North Dakota PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

North Dakota State Public Records Search Online

In North Dakota, public records are official documents that are accessible to all citizens. The state's Sunshine Laws (NDSL) regulate how these records can be accessed, requiring that government meetings, vital records, votes, property information, and similar documents be open for public viewing unless there are specific reasons for confidentiality.

People in North Dakota access public records for various reasons. These documents are useful for background checks, family history research, property transactions, and legal matters.

For example, a business owner might use public records to verify the credibility of a potential partner, while genealogy enthusiasts can explore their ancestry. Journalists also depend on public records to gather accurate information for news reports.

Understanding how to access public records empowers individuals to make informed decisions, actively engage in their communities, protect their interests, and gain insight into their surroundings. Knowing how to find and obtain these records in North Dakota provides citizens with valuable tools that can significantly impact many aspects of their lives.

What Records are Public in North Dakota?

All government records and meetings must be open to the public unless a specific statute authorizes a meeting or record to be closed.

"Record" includes all recorded information, regardless of physical form (e.g., paper, e-mail, computer file, photograph, audiotape or recording, video, text message, etc.), that is related to how public funds are spent or to the public entity's performance of its governmental functions.

What is Considered Public Information in North Dakota?

The scope of public information in North Dakota is extensive. It covers a diverse range of documents held by governmental entities, including the following:

• Death records
• Inmate records
• Arrest records and mugshots
• Land and other property records
• Bankruptcy records
• Public marriage records
• Public divorce records
• Sex offender registry
• Criminal records and histories

These public records can also include records generated through consulting or professional services contracted by government agencies.

North Dakota Public Records Laws

In North Dakota, government transparency and public access to information are governed by two primary legislative acts: the North Dakota Open Records Statute (NDORS) and the North Dakota Open Meetings Statute (NDOMS).

Collectively, these laws are referred to as the North Dakota Sunshine Laws (NDSL). They work together to maintain openness in governmental operations and information dissemination.

What is the NDORS?

The North Dakota Open Records Statute (NDORS) is a set of laws guaranteeing public access to governmental records. Under this law, records include any recorded information received or prepared for use in connection with public business.

The NDORS allows anyone to request public records without needing to provide a reason, and there are no restrictions on how the records can be used. However, the law does not specify a mandatory response time for record requests.

What is the NDOMS?

The North Dakota Open Meetings Statute (NDOMS) complements the NDORS (North Dakota Open Records Statute). It legislates how public meetings are conducted. Under this law, a meeting is any gathering of a quorum of a public body's members, whether in person or through electronic means, to discuss and decide on public business.

This law also applies to meetings with fewer than a quorum if the public body holds a series of similar gatherings that, together, involve enough members to constitute a quorum. North Dakota courts may void any action taken during the meeting for violations. They may also award attorney fees and issue fines of up to $1,000.

Who Can Access Public Records in North Dakota?

Per North Dakota's Sunshine Laws, anyone, regardless of residency, has the right to access and obtain copies of a public entity's records. The request must clearly identify the specific records being sought.

However, these laws acknowledge that unrestricted government access to information could compromise other essential interests. As a result, certain limitations and exceptions have been incorporated into the laws.

Some records may be withheld from public disclosure due to various considerations, including:

• Personal privacy protections
• The integrity of ongoing investigations
• Other statutory or legal safeguards

Nonetheless, special access rules may apply in some cases. For example, people involved in legal proceedings or those with specific statutory rights may be allowed to access records that are typically considered confidential.

North Dakota Public Records Search

The North Dakota Sunshine Laws (NDSL) create a comprehensive system for accessing public records. This system enables individuals to obtain various public documents both online and offline, offering multiple ways for citizens to engage with and review governmental information.

How to Find North Dakota Public Records Online

North Dakota has developed numerous online resources to facilitate public record searches, such as the following:

State-Run Online Portals

The state government has created dedicated online portals with centralized hubs for accessing public records. These platforms host various documents, including court proceedings, vital statistics such as birth and death certificates, and property ownership information.

Government Websites

Beyond these centralized portals, various government bodies in North Dakota, from state-level entities to local municipalities, maintain their websites. These individual sites often provide access to specific records relevant to their jurisdictions.

For example, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) typically offers online services or access to driving records through its official website.

Email Requests

Recognizing the need for flexibility in record requests, many state agencies in North Dakota have implemented email-based systems for public record inquiries. This service allows individuals to submit requests directly to the official email addresses of specific agencies holding the desired records.

