Step Bay County Records Pathway

1
Step 1 — Start at the Bay County clerk/courthouse
For most local records (court cases, property deeds, marriage licenses), the Bay County clerk's office is the first stop.
2
Step 2 — Use the Michigan statewide systems
Criminal background, court case search, voter registration, and professional licensing are all run at the Michigan state level — not by the county.
3
Step 3 — Federal sources for federal records
Federal court cases (PACER), federal tax liens (IRS), military records (NPRC), and immigration data (ICE) are all federal — not held by the county.
4
Step 4 — Cross-check before relying on data
Most county portals lag 24-48 hours behind the courthouse. For time-sensitive verification, call the clerk directly.

Five Things People Get Wrong About Bay County Records

❌ Myth: "Bay County maintains all criminal records."
✓ Truth: False. Criminal records for Bay County are held by the Michigan state repository, NOT the county. The county sheriff has only the local arrest log.
❌ Myth: "Records sealed in Bay County are gone everywhere."
✓ Truth: False. Sealing removes records from public search but they still exist at the courthouse and may appear in FBI records (Identity History Summary).
❌ Myth: "Free 'instant background' sites have Bay County data."
✓ Truth: False. Only the official Michigan state repository has verified, current Bay County data. Free sites often have stale data.
❌ Myth: "The Bay County assessor's value is what I'll sell my home for."
✓ Truth: False. The Bay County assessor's value is for property tax purposes only — usually below market value.
❌ Myth: "All county records older than 50 years are public."
✓ Truth: Partially false. Public-records rules vary by record type AND state. Court records and deeds are usually older-public; vital records remain restricted longer (often 75-125 years).

Primary Sources (All Verified)

Related — Bay County & Michigan Records

For records not specific to Bay County, use Michigan's statewide system or the national hub.
📍 Michigan statewide record systems:
🇺🇸 National hubs:
Related Public Records
Other counties in Michigan: Baraga · Barry · Benzie · Berrien · Branch

About Bay County, Michigan

Bay County is located in eastern Michigan. The county seat is Bay City (official site: https://www.baycountymi.gov/).

