County Clerk of Watervliet MI: Records, Locations & Clerk Services

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Watervliet, Michigan Clerk Services Guide

County Clerk of Watervliet MI: Records, Locations & Clerk Services

Watervliet, Michigan does not have its own separate “county clerk.” For county-level clerk services, most Watervliet residents use the Berrien County Clerk, because the City of Watervliet is in Berrien County. For city records, FOIA requests, local forms, water/tax account questions, agendas, minutes, city elections and local government contact, use the City of Watervliet Clerk / City Hall.

This guide explains which office to use for vital records, marriage licenses, Circuit Court records, city public records, voter registration, deeds, land records, business names, notary filings, and local clerk services so you do not waste time contacting the wrong office.

Berrien County Clerk City of Watervliet County Clerk Locations

Independent informational guide. Last reviewed September 2026. Always confirm current hours, fees, forms, election deadlines and record access rules on the official Berrien County, City of Watervliet and Michigan court websites before visiting or paying.

Quick Facts: County Clerk Services for Watervliet MI

County clerk for Watervliet Berrien County Clerk, led by County Clerk Stacy Loar-Porter.
City office City of Watervliet City Hall, 158 W. Pleasant St., P.O. Box 86, Watervliet, MI 49098.
City Hall phone 269-463-6769.
City Hall hours Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed Friday through Sunday.
County vital records office Berrien County Administration Center, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
County court records office Berrien County Courthouse, 811 Port Street, First Floor, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
County Clerk phone 269-983-7111. Vital records extension: 8233. Court records extension: 8368.
Nearby county branch Niles Courthouse, 1205 N. Front Street, Niles, MI 49120, handles many Clerk services.
Local clarity: if you are inside the City of Watervliet and need city hall records, FOIA, agendas, minutes, city tax/water account questions or local election help, start with Watervliet City Hall. If you need birth, death, marriage, Circuit Court, felony, divorce, family, CPL, DBA, notary bond, veterans card or county election records, start with the Berrien County Clerk.

Watervliet City Clerk / City Hall Services

For local city-government business, Watervliet residents should begin with City Hall. The City of Watervliet website provides access to city administration, agendas and minutes, forms and permits, FOIA information, city contact information, water account or tax payment links, and local government notices.

City Hall is also the right starting point for city public records under Michigan FOIA. The City’s FOIA summary says requests may be delivered in person or by mail to City Hall, faxed, emailed to the clerk, or made verbally so the City can document the request.

City Hall address 158 W. Pleasant St., P.O. Box 86, Watervliet, MI 49098.
City Hall phone 269-463-6769.
City Hall hours Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed Friday through Sunday.
FOIA email clerk@watervliet.org. Use “FOIA” or “FOIA Request” in the subject line.
FOIA fax 269-463-7708. Put “FOIA” or “FOIA Request” on the cover page.
Police and accident reports The City FOIA page directs police and accident report questions to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department at 269-983-7141 ext. 7211.

Official city siteCity of Watervliet Official Website

After opening this link:

  1. Use the top navigation to choose Government, Departments, Residents, Visitors or About.
  2. For agendas and minutes, open the City Commission or Agendas & Minutes link.
  3. For applications, local forms or permits, open Forms & Permits.
  4. For city water or taxes, use the View/Pay Water Account or Taxes link.
  5. For county-level records such as birth, death, marriage or Circuit Court records, switch to the Berrien County Clerk links in this guide.

Official FOIACity of Watervliet FOIA Information

After opening this link:

  1. Read the public summary so you understand how the City processes FOIA requests.
  2. Describe the public record clearly enough for City staff to find it.
  3. Include “FOIA” or “FOIA Request” in your email subject line, fax cover page or written request.
  4. Send the request to City Hall, fax it to 269-463-7708 or email clerk@watervliet.org.
  5. Watch for the City’s response, fee estimate, partial denial, extension notice or notice that the record is already available online.