Third-Party Websites

Third-party websites also offer public record retrieval services. While these sites can help access public records, their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary as they may not always provide the most current or accurate information. These sites also frequently charge higher fees compared to the actual costs of obtaining records directly from official sources.

As such, individuals seeking public records are generally advised to prioritize official government websites and resources for optimal reliability and cost-efficiency.

How to Find North Dakota Public Records Offline

In North Dakota, individuals who prefer traditional methods of obtaining public records have several offline options. These methods cater to those who may not have internet access or simply prefer non-digital means of communication.

In-person Visits to Government Offices

One common offline approach is to visit government offices in person. This method requires individuals to identify the agency that maintains the desired records.

Before their visit, individuals should verify the office's operating hours and any required documentation. Upon arrival, visitors typically complete a records request form or present a pre-prepared request letter. They should also be prepared to pay any associated fees using the accepted payment methods, including cash, check, or credit card.

While records are usually released immediately for in-person requests, some may require additional processing time.

Mail-In Requests

For those unable to visit offices personally, mail-in requests provide an alternative. This process involves composing a formal letter detailing the request or filling out the appropriate form. Then, send the letter or form to the relevant government office.

The request should include payment for required fees, usually through a check or money order. The processing times for mailed requests can vary, potentially taking several weeks.

Phone Requests

Some individuals may find phone requests more convenient. This method requires contacting the appropriate office to confirm if they accept phone requests. Prepare to provide details about the records needed and have a credit or debit card available for any necessary payments.

Fax Requests

Some North Dakota government agencies may permit faxed requests for public records. This process involves sending a detailed request via fax to the appropriate office, followed by a phone call to confirm receipt. The office staff can then discuss payment options.

Types of Public Records in North Dakota

North Dakota residents can access and may request copies of the following types of public records:

State of North Dakota Public Court Records

In North Dakota, court records are official documents of proceedings handled by the courts. They are created and maintained according to the North Dakota Rules of Court.

These records include many materials, such as:

• Filings
• Petitions
• Dockets
• Evidence
• Court orders
• Case dispositions

They cover various legal domains, such as civil disputes, criminal cases, family law matters, and probate proceedings.

The state's court system consists of three permanent levels, with a temporary Court of Appeals that sits at the Supreme Court's discretion:

• Municipal Courts: Limited jurisdiction over cities, handling cases like traffic violations and minor misdemeanors.
• District Court: Exclusive jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases.
• North Dakota Supreme Court: Reviews decisions from lower courts and administrative agencies.

To access court records, individuals must first identify the relevant court. Requests for District Court records can be submitted in writing to the clerk. For Supreme Court and Court of Appeal records, requests should be sent to the Clerk of the North Dakota Supreme Court at 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505-0530.

Court clerks may limit requestors to ten records daily, with possible extensions if not disruptive to court activities. Some records may be exempt from public disclosure, and unclear cases can be referred to the court for clarification.

In addition to written requests, individuals can use the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry (NDCRI) system, which is accessible through public terminals in courthouses.

North Dakota Public Bankruptcy Records

In North Dakota, bankruptcy records are public information. These records include documents such as:

• Liens
• Contracts
• Writs
• Judgments

They consist of materials submitted to the court by individuals or businesses seeking protection from creditors due to outstanding debts. The clerk at the North Dakota Bankruptcy Court is responsible for maintaining the state bankruptcy records, which can be accessed through in-person courthouse visits.

To improve efficiency and accessibility, federal courts in North Dakota have implemented electronic filing systems and offer digital access to court records. The most commonly used method is the online Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

Interested individuals can easily sign up through an online registration process. PACER provides public access to case and docket information from various federal courts. To use PACER effectively, requesters need details such as the case location and case filing number.

The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is another option for individuals to access bankruptcy records. The VCIS is an automated telephone service that allows individuals to learn about bankruptcy cases by responding to voice prompts. Interested parties can access VCIS by calling 866-222-8029. Individuals will need either the debtor's name or the case number.

County Court Records in North Dakota

Accessing county-level court records in North Dakota can vary widely from county to county. These records are generally available through district and municipal courts.

Some counties offer online access through local databases, but the NDCRI (North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry) provides a central system for accessing court records from any state via district or municipal court terminals. The District Court Case Search portal also allows access to records related to criminal, traffic, and civil cases.

For more detailed records or certified copies, visiting the clerk of the court's office in the county where the records were filed is often necessary. Many counties also accept record requests by mail or phone, though procedures may differ. Requesters should contact their local district or municipal courts for specific details.

North Dakota Criminal Records

In North Dakota, individuals who encounter legal troubles find their actions documented in a state-maintained criminal record. This documentation process starts with an individual's arrest by law enforcement or when formal accusations of criminal activity are made. Information is added to their record as the individual proceeds with their case.

