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Transparency and Freedom of Information Act

Resources for election-related FOIA requests

The Michigan Department of State now has data related to elections and voting available on the Michigan Voting Dashboard. Please check the dashboard as your requested data may already be available.

Driver records, vehicle records, bulk information sales, and commercial subscriptions

Driver records, vehicle records, bulk information sales, and commercial subscriptions should not be requested by FOIA. These records can be requested by selecting the appropriate record type:

Driver records    Vehicle records

Bulk information sales    Commercial subscriptions

Freedom of Information Act

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq, provides that certain persons can receive copies or make inspections of most public records of public bodies upon written request. The person must sufficiently describe the records they seek as the department isn't required to perform legal or other research to determine the nature of records sought by a requestor. The department may charge a fee to cover the cost of complying with a person's FOIA request. Specifying exact search terms and date ranges will assist the department in searching for potentially responsive documents and reduce your potential costs. For additional questions, review the Freedom of Information Act FAQs.

How to submit a FOIA request

A FOIA request must be submitted in writing. For quickest service, requests may be made online using the MDOS FOIA request system.

Online

MiLogin for Business – An individual using State of Michigan online services on behalf of someone else such as a business, organization, or corporation.

Public – An individual using State of Michigan online services for their own personal transactions.

MiLogin for Business login                Public login

Requests may also be submitted by mail or email:

U.S. mail:
Michigan Department of State
Attn: FOIA Coordinator Ottawa Bldg., 4th Floor
P.O. Box 30204
Lansing, MI 48918


Email: MDOS-FOIA@Michigan.gov

 

Your request must include your:

  • First, middle, and last name
  • Address (in compliance with U.S. Postal Service standards)
  • Phone number
  • Email

Transparency