Berrien County Clerk Locations for Watervliet Residents

Berrien County Clerk services are split by service type. For vital records, marriage licenses, notary applications, DBAs, CPL, veterans cards and related services, the Administration Center in St. Joseph is the main location. For Circuit Court records, elections and courthouse-related matters, the Saint Joseph Courthouse is the key location.

The Niles Courthouse also provides many Clerk services, including marriage licenses, birth records, death records, notary applications and bonds, DD-214s, DBAs, genealogy records by mail, concealed pistol license services and limited Circuit Court filing intake.

Berrien County Administration Center

701 Main Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085

Phone: 269-983-7111 ext. 8233

Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Use for: marriage licenses, birth records, death records, notary applications/bonds, DD-214s, veterans cards, DBAs/co-partnerships, genealogy records by mail and concealed pistol license services.

Saint Joseph Courthouse

811 Port Street, First Floor
St. Joseph, MI 49085

Phone: 269-983-7111 ext. 8368

Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Use for: courts, elections, vital records and Circuit Court record services.

Niles Courthouse

1205 N. Front Street
Niles, MI 49120

Phone: 269-684-5274

Hours: Weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed noon to 1:00 p.m.

Use for: many Clerk services plus new Circuit Court cases and pleadings accepted at this location.

Official locationsBerrien County Clerk Office Locations

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the location based on the service you need, not only the closest office.
  2. Use the Administration Center for marriage, vital records, notary, DBA and CPL services.
  3. Use the Saint Joseph Courthouse for Circuit Court records, elections and courthouse-related Clerk work.
  4. Check the Niles Courthouse service list if it is more convenient from Watervliet.
  5. Confirm the hours and phone number before driving, especially if you need same-day service or records staff assistance.

Google Map: Watervliet City Hall and County Clerk Route

Watervliet City Hall is local for city services. Berrien County Clerk’s main county services are in St. Joseph, so many Watervliet residents should plan for travel if they need certified county records, marriage licenses, Circuit Court records or Clerk services that cannot be handled online or by mail.

Watervliet City Hall

Address: 158 W. Pleasant St., Watervliet, MI 49098

Phone: 269-463-6769

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; closed Friday–Sunday.

Use for: city FOIA requests, city forms, local government contact, agendas, minutes, local notices, utility/tax account questions and city clerk questions.

Open Watervliet City Hall in Google Maps

Berrien County Administration Center

Address: 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085

Phone: 269-983-7111 ext. 8233

Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Use for: marriage licenses, birth records, death records, notary, DBA/co-partnership, DD-214, veterans card, genealogy mail records and concealed pistol license services.

Open County Clerk in Google Maps

Birth, Death and Marriage Records for Watervliet Residents

For county vital records, Watervliet residents generally use the Berrien County Clerk. The Clerk files, stores and retains original vital records such as birth, death and marriage records and makes certified copies available to the public under Michigan access rules.

Berrien County states that it only issues certified copies of vital records. If you need a certificate for legal, identity, estate, school, passport or benefit purposes, ask for the correct certified copy and bring the ID or paperwork required by the Clerk.

Birth certificates Use the Berrien County Clerk if the birth record belongs to Berrien County and you are eligible to receive the copy.
Death certificates Use the County Clerk for certified death records held by Berrien County.
Marriage licenses Apply through the County Clerk. If unsure whether your wedding venue is in Berrien County, call 269-983-7111 ext. 8233 before applying.
Genealogy records Mail-only genealogy records are listed through County Clerk service locations; walk-in genealogy records have limited posted hours at a separate location.

Official county clerkBerrien County Clerk Vital Records Information

After opening this link:

  1. Open the Vital Records section from the County Clerk page.
  2. Choose the record type: birth, death, marriage or genealogy record.
  3. Review eligibility, identification, mail or in-person requirements and payment instructions.
  4. Use the Administration Center location if you need in-person vital-record service.
  5. Call ext. 8233 if you are unsure whether the event or venue belongs to Berrien County.

