Michigan operates as a licensed court reporter jurisdiction for official stenographic records. When a deposition transcript is intended to serve as the official record for use in Michigan courts, it must be prepared and certified by a properly authorized Michigan Certified Court Reporter (CCR) in accordance with the Michigan Court Rules. A transcript produced by an uncertified individual may be subject to admissibility challenge if offered as the official evidentiary record.
Under Michigan Court Rule 2.306 and related deposition provisions, testimony must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and the transcript must be properly certified by that officer. The certification must affirm that the testimony was accurately reported and transcribed and that the reporter was authorized to act in that capacity at the time of the proceeding. Michigan courts rely on the certified stenographic transcript as the authoritative record for motion practice, impeachment, and trial use.
Remote depositions are permitted in Michigan when conducted by stipulation or court order. The credentialing requirement for official stenographic transcripts applies equally in remote proceedings. Oath administration must comply with procedural safeguards, and certification language must conform to Michigan Court Rule requirements. Audio or video recording does not substitute for a certified transcript absent express agreement of the parties or authorization by the court.
For deposition transcripts intended to support dispositive motions or evidentiary presentation in Michigan courts, retention of a properly credentialed Michigan CCR ensures procedural compliance and protects against admissibility objections.
Under Michigan Court Rule 2.306 and related deposition provisions, testimony must be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and the transcript must be properly certified by that officer. The certification must affirm that the testimony was accurately reported and transcribed and that the reporter was authorized to act in that capacity at the time of the proceeding. Michigan courts rely on the certified stenographic transcript as the authoritative record for motion practice, impeachment, and trial use.
Remote depositions are permitted in Michigan when conducted by stipulation or court order. The credentialing requirement for official stenographic transcripts applies equally in remote proceedings. Oath administration must comply with procedural safeguards, and certification language must conform to Michigan Court Rule requirements. Audio or video recording does not substitute for a certified transcript absent express agreement of the parties or authorization by the court.
For deposition transcripts intended to support dispositive motions or evidentiary presentation in Michigan courts, retention of a properly credentialed Michigan CCR ensures procedural compliance and protects against admissibility objections.
Last reviewed for accuracy: April 2026
