Saginaw County Property Records Lookup
Saginaw County property records go back to the county's formation in 1835, making this one of Michigan's older and more historically rich recording systems. The Register of Deeds in Saginaw maintains all instruments affecting real property in the county, including deeds, mortgages, plats, liens, and easements. Whether you need a current deed or a document from the 19th century, the office can help. You can search Saginaw County property records in person using public terminals, by mail, or through the county's GIS-linked search portal.
Saginaw County Property Records Overview
Register of Deeds Office
The Saginaw County Register of Deeds is located at 111 S. Michigan Ave. in downtown Saginaw. The office maintains records dating back to 1835, when the county was established. Public access terminals are available in the office for self-service searching. Staff assist with complex searches and can walk you through the index system. The office indexes all documents by grantor and grantee name per MCL 565.28.
| Address | 111 S. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (989) 790-5270 |
| Fax | (989) 790-5285 |
| Website | saginawcounty.com |
| Recording Fee | $30 flat per document |
| Copy Fee | $1 per page |
| Certified Copy | $5 per document |
| Search Fee | $5 minimum per name search |
How to Search Saginaw County Records
The Saginaw County website provides access to an online GIS Authority Search portal for property records. The portal links parcel data with recorded document indexes, making it easier to search by parcel number, address, or name. For assumed name searches, the county clerk's search tool at saginawcounty.com/Clerk/Search.aspx is the place to look.
The Saginaw County website serves as the entry point for online property record searches, including access to the GIS Authority portal and recorded document indexes going back to the county's founding in 1835.
For mail searches, send the property owner's name or address, the approximate purchase date, and specify whether you need a copy or just a document confirmation. Include the required fees and note your preferred delivery method. The office processes mail requests in order received.
Records Retention Schedule
Saginaw County keeps property records on a defined retention schedule that guides how long different document types are stored. Deeds and conveyances are kept permanently. Mortgages are retained for 40 years after discharge. Construction liens remain on file for 10 years after discharge. Tax records are held for 7 years. Plat maps are permanent. Building permits are kept for the life of the structure plus 10 years.
This retention schedule means that for most title research purposes, you can find all relevant documents at the Register of Deeds. Older deeds dating back to the 1800s are part of the permanent record. If you are tracing a long chain of title, the Saginaw records go back far enough to cover most needs under the Marketable Record Title Act at MCL 565.101, which only requires a 40-year chain to establish marketable title.
Document Recording Requirements
Documents submitted to the Saginaw County Register of Deeds must comply with MCL 565.201. The first page must have a 2.5-inch top margin for the recorder's stamp and indexing information. All other margins must be at least 0.5 inches. Text must be in black ink, minimum 10-point font, on white paper. Each document can cover only one recordable event.
Drafter identification per MCL 565.201a is required: the name and address of the person who prepared the document must appear on it. Names must be typed or printed beneath all signatures. The property tax identification number must be on the first page. Original signatures are always required. Documents that miss these requirements may be rejected or assessed a non-standard penalty.
Michigan Recording Law Overview
Michigan is a race-notice state under MCL 565.29. This means that in a dispute between two buyers claiming the same property, the one who recorded first without prior knowledge of the competing claim wins. Buyers in Saginaw County should record their deeds promptly after closing to protect their ownership rights.
The Michigan Compiled Laws database contains the full text of property recording statutes and related laws applicable to Saginaw County transactions.
Transfer Taxes and Property Assessment
Saginaw County collects a county transfer tax of $1.10 per $1,000 of the sale price when property changes hands. The state collects $7.50 per $1,000. Both taxes are typically settled at closing. Certain exempt transfers, such as those between spouses or to qualifying nonprofits, do not require payment of transfer tax.
Property in Saginaw County is assessed at 50% of its true cash value. Proposal A limits how much taxable value can increase each year. When a sale occurs, taxable value uncaps and resets to state equalized value, which can mean a noticeable increase in property taxes for the buyer in the following tax year. The county equalization office and local assessors handle parcel-level assessment questions.
The Michigan Department of Treasury maintains resources on property tax exemptions, assessment appeals, and the Principal Residence Exemption that may be available to Saginaw County property owners.
Cities in Saginaw County
Saginaw County has no cities that meet the qualifying population threshold for individual city pages on this site. The city of Saginaw is the county seat and largest community. Property records for all cities and townships in the county are maintained by the Register of Deeds at 111 S. Michigan Ave. in Saginaw.
Nearby Counties
Saginaw County borders seven other Michigan counties. Each has a separate Register of Deeds handling local property records.