Official marriageBerrien County Marriage License Application

After opening this link:

  1. Read the eligibility and Michigan marriage-license instructions before applying.
  2. Confirm whether you should apply in Berrien County based on residency and ceremony location rules.
  3. Make sure the address on current ID matches what you enter on the application when required.
  4. Allow enough time for processing; the County notes marriage applications/licenses are processed until 4:30 p.m., with lunch-hour limits at the Niles location.
  5. Bring required ID, payment and any divorce or prior-marriage details requested by the application.

Court Records for Watervliet MI

The Berrien County Clerk is Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Clerk opens, maintains, tracks and stores records for cases filed in Circuit Court. Court files are public records and may be inspected at the Clerk’s office at the courthouse unless access is restricted by law or court rule.

The Berrien County Court Records Request page says available record types include civil, criminal and family records. Circuit Court filings include divorce, other family matters, civil actions over $25,000, felony criminal cases and other Circuit Court matters.

Where to apply County Clerk Office, Berrien County Courthouse, 811 Port Street, Room 123, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Court-record questions Call 269-983-7111 ext. 8368.
Records check fee The County lists $10 per individual for records checks.
Certified court documents The County lists certified copies at $11 plus $1 per page.
Online case search Use Michigan’s MiCOURT Case Search for participating Michigan trial court case information.
Local court routing The civil division list includes Watervliet ZIP 49098 under the St. Joseph courthouse routing table and notes some nearby areas may cross county lines.

Official court recordsBerrien County Court Records Request

After opening this link:

  1. Read the record types listed: civil, criminal and family.
  2. Prepare the complete name, any AKA names, date of birth or other identifiers, and the year range to search.
  3. Download the request form if you need a formal records check or copy request.
  4. Submit or visit the County Clerk office at the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph.
  5. Confirm fees before ordering: records checks, certified copies and per-page copy charges can apply.

State case searchMiCOURT Case Search

After opening this link:

  1. Read the Michigan court disclaimer before relying on the information.
  2. Choose the Berrien County Trial Court or the court that matches your matter.
  3. Search by party name, case number or attorney information when available.
  4. Use the online result only as informational unless the court or Clerk provides an official certified document.
  5. Contact the Berrien County Clerk for certified court copies or records not available online.

Voter Registration and Election Clerk Help in Watervliet

Michigan voter registration rules depend on timing. More than 14 days before an election, voters may have online, mail or in-person options. Within 14 days of an election and on Election Day, Michigan voters must register in person at their local clerk’s office with proof of residency.

For Watervliet city voters, the local clerk is the best starting point for the most local election help, absentee ballot questions, polling-place questions and proof-of-residency guidance. The Berrien County Clerk’s Elections Division oversees county elections, school elections and campaign finance law for county and local candidates and officeholders.

Official voter infoBerrien County Voter Registration

After opening this link:

  1. Check whether you are 15 or more days before the election or within 14 days of the election.
  2. If you are within 14 days of Election Day, plan to register in person with proof of residency.
  3. Use the Michigan Voter Information Center link to verify registration, polling place and clerk contact information.
  4. For county election questions, contact the Berrien County Elections office at the number listed on the page.
  5. For city-level election questions, contact Watervliet City Hall.

Official state voter portalMichigan Voter Information Center

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the tool you need: register to vote, check voter registration, find polling place or find your local clerk.
  2. Enter your information exactly as requested by the portal.
  3. Review the local clerk contact information shown for your Watervliet address.
  4. Save or print polling-place and absentee-ballot information before Election Day.

Land Records, Deeds and Property Documents Near Watervliet

Deeds and recorded land documents are not usually handled by the County Clerk’s Circuit Court records desk. In Berrien County, land records are handled by the Register of Deeds. If you need a deed, mortgage discharge, recorded land contract, lien, property transfer document or recording information, use the Register of Deeds instead of the City Clerk or court-records request page.

