Berkley Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Berkley, Michigan government websites.

  About Berkley City Government
Annual Budget $12.5 million

The governing body of Berkley, Michigan, is the City Council, which consists of seven elected members. Each council member is elected at-large to serve a term of four years. Elections are held in November during even-numbered years, allowing residents to vote for their representatives on the council.

For the fiscal year 2023-2024, Berkley has an approximate annual operating budget of $12.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community services, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents.

Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Berkley City Hall, located at 3338 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding city governance and community issues.

  About Berkley, Michigan

Nestled in the heart of Oakland County, Berkley is a vibrant city that boasts a population of approximately 15,200 residents. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and active community involvement, this city was founded in 1920 and has since developed a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. Prominent neighborhoods, such as the Berkley Downtown District and the Berkley Highlands, offer a mix of residential homes, parks, and locally owned businesses, contributing to the city’s distinctive character. The local economy is largely supported by a variety of small businesses, retail establishments, and service industries, with a notable presence of healthcare and education sectors providing employment opportunities for residents. Berkley is also recognized for its commitment to community events and cultural activities, including the popular Berkley Art Bash and the annual July 4th parade, fostering a strong sense of unity and pride among its inhabitants.

The Berkley Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the city, ensuring the safety and security of its residents. Additionally, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office assists in providing law enforcement services, particularly for more serious incidents. For individuals seeking arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process begins with the Berkley Police Department’s records unit, where one can request information directly. If further documentation is needed, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office can provide access to county-level records, including those related to arrests and detention at the Oakland County Jail. For statewide criminal history information, residents can turn to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center, which hosts the Michigan Automated Criminal History Record (MACR) system. This system allows individuals to access criminal history information online, streamlining the process and enhancing accessibility. While many records may be obtained digitally, in-person requests can also be made at the respective police or sheriff's department offices.

Berkley falls under the jurisdiction of the Oakland County Circuit Court, which handles a wide range of legal matters, including civil and criminal cases. Residents can request court records through the Oakland County Court’s online portal, which allows for easy access to case information. For those preferring in-person assistance, the courthouse clerk’s office is available to help with record requests. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Oakland County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, with options for online orders or in-person visits. Property records, essential for real estate transactions or inquiries, are managed by the county assessor and recorder, with databases accessible online for convenience. Furthermore, individuals seeking information through a Michigan Freedom of Information Act request can submit inquiries regarding public records to the appropriate governing body. Responses to these requests are typically issued within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance.

  Berkley, Michigan Public Records & Government Resources

About Berkley

Berkley is a small, densely populated city in southeastern Oakland County, Michigan, approximately 13 miles north of downtown Detroit. With a population of around 15,000 residents within just 2.6 square miles, Berkley is known for its walkable downtown along Twelve Mile Road and Coolidge Highway, tree-lined residential streets, and strong sense of community. The city was incorporated as a village in 1923 and became a city in 1932, developing as a classic streetcar suburb during the early 20th century.
Berkley is home to a thriving downtown district with locally owned shops and restaurants, the historic Berkley High School, and is recognized for its active civic engagement and family-friendly atmosphere. Major landmarks include the Berkley Public Library, Jaycee Park, and Roseland Park Cemetery, one of Oakland County's oldest cemeteries dating to 1835. Public records for Berkley residents are maintained by a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The City of Berkley operates city hall at 3338 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072, where residents can access municipal records including city council minutes, ordinances, building permits, and business licenses. The Berkley Department of Public Safety at 3338 Coolidge Highway provides police and fire services and maintains law enforcement records. Property records, vital records, court records, and election administration are handled by Oakland County offices located in Pontiac, the county seat. Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in MCL 15.231 et seq., governs public access to government records at all levels, requiring agencies to respond to written requests within five business days and limiting fees to actual costs of duplication and labor.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Berkley, Oakland County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Troy Police Department, Farmington Hills Police Department, and Rochester Hills Police Department. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office provides support and resources for larger investigations and county-wide issues. Coordination between these agencies is common for major crimes and emergency situations, ensuring comprehensive public safety coverage.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Oakland County Jail, located in Pontiac, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are fingerprinted, photographed, and processed. Inmate information can be accessed through the Oakland County Sheriff's Office website, which provides an inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require scheduling in advance, with guidelines available online. The bond or bail process follows Michigan state law, allowing for release upon payment of bail set by the court.

