Iosco County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Iosco County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Iosco County, Michigan, may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, state-maintained databases, and online portals. IoscoRecords.us provides a directory of publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating relevant government records. Iosco County maintains records across multiple departments, and the availability of specific documents depends on the record type, the custodial office, and applicable state and federal law.
Record categories that members of the public may be able to locate include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Property tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and fictitious name registrations
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Online Access: Members of the public may search Michigan court records through the MiCOURT case search portal, which provides access to case information maintained by Michigan's trial courts. Property records filed with the Iosco County Register of Deeds may be accessed through the county's online land records system. The Michigan Courts case search tool allows users to search cases and opinions without registration for most record types.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Iosco County Clerk's Office at 422 W. Lake Street, Tawas City, MI 48764, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to provide the name of the subject, approximate date range, and record type sought.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Iosco County Clerk at P.O. Box 367, Tawas City, MI 48764. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.235, a public body must respond to a written FOIA request within five business days of receipt, with a possible extension of up to ten additional business days.
Phone/Email: The Iosco County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (989) 362-3497. Members of the public are encouraged to confirm current contact details directly with the office prior to submitting requests.
What Are Public Records in Iosco County?
Public records in Iosco County are defined under Michigan law as any writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL § 15.231 et seq., public bodies are required to disclose public records upon request unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
The following record types are maintained by Iosco County departments:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Iosco County Circuit Court / District Court |
| Probate and family court records | Iosco County Probate Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Iosco County Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Iosco County Clerk |
| Property tax and assessment records | Iosco County Treasurer / Equalization |
| Business licenses and permits | Iosco County Clerk |
| Voting and election records | Iosco County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Iosco County Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Iosco County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Iosco County Planning and Zoning |
Property records filed with the Register of Deeds are accessible through the Register of Deeds directory maintained by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Driving history records are maintained at the state level by the Michigan Secretary of State; members of the public may obtain a Michigan driving record through the Department of State's official services portal.
Is Iosco County an Open Records County?
Iosco County operates in full compliance with Michigan's statewide open records framework. Michigan does not delegate open records authority to individual counties; instead, all public bodies — including county offices — are governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL § 15.231 through § 15.246.
As stated in the Act, "it is the public policy of this state that all persons, except those persons incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities, are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees." This policy reflects Michigan's commitment to government transparency at every level of public administration.
Iosco County public bodies are required to designate a FOIA Coordinator responsible for receiving and processing requests. Each department maintains its own FOIA procedures consistent with state law. The county does not impose additional local ordinances that restrict access beyond what state law permits. Michigan's Open Meetings Act, MCL § 15.261 et seq., further requires that deliberations and decisions of public bodies occur in open sessions accessible to the public, with limited exceptions.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Iosco County?
The fee structure for public records in Iosco County is governed by Michigan FOIA, which sets limits on what public bodies may charge requestors. Current fees applicable to public records requests include:
- Copying fees: Public bodies may charge the actual cost of duplication, not to exceed $0.10 per page for standard paper copies in many jurisdictions, though the actual per-page rate is set by each public body's FOIA procedures.
- Labor fees: Charges for the labor cost of searching, locating, and examining records are permitted; however, the first hour of labor must be provided at no charge.
- Certification fees: A fee may be assessed for certifying copies of records as true and accurate.
- Electronic format fees: When records are provided in electronic format, fees are limited to the actual cost of the digital media used.
- Mailing fees: Actual postage and packaging costs may be charged when records are delivered by mail.
Under Michigan FOIA, a public body may require a good-faith deposit of up to 50% of the estimated fee before processing a request when the total estimated cost exceeds $50.00. Fee waivers or reductions are available when disclosure is in the public interest and primarily benefits the general public rather than the requestor. Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or money order payable to the relevant county department.
Does Iosco County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Iosco County. Michigan FOIA requires that public bodies allow members of the public to inspect public records at no charge during normal business hours. The right to inspect does not automatically include the right to receive free copies; fees apply when physical or electronic copies are requested.
Several categories of records are accessible at no cost through official online platforms:
- Court case information is searchable at no charge through the MiCOURT case search system, which the Michigan Supreme Court provides as a public service.
- Property deed and land record indexes maintained by the Iosco County Register of Deeds may be inspected in person at no charge.
- County commission meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents posted to the Iosco County official website are available for public viewing without cost.
- Michigan court opinions and orders are accessible through the Michigan Courts case and opinion search at no charge.
Members of the public who wish to inspect records in person may do so at the relevant custodial office during posted business hours without incurring inspection fees.
Who Can Request Public Records in Iosco County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Iosco County. Michigan FOIA defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, associations, governmental entities, and other legal entities. Requestors are not required to be Michigan residents, and non-residents retain the same rights of access as residents under state law.
Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request or provide justification for seeking records. However, certain record types — such as law enforcement records, juvenile records, and records containing personal identifying information — may require the requestor to demonstrate a qualifying interest or provide identification before access is granted.
Members of the public seeking their own records, such as personal vital records or court documents in which they are a named party, may be required to provide government-issued photo identification to verify identity. Requests for records pertaining to other individuals are subject to the same FOIA process, though certain personal information within those records may be redacted prior to disclosure.
The one statutory restriction on requestor eligibility under Michigan FOIA is that persons currently incarcerated in state or local correctional facilities are not entitled to submit FOIA requests.
What Records Are Confidential in Iosco County?
Not all government records in Iosco County are subject to public disclosure. Michigan FOIA, at MCL § 15.243, enumerates specific categories of information that are exempt from disclosure. Public bodies are required to redact exempt information from otherwise disclosable records rather than withhold entire documents when only a portion qualifies for exemption.
Records and information that are currently exempt from disclosure include:
- Sealed court records — records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the general public
- Juvenile records — records pertaining to minors in delinquency or child protective proceedings
- Ongoing law enforcement investigations — records that would interfere with active criminal investigations or endanger individuals
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers
- Medical and mental health records — protected under both Michigan law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records — sealed pursuant to Michigan adoption statutes
- Child welfare and protective services records — records maintained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
- Personnel records — certain employee records, with exceptions for public officials' performance-related information
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information — submitted to government agencies in confidence
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details — information that could compromise public safety
As stated in Michigan FOIA, "a public body may exempt from disclosure as a public record" information falling within the enumerated categories, though the burden of justifying any exemption rests with the public body asserting it.
Iosco County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Iosco County Register of Deeds
422 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48764
Phone: (989) 362-2021
Register of Deeds — Michigan Department of Treasury
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Iosco County Clerk's Office
422 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48764
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 367, Tawas City, MI 48764
Phone: (989) 362-3497
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Iosco County Circuit Court
422 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48764
Phone: (989) 362-3497
Iosco County Sheriff's Office
428 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48764
Phone: (989) 362-6164
Iosco County Treasurer's Office
422 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48764
Phone: (989) 362-3497