Register of Deeds location Berrien County Administration Center, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Recording fee example Berrien County FAQ states Michigan has a flat recording fee of $30 per recordable event, with possible tax certification or transfer fees.
Document copy example County FAQ notes online deed copies may be $1 per page plus a credit-card fee; in-office copies may be $1 per page.
Certified requirement Court documents and death certificates must be certified to meet Michigan recording requirements.

Official land recordsBerrien County Register of Deeds Public Search

After opening this link:

  1. Register or continue as a guest if the system allows guest searching.
  2. Search by party name, document type, recording date or other available fields.
  3. Use name searches carefully because land records are usually indexed by grantor/grantee names.
  4. Review copy charges and card fees before purchasing online copies.
  5. Contact the Register of Deeds if you need certified copies, recording requirements or deed-history help.
Do not use a city clerk for deed preparation: clerk and register offices generally cannot prepare deeds or choose legal forms for you. For deed changes, ownership transfers or estate-related property questions, consider a Michigan attorney, title company or qualified real estate professional.

Common Fees and Copy Costs to Expect

Fees can change and may depend on record type, certification, copy size, page count, search time or payment method. Always confirm the final amount with the correct office before mailing payment or driving from Watervliet.

$10 Berrien County records check fee per individual, as listed on the Court Records Request page.
$11 + $1/page Certified copies of court documents, as listed on the Court Records Request page.
$1/page Common deed-copy cost shown in Berrien County FAQ examples, with possible online card or distribution fees.
$30 Michigan flat recording fee per recordable event referenced in Berrien County Register of Deeds FAQ.
Deposit possible Watervliet FOIA rules allow a deposit when estimated processing cost exceeds $50 or prior FOIA charges remain unpaid.
Confirm first Vital records, marriage licenses, CPL, notary, DBA, city FOIA and election-related services may have separate rules.
Payment tip: bring a valid Michigan ID when required and ask the office whether it accepts cash, check, card or money order for your specific transaction. Court, vital record, city FOIA and register-of-deeds payments may follow different rules.

Which Clerk or Office Do You Need?

The phrase “county clerk of Watervliet MI” can point to more than one office. Use this quick split before you search or call.

Use Watervliet City Hall / City Clerk for

  • City FOIA requests and city public records.
  • City Commission agendas and minutes.
  • City forms, permits and local contact questions.
  • City water or tax account payment links.
  • Local election questions and proof-of-residency questions for city voters.
  • Local clerk email requests to clerk@watervliet.org.

Use Berrien County Clerk for

  • Birth, death and marriage vital records.
  • Marriage license applications.
  • Circuit Court records and records checks.
  • Divorce, family, felony criminal and Circuit Court civil case records.
  • County elections, County Election Commission and election canvassing functions.
  • DBAs/co-partnerships, notary bonds, DD-214s, veterans cards and CPL services.

Use Berrien County Register of Deeds for

  • Deeds, mortgages and land records.
  • Recorded document copies.
  • Recording original signed documents.
  • Property ownership history from recorded instruments.
  • Transfer tax and recording requirement questions.

Use courts, sheriff or other offices for

  • MiCOURT / Trial Court: online case lookup and trial court case information.
  • Sheriff Records: accident reports, incident reports, fingerprinting and law-enforcement records.
  • Treasurer / city utility: taxes or water account payment issues.
  • Property assessing: property value, assessment and parcel questions.
County-boundary caution: Watervliet City is in Berrien County, but some nearby Watervliet or Coloma mailing-area locations can be close to county lines. For court filing or local clerk routing, verify the exact municipality and county for the address before filing.

Official Links Used in This Guide

Use these official links when you need current forms, hours, filing rules, record access, fees, voter instructions or office contact information.

City of Watervliet Official Website Watervliet Administration / City Hall Watervliet FOIA Information Watervliet Contact Page Berrien County Clerk Berrien County Clerk Office Locations Berrien County Court Records Request Berrien County Public Records MiCOURT Case Search Berrien County Register of Deeds Search

Related County Clerk Guides

These internal guides can help if you are comparing Michigan county clerk offices, local records, marriage services or general county clerk duties.