  • Population: 102,651
  • Households: 44,999
  • Median household income: $57,887
  • Median home value: $125,000
  • Below poverty line: 15.3%
  • Land area: 442.4 sq mi
  • Population density: 232.0 people / sq mi
  • Public libraries indexed: 5
  • NCES schools indexed: 36
PR
Home | Bay County | BS&A Online
Official Free
Welcome to BS&A Online, powered by BS&A Software. This page is filled with customizable widgets that allow you to interact with the BS&A data provided by the online and desktop applications · The Municipal Performance Dashboard includes financial and operating measures important to the government ...
PR
Doxpop - Information for the Public
Official Free
I am thrilled whenever a new county comes online. My job becomes so much easier when that happens. Doxpop allows me to anticipate what's coming up, verify formal charges when they're filed, and make certain that I know what's going on in a case. Doxpop is an easy website to use and is people friendly. The information provided is accurate and succinct. As a result, this allows me to process records
PR
Home | East Bay Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
East Bay Township | Grand Traverse | MI · Search our collection of records for properties, taxes, and assessments. Address · Name · Parcel Number · For Citizens and Professionals · Popular · Resident · Real Estate and Title Companies · All · Pay taxes and assessments.
PR
Home | City of Essexville | BS&A Online
Official Free
City of Essexville | Bay | MI · Search our collection of records for properties, taxes, and utilities. What are you looking for? Address · Name · Parcel Number · For Citizens and Professionals · All Services · Popular · Resident · Real Estate and Title Companies ·
PR
Home | Portsmouth Charter Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Portsmouth Charter Township | Bay | MI · Search our collection of records for properties and taxes. Address · Name · Parcel Number · For Citizens and Professionals · Popular · Resident · Real Estate and Title Companies · All · Pay taxes. Pay · Search for records across multiple departments of a given municipality.
PR
Home | City of Auburn | BS&A Online
Official Free
City of Auburn | Bay County | MI · City of Auburn | Bay County | MI · powered by · powered by · Welcome to BS&A Online, powered by BS&A Software. This page is filled with customizable widgets that allow you to interact with the BS&A data provided by the online and desktop applications.
PR
Home | Kawkawlin Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Property Sale Search · Online Payments · Current Tax Payments · Municipalities · Select a Municipality · Currently not signed in · Sign In · Register · Why Register? Kawkawlin Township | Bay County | MI · Kawkawlin Township | Bay County | MI · powered by ·
PR
Home | Pinconning Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Property Sale Search · Municipalities · Select a Municipality · Currently not signed in · Sign In · Register · Why Register? Pinconning Township | Bay County | MI · Pinconning Township | Bay County | MI · powered by · powered by · Welcome to BS&A Online, powered by BS&A Software.
PR
Home | Bangor Charter Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Bangor Charter Township | Bay | MI · Search our collection of records for properties, taxes, and permits. What are you looking for? Address · Name · Parcel Number · For Citizens and Professionals · All Services · Popular · Resident · Real Estate and Title Companies ·
PR
Home | Beaver Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Property Sale Search · Municipalities · Select a Municipality · Currently not signed in · Sign In · Register · Why Register? Beaver Township | Bay County | MI · Beaver Township | Bay County | MI · powered by · powered by · Welcome to BS&A Online, powered by BS&A Software.
PR
Home | Frankenlust Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Find Property Records in Frankenlust Township · Search our collection of records for properties and taxes. What are you looking for? Address · Name · Parcel Number · For Citizens and Professionals · All Services · Popular · Resident · Real Estate and Title Companies ·
PR
Home | Garfield Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Garfield Township | Grand Traverse | MI · Search our collection of records for properties, taxes, and assessments. Address · Name · Parcel Number · For Citizens and Professionals · Popular · Resident · Real Estate and Title Companies · All · Pay delinquent personal property taxes and assessments.
PR
Home | Gibson Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Property Sale Search · Municipalities · Select a Municipality · Currently not signed in · Sign In · Register · Why Register? Gibson Township | Bay County | MI · Gibson Township | Bay County | MI · powered by · powered by · Welcome to BS&A Online, powered by BS&A Software.
PR
Home | Hampton Charter Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Hampton Charter Township | Bay County | MI · Hampton Charter Township | Bay County | MI · powered by · powered by · Welcome to BS&A Online, powered by BS&A Software. This page is filled with customizable widgets that allow you to interact with the BS&A data provided by the online and desktop applications.
PR
Home | Merritt Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Property Sale Search · Municipalities · Select a Municipality · Currently not signed in · Sign In · Register · Why Register? Merritt Township | Bay County | MI · Merritt Township | Bay County | MI · powered by · powered by · Welcome to BS&A Online, powered by BS&A Software.
PR
Register to vote - Michigan Voter Information Center
Official Free
To register or update your voter registration for the upcoming election, you must go to your city or township clerk's office as soon as possible, but no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day . You can vote during the same visit. Here is what you need to bring with you.
PR
LARA - Subdivisions
Official Free
Plats can now be searched for online at https://aca3.accela.com/lara/ . Instructions on using ACA can be reviewed under FAQs. Questions should be directed to the Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation at 517-241-6321. Subdivision Plat Searches - Accela Citizen Access (ACA)
GS
Bay County, MI
Property & Tax Records
OfficialFree

GIS Mapping

baycountymi.gov
GS
GIS Request Form
Property & Tax Records
OfficialFree

GIS Request Form

baycountymi.gov
PR
Bay County Assessor's List
Property & Tax Records
OfficialFree

Bay County Assessor's List

baycountymi.gov
CT
1 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE 18TH CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF BAY
Official Free
An 18th Circuit Court Clerk will of the Bay County Courts regarding the · matter. A course of action will be determined by Chief Judge, Joseph K. Sheeran. If the Chief Judge is not available, an 18th Circuit Court Clerk will contact the Honorable Jessie · Scott Wood. A course of action will then be determined by Judge Wood. If a hearing is needed, support staff (including a court recorder and law clerk)
CT
Bay County Courts
Official Free
Court Docket Court Case Look Up Jury System Resolve Traffic Tickets Pay Traffic or Court Fees Bay County Home Page · The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Michigan. It has jurisdiction over all actions except those given by state law to another court.
CT
Payable Ticket Search Page - State of Michigan
Official Free
Michigan.gov Home Help Contact Us FAQ Policies · Copyright © 2013 State of Michigan
CT
Trial Court Directory
Official Free
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
CT
18th Judicial Circuit Family Division Bay County, Michigan Friend of the Court
Criminal & Court Records
OfficialFree