Court Records

Berkley residents are primarily served by the 46th District Court, located at 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076 (phone: 248-796-5900, website: www.ci.southfield.mi.us/Departments/46th-District-Court). The 46th District Court has jurisdiction over Berkley and several neighboring communities, handling misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims cases up to $6,500.
Felony cases are arraigned in district court but are heard in the Oakland County Circuit Court, located at 1200 N Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (phone: 248-858-0344, website: www.oakgov.com/courts). Oakland County Circuit Court handles all felony criminal cases, civil cases over $25,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, and appeals from district court. Probate matters are heard in Oakland County Probate Court at the same Pontiac address (phone: 248-858-0485). Michigan residents can search court records online through the Oakland County Court Case Lookup system at www.oakgov.com/courts or through the statewide Michigan Court Case Search portal. Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $10 to $25, with additional per-page charges. Small claims filing fees are approximately $35-$85 depending on claim amount, while circuit court civil filing fees start around $175.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Oakland County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Michigan State Police provide statewide criminal background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides access to public criminal history records. The Michigan Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for more comprehensive background investigations.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Oakland County are maintained by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments within the county. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the specific law enforcement agency involved in the arrest. These records typically include the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and court dates. The Michigan Freedom of Information Act governs access to these records, ensuring public transparency while protecting individual privacy.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Berkley are maintained by Oakland County offices in Pontiac. The Oakland County Equalization Division (Assessment Office) at 1200 N Telegraph Road, Building 13 East, Pontiac, MI 48341 (phone: 248-858-0740, website: www.oakgov.com/equalization) maintains property assessment data including parcel identification numbers, owner names, assessed values, taxable values, property classifications, and sale history.
Residents can search property records online for free at the Oakland County Property Portal (https://gis.oakgov.com/propertysearch), which allows searches by address, parcel number, or owner name, and provides detailed tax assessment information, aerial photos, and property characteristics. The Oakland County Register of Deeds, located at 1200 N Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (phone: 248-858-0580, website: www.oakgov.com/register), records and maintains all land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, liens, easements, and land contracts. The Register of Deeds provides free online access to recorded documents dating back to 1820 through the Oakland County Register of Deeds Search portal at https://fieldview.oakgov.com/. Residents can search by name, document type, or legal description and view digitized images of recorded instruments at no charge. The county also maintains a robust GIS parcel viewer at https://gis.oakgov.com/parcelviewer that displays property boundaries, zoning, flood zones, and tax information.