Wayne County Clerk MI Guide Macomb County Clerk MI Guide Genesee County Clerk & Register of Deeds Guide County Clerk Guide: Records, Services, Offices & Contact Info County Clerk Marriage License Guide What Does a County Clerk Do?

Before You Visit, Call or Submit a Request

Use this quick checklist before contacting Watervliet City Hall or the Berrien County Clerk.

Know the office City records go to Watervliet City Hall. County records go to Berrien County Clerk. Deeds go to Register of Deeds.
Bring identifiers Case number, full name, date of birth, year range, record type, address, parcel or document details.
Check hours Watervliet City Hall is closed Friday through Sunday; county offices have separate weekday hours.
Confirm fees Call first if the total depends on copy type, certification, page count, FOIA processing time or recording fees.
Use correct email For Watervliet FOIA, use clerk@watervliet.org and include “FOIA” in the subject line.
Protect private data Do not email Social Security numbers, bank details or sensitive identity documents unless an official secure process specifically requires them.

Privacy, Accuracy and Public Records Notice

Public records access can vary by office, record type, confidentiality law and case status. Some court, family, juvenile, medical, law-enforcement, election, identity and personal-information records may be restricted, redacted or unavailable online.

This page is an independent informational guide and is not the official City of Watervliet website, Berrien County Clerk website, Berrien County Trial Court or Michigan Secretary of State website. It is not a consumer reporting agency and should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, insurance eligibility or any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose.

Verify before acting: always confirm current fees, deadlines, forms, office hours, filing location, court-record access and voter-registration instructions directly with the official city, county or state office.

County Clerk of Watervliet MI FAQs

1. Does Watervliet MI have its own county clerk?

No. Watervliet is a city in Berrien County, so county-level clerk services are handled by the Berrien County Clerk. City-level records and local government services are handled by Watervliet City Hall / City Clerk.

2. Where is Watervliet City Hall located?

Watervliet City Hall is located at 158 W. Pleasant St., P.O. Box 86, Watervliet, MI 49098. The City Hall phone number is 269-463-6769.

3. What are Watervliet City Hall hours?

Watervliet City Hall posts hours of Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is closed Friday through Sunday. Confirm current closures on the City website before visiting.

4. Which county clerk office serves Watervliet MI?

The Berrien County Clerk serves Watervliet for county-level clerk services such as vital records, marriage licenses, county elections, Circuit Court records, DBAs, notary bonds and related records.

5. Where do I get a birth, death or marriage record for Watervliet?

Use the Berrien County Clerk if the record belongs to Berrien County. The main vital-record service location is the Berrien County Administration Center at 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

6. Where do I request Berrien County court records?

Use the Berrien County Court Records Request page or visit the County Clerk at the Berrien County Courthouse, 811 Port Street, Room 123, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Court-record questions may be directed to 269-983-7111 ext. 8368.

7. Can I search Watervliet or Berrien County court cases online?

Yes. Use Michigan’s MiCOURT Case Search for participating Michigan trial court case information. For official certified copies or records not available online, contact the Berrien County Clerk.

8. Where do I submit a FOIA request for City of Watervliet records?

City FOIA requests may be submitted to Watervliet City Hall, emailed to clerk@watervliet.org, faxed to 269-463-7708 or made in another written form. Include “FOIA” or “FOIA Request” to help the City route the request.

9. Where do I search deeds and land records for Watervliet property?

Use the Berrien County Register of Deeds for deeds, mortgages and recorded land documents. The public search is available online, and the Register of Deeds office is located at 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

10. Is this the official County Clerk of Watervliet MI website?

No. This is an independent guide. For official city records, county records, court records, voter information, fees and office updates, use the official City of Watervliet, Berrien County Clerk and Michigan court links provided in this article.

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