North Dakota's criminal records can include various details about the concerned individual, such as:

• The individual's name and aliases
• Their most recent picture and their fingerprints
• Date of birth and physical description
• List of criminal charges
• History of arrests and convictions
• Legal proceedings and actions taken after a conviction

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NDBCI) is the primary custodian of these records, organizing them within online repositories. These digital archives are accessible to state agencies, professional licensing boards, and members of the general public.

Individuals requesting a criminal records check must complete the Public Request for Criminal History Record Information (Form SFN 50744). They must send the form along with a check or money order for $15 to:

Individuals can also use the NDCRI (North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry) system for free public criminal record checks.

North Dakota Public Arrest Records

In North Dakota, an arrest record is created when law enforcement suspects an individual of breaking the law. These records serve as a snapshot of the situation, containing details about the individual and the alleged offense. They typically include:

• The individual's legal name and any aliases
• Age and physical description
• Information about the time and circumstances of the arrest
• The crimes for which they are accused
• A history of court appearances
• Any prior convictions
• Information regarding their current detention location

These records assist police, courts, and other officials in tracking events related to an arrest. They are also used to accurately identify individuals and understand their legal history.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) and the local county sheriff's office are primary sources for these records. However, the DOCR's scope is limited to individuals in the correctional system, including those incarcerated, on parole, or under probation.

For a more comprehensive reach, county sheriff's offices can provide arrest records for any individual apprehended within their jurisdiction, regardless of their current legal status.

The DOCR and sheriff's offices usually charge a nominal fee for processing record requests. Requestors can submit inquiries in person, by postal mail, or through the NDCRI (North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry) system. The relevant agency typically processes and delivers the requested records within a few days.

North Dakota Sex Offender Records

North Dakota has a public database of individuals who have committed sex offenses. Individuals can access the database through the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry. The Office of the Attorney General manages the database. Individuals can choose to search by name or location.

For name searches, individuals will need the offender's full name. Meanwhile, location searches can be refined by address, city, county, or incarceration status.

Individuals can also use the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) for federal sex offenders.

North Dakota Vital Records

In North Dakota, vital records include official documentation of key life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Individuals seeking these records must furnish specific details to facilitate the search process. This information typically includes:

• The full name of the person to whom the record belongs
• The date and location of the event in question
• The names of the individual's parents, when applicable

Moreover, requesters must provide a rationale for their inquiry and explain their relationship to the subject of the record. This helps keep sensitive information confidential.

The Department of Health and Human Services (NDDHHS) is the state's primary custodian of vital records in North Dakota. To streamline access, the NDDHHS maintains an online portal where interested parties can search for vital records. Alternatively, individuals may opt to submit requests by mail or visit the record custodian's office in person.

Regardless of the chosen method, requesters must possess the necessary information to enable an effective search, remit the requisite fees, and present documentation substantiating their eligibility to receive the vital record.

For those who prefer to visit an office in person, scheduling an appointment in advance is advisable. These offices operate on specific appointment schedules and may not always be able to provide same-day record retrieval services.

North Dakota Public Birth Records

In North Dakota, birth records are essential documents that prove someone's identity. However, they aren't available to anyone. Only the individual named in the record (if they are at least 16 years old) and their parents can request these documents. Other individuals must provide a court order or legal authorization.

The Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the NDDHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) stores the birth records. Only records from 1870 onwards are retained. However, some birth records between 1870 and 1920 may be incomplete. Requests to the state agency can be submitted online, by mail, or in person, and each certified copy costs $15.

To submit a request by mail, complete the Request for Certified Copy of Birth Record (Form SFN 8140). Send the request to the following address with the check or money order made to the NDDHHS:

Individuals can also order online through the Secure Online Ordering of ND Birth and Death Records portal of the NDDHHS. To log in, the individual must provide their email and create a password.

Individuals who prefer to request a person must set an appointment by calling 701-328-2360.

North Dakota Public Death Records

In North Dakota, a death record is created when someone dies. This record holds essential information about the person who passed away, such as:

• The person's name
• Their age at the time of death
• Date and location of death
• Cause of death
• Marital status when the person died

The process for getting a death record is the same as when getting a birth record. However, they must use the Request for Certified Copy of a Death Record (Form SFN 5531).

Those who prefer online access can use the Public Death Index of the DVR (Division of Vital Records) for free. They will need the deceased's name, date, and county of death. If a death record is not in the public index, individuals can order using the Secure Online Ordering of ND Birth and Death Records portal for a fee.