Economy & Demographics

Berkley's economy is characterized as a stable, inner-ring Detroit suburb with a strong local retail and service sector concentrated along the Twelve Mile Road and Coolidge Highway corridors. Major employers in Berkley include Berkley Public Schools, the largest employer in the city with approximately 400 staff serving roughly 2,400 students across five schools; the City of Berkley municipal government; Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak (nearby, one of Southeast Michigan's largest healthcare systems); and numerous locally-owned restaurants, shops, and professional services.
The downtown Berkley business district has experienced significant revitalization in recent years, with new restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and boutique retail establishments. Median household income in Berkley is estimated at approximately $82,000, higher than both the Oakland County and Michigan state medians. The city's economy benefits from its proximity to Detroit's economic centers, Oakland County's strong employment base including automotive headquarters and suppliers, and a highly educated residential population. Recent development has focused on mixed-use projects and downtown commercial revitalization, with the city actively encouraging walkable, transit-oriented development. Berkley's economic character is that of a mature, residential suburb with strong community identity, an active downtown, and stable property values, functioning as part of the broader Oakland County economy which includes automotive, healthcare, technology, and professional services sectors.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Berkley Department of Public Safety, located at 3338 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072 (phone: 248-658-3380, website: www.berkleymich.org/departments/public_safety), provides police and fire services to the city. Residents can request police reports, incident records, and accident reports in person at the department or by submitting a written FOIA request. Non-confidential police reports are typically available for a fee, with crash reports accessible through the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts portal as well. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1200 N Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (phone: 248-858-4911, website: www.oakgov.com/sheriff), provides countywide services including jail operations, court security, and support to smaller municipalities. For arrests and jail bookings in Oakland County, residents can search the Oakland County Jail inmate roster online at www.oakgov.com/sheriff/Pages/inmate-locator.aspx, which displays current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and often mugshots. The roster is updated regularly and covers detainees held at the Oakland County Jail in Pontiac. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.), residents have the right to request public records from any government body. Requests must be in writing, and agencies have five business days to respond. Exemptions include certain investigative records, records protected by attorney-client privilege, and information that would compromise ongoing investigations or personal privacy.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates for Berkley residents are issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, located at 201 Townsend Street, Lansing, MI 48913 (phone: 517-335-8655, website: www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/vital-records). Birth certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies ordered at the same time; death certificates are $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies.
Michigan residents can order vital records online through VitalChek at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs with expedited processing available for additional fees; standard processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks. Birth records are available from 1867 to present, and death records from 1867 to present. Only eligible individuals can request vital records: the person named on the record (if 18+), legal parent or guardian, spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or legal representative with proper documentation. Marriage licenses are issued by the Oakland County Clerk's Office at 1200 N Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (phone: 248-858-0581, website: www.oakgov.com/clerkrod). Marriage licenses cost $20 with a 3-day waiting period or $30 without waiting period, and are valid for 33 days. Marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk and are available from 1827 forward. Divorce records are maintained as court records in Oakland County Circuit Court and can be searched through the court records system; certified copies are available from the County Clerk for $3 per page with a $1 certification fee.

Business & Licensing Records

The City of Berkley does not issue general business licenses, but specific businesses such as solicitors and peddlers require permits from the City Clerk's office at Berkley City Hall, 3338 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072 (phone: 248-658-3300, website: www.berkleymich.org). Home occupation permits and certain special land use permits are required for businesses operating from residential properties, administered through the City's Community Development Department. Businesses operating in Berkley must comply with Oakland County and state-level requirements.
Assumed name (DBA) filings are registered with the Oakland County Clerk at 1200 N Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (phone: 248-858-0564), with fees around $10 for registration. Michigan business entity searches, including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, are conducted through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Corporations Division online database at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch. The free online portal allows searches by entity name, ID number, or registered agent, displaying current status, formation date, registered agent information, and principal office address. New business entity filings can be completed online through LARA. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien searches are conducted through the Michigan Department of State at https://elog.michigan.gov/ucc, with search fees of $6 per debtor name. Property tax information for commercial properties in Berkley is searchable through the Oakland County Property Portal at https://gis.oakgov.com/propertysearch, showing current and historical assessments, tax bills, and payment status. Business personal property taxes are also administered by Oakland County and the City of Berkley.