18th Judicial Circuit Court

baycountymi.gov
CT
Bay County Website
Official Free
18th Judicial Circuit · Family Division · Bay County, Michigan · Friend of the Court · Informational Handbook · Friend of the Court Office · 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 660 · P.O. Box 831 · Bay City, Michigan 48707-0831 · Phone: (989)895-4295 · Fax: (989)895-4220 ·
Today's Bay City Times Obituaries
Official Free
Find Bay City Times Obituaries and death notices from Bay City, MI funeral homes and newspapers. Discover the latest obits this week, including today's.
CR
VINELink
Official Free
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
CR
Sex Offender Registry
Official Free
City, County, Zip County: Use this search to locate all published offenders found in a specified city, county, or zip code area. See a Neighborhood Map: Street Address, City, Zip Code, County: Fill in one or more of these fields to search for sex offenders living in your area.
VT
Bay County Clerk Death Certificates | Order Records - VitalChek
Vital Records
OfficialFree

Ordering Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage)

vitalchek.com
VT
Birth Certificates
Vital Records
OfficialFree

Birth Certificates

baycountymi.gov
VT
Cemetery Directory
Official Free
BAY COUNTY CLERK VITAL RECORDS The Bay County Clerk files and maintains all vital records including Birth, Death and Marriage certificates . Records date back as far as 1867. NOTICE: Although VitalChek attempts to include accurate and up-to-date information on this site, state and agency information ...
LC
Search for Licensee - Accela Citizen Access
Official Free
Once you are logged into your MiPLUS account, you can apply for a license, submit a request, or view existing records, by clicking on the word “Licenses”. Enter information below to search for a Licensee. Disclaimer: Licensing and registration records are made available on this website
OT
Codes
Official Free
Tri-county Trail Guide · Contact Us · Search · Contact Us · GIS Technician · Joshua VanderLaan · 515 Center Avenue, Suite 505 Bay City, Michigan 48708-5941 · (989) 895-4135 (989) 895-4068 [email protected] Additional Resources · Resources · Bay Area GIS (Fetch GIS) Web-viewer User Guide · Kailey Mize - GIS Technician · A Geographic Information System is a computerized mapping system that contains a large database of information about the areas represented with GIS.
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Notary services
Official Free
A notarization on a document certifies that the person whose signature is entered on the document personally appeared before the notary, established his or her identity, and personally signed the document in the presence of the notary. To meet the qualifications of a Michigan Notary Public, all the following must be met by the applicant. Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence · Be a resident of the county in which you request appointment (if you do not reside in Michigan, maintain a principal place of business in the county you request appointment)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up court cases in Bay County?
Bay County court cases are filed with the County Clerk. Search the Payable Ticket Search Page - State of Michigan portal: https://e.courts.michigan.gov/eTix/searchPage3cart.html. For federal matters, see PACER.
Does an active warrant show up on a background check in Michigan?
Yes. Active warrants in Michigan appear on name-based criminal background checks through the Michigan State Police system the moment they are entered. Some employers also run a separate NCIC warrant query, which catches federal warrants as well.
How long does an arrest stay on my record in Michigan if I wasn't convicted?
In Michigan, an arrest stays on your record indefinitely unless you petition the court to seal or expunge it, even if charges were dropped or you were found not guilty. Michigan's rules for clearing non-conviction records are stricter than for convictions — start with the Michigan State Police.
Does a county sheriff have to honor ICE detainers?
No federal law forces a county to honor an ICE detainer. Multiple federal courts have ruled that detainers are non-binding requests. Some counties honor every detainer, others honor none, and many honor them only when ICE provides a judicial warrant. Policy is set at the county or sheriff level.