North Dakota Public Marriage Records

When two people get married in North Dakota, the state creates an official document called a marriage record, which is available to the public. North Dakota public marriage records typically contain the following information:

• Full names of both spouses
• Date of the marriage
• Place of marriage (city and county)
• Ages of both parties at the time of marriage
• Residences of both parties
• Birthplaces of both spouses
• Occupations of both parties
• Names of parents for both spouses
• Whether it's a first marriage for either party
• Name of the officiant who performed the ceremony
• Names of witnesses present at the ceremony
• The marriage license number
• The date the license was issued
• The date the marriage was recorded

To obtain a marriage record, individuals usually need to provide basic information like the couple's names and the approximate date of marriage. While recent records may be available online in some counties, older records and those who need certified copies might require an in-person visit or written request to the county that issued the marriage license.

North Dakota Public Divorce Records

When married individuals in North Dakota legally separate, they typically undergo a divorce proceeding. The termination of the marriage is then recorded in an official divorce record. These records generally contain the following:

• The divorcing parties' names
• The divorce date
• The location where the marriage was legally dissolved

All divorce records are accessible through the county clerk or county recorder that decreed the divorce.

North Dakota Property Records

In North Dakota, property records are official documents detailing information about land and structures within the state. These records are essential in real estate transactions, ownership verification, and tax assessment.

These records describe properties' dimensions, boundaries, applicable usage restrictions, and existing mortgages or liens.

The county recorder's office is the primary custodian of property records in North Dakota. Interested parties can access these records online or by visiting the recorder's office in person in the county where the property is situated.

For example, individuals seeking property records in Burleigh County can use the computers at the recorder's office to view them on-site or access them online through the North Dakota Recorders Information Network(NDRIN) website.

Additionally, individuals can search records at the States Archives of the North Dakota State Historical Society, located at 612 East Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505.

North Dakota Inmate Records

The North Dakota DOCR (Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) manages the state's prison system and maintains inmate records, which serve as detailed information repositories for individuals within the state's correctional facilities.

Typical inmate records contain a range of data, including the inmate's complete name, mugshot, date of birth, and assigned offender ID. They also document the individual's incarceration status, sentence details, and expiration dates. Information about the committed offense and associated court file numbers are likewise included in these records.

The DOCR provides an online Resident Lookup tool on its website to facilitate public access to this information. This resource allows users to search for inmates using their name or DOCR ID number. However, this tool is limited to incarcerated individuals in North Dakota's correctional system.

The Parole Board offers separate resources for those seeking information about parolees. Victims of incarcerated individuals have access to specific information through the dedicated Victim Services page.

North Dakota Traffic Records

North Dakota traffic records provide an overview of an individual's driving history, including any accidents they were involved in and their vehicle information. The NDDOT (North Dakota Department of Transportation) offers several ways to access driving records.

The most convenient option is to use the Drivers License Record Request System to get a printed copy of their traffic records for only $3. Individuals will need a printer. Records obtained through this method only contain basic information.

Individuals must complete the Request for Driver Abstract (Form SFN 51386) for complete copies. They must do the same when requesting another person's record. Mail the form and the $3 fee to:

For clarifications, individuals can call 701-328-2600. In-person requests are also acceptable at the NDDOT office. Even better, they can fax their request to 701-328-2435.

License Plate Lookup in North Dakota

Several online platforms provide comprehensive vehicle information services using license plate numbers as search criteria. These services compile detailed reports on vehicles registered within the state, offering the following data points:

• Vehicle's title status
• License number
• Accident history
• Registration
• Inspection records
• Basic details about the vehicle's owner
• Odometer readings

The NDDOT (North Dakota Department of Transportation) is an official point of contact for individuals seeking specific information about a vehicle's license plate. They can provide authoritative data related to license plates registered within the state.

What Information is Exempt from the North Dakota Sunshine Law?

The NDSL (North Dakota Sunshine Laws) exempt certain types of information from public access, such as:

• Personal medical records
• Social security numbers
• Trade secrets
• Sealed court records
• Ongoing law enforcement proceedings
• Individual income tax returns
• Attorney-client communications
• Building security plans
• Internal government documents for decision-making

Other Public Records in North Dakota

North Dakota makes several other types of records available to the public:

• Arrest Warrants: Active warrants in North Dakota for public awareness
• Environmental Records: Permits, inspection reports, and other relevant data
• Government Meetings: Meeting minutes, agendas, and notes
• Legislative Records: Legislative bills, resolutions, and voting records

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals can explore the following resources for additional insights into North Dakota public records:

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