Elections & Voter Records

Berkley voters are served by the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds - Elections Division, located at 1200 N Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (phone: 248-858-0564, website: www.oakgov.com/clerkrod/election-division). Michigan residents can register to vote online at www.michigan.gov/sos up to 15 days before an election, or in person at their city clerk's office or a Secretary of State branch office up to and including Election Day with proof of residency. Berkley residents can also register at Berkley City Hall, 3338 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072 (phone: 248-658-3320). To register, applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and Michigan residents. Acceptable ID includes a Michigan driver's license or state ID, with the last four digits of a Social Security number required for online registration. Berkley holds municipal elections in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) for mayor, city council members, and the Board of Education, typically in November. Berkley's next municipal election is in November 2025, with the mayor and three city council seats on the ballot. Berkley voters can find their assigned polling place through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, which also shows sample ballots, registration status, and absentee ballot status. Under Michigan law, voter registration lists are public records available for purchase for election-related purposes; campaign finance reports are accessible through the Michigan Secretary of State at www.michigan.gov/sos; and precinct-level election results are published by the Oakland County Clerk. In the November 2024 presidential election, Oakland County reported approximately 67% voter turnout with over 650,000 ballots cast out of nearly 970,000 registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement in Southeast Michigan. On November 3, 2026, Berkley and Oakland County voters will decide several significant races including the Michigan Governor's race (Governor Gretchen Whitmer's term expires in 2027, with the 2026 gubernatorial election determining her successor), all Michigan House of Representatives seats (110 districts, two-year terms), Michigan State Senate seats in even-numbered districts, Oakland County Executive, Oakland County Commission seats, and various Oakland County judicial positions. No U.S. Senate seat from Michigan is up in 2026 (Senator Gary Peters' term ends in 2027, Senator Debbie Stabenow retired in 2024 with Elissa Slotkin elected to succeed her for a term through 2031). Michigan voters can request absentee ballots online through the Michigan Voter Information Center or by contacting their local city clerk; any registered voter may vote absentee without providing a reason, and ballots can be returned by mail or deposited in secure drop boxes.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Oakland County and Michigan provide exceptional online access to nearly all public records categories, with comprehensive free property data, statewide court search tools, robust online vital records ordering, and complete business entity databases, representing one of the most transparent and accessible public records systems in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Berkley, Oakland County, Michigan to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Berkley, Michigan, you will be transported to the Oakland County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Oakland County Court. Under Michigan law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Michigan State Police. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://mdocweb.state.mi.us/otis2/otis2.aspx where you can look up current detainees.
The Berkley School District is located in Oakland County, Michigan. According to the Michigan Department of Education, the district has an overall performance score of 80.7 out of 100. The district has a graduation rate of 95.2%, and the average SAT score is 1119. The district also has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, the total number of reported crimes in Berkley, Oakland County, Michigan in 2019 was 1,845. Of those, 1,541 were property crimes and 304 were violent crimes. The crime rate in Berkley was 1,845 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 2,580 per 100,000 people.
The Berkley Public Library in Oakland County, Michigan provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Michigan government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which governs access to government documents in Michigan. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Berkley Michigan Archives and Genealogy at https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/0,2351,7-160-54574---,00.html. Contact the Berkley Public Library reference desk at (248) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Berkley Public Library is located at 3155 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072.
Fingerprinting services for Berkley, Michigan residents are provided at the Berkley Police Department, which serves Oakland County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Berkley Police Department at (248) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Michigan State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Michigan State Police at https://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1589_3503_4654---,00.html.
The procedures to obtain vital records from Berkley, Oakland County, Michigan are as follows:

1. Visit the Oakland County Clerk's Office in person or contact them by phone.

2. Provide the necessary information, such as the full name of the person whose record you are requesting, the date of the event, and the type of record you are requesting.

3. Pay the required fee.

4. Receive the requested record.

The records available from the Oakland County Clerk's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. All records include the address of the person whose record is being requested.
Police reports from Berkley, Michigan can be obtained from the Berkley Police Department, located in Oakland County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), most police reports are public records in Michigan, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Berkley Police Department Records Division at (248) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1589_3503_4654---,00.html.
A background check in Berkley, Oakland County, Michigan typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Michigan. Criminal background checks are processed through the Michigan State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Michigan residents. The Michigan State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1589_3503_4654---,00.html. Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Oakland County, Michigan

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Bloomfield Brandon Commerce Auburn Hills Birmingham Clawson