In order to search people’s public records in North Dakota for free, it’s important to know where to start. Finding North Dakota public records can be complicated, and each state has its own laws, policies, and procedures.
This resource is a comprehensive clearinghouse for people looking for information on criminal background checks, divorce records in North Dakota, marriage records in North Dakota, vital records searches, and other public records research. Our guides are developed to help users quickly and easily locate public records, discover how to request records and learn what fees are assessed at the time of the request.
Where To Find North Dakota Public Records
Knowing where to start saves time and resources when searching for public records. Requests for federal records that originated out of a federal office in North Dakota must be made at that specific agency using the procedures outlined in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).1
For example, if a person is looking for records generated at the Fargo, North Dakota office of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the person will submit a FOIA request directly to that office or to the main FOIA office at the following address.
Office of Information Policy – US Department of Justice
441 G Street NW
6th Floor
Washington DC 20530
There are five Native American reservations in North Dakota. The United States Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs maintains all records. Public record requests must go through the FOIA process.
North Dakota public records are available through the appropriate state agency that originated or received the record.
Anyone, regardless of the state of residence, can search people’s public records created or maintained in North Dakota pursuant to North Dakota’s Freedom of Information Act statute. The agency can accept requests using any available means (phone, in person, email, fax, or in writing).
Requests for criminal records can be made through the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Criminal Investigations.2 Written consent is required from the subject of the search before the search can be conducted.
While there are many websites that advertise free public records searches, it is important to understand the results may be severely limited or outdated. Paid search sites provide a more comprehensive background check with more accurate information. Requesting records from the government entity itself provides the most accurate, up-to-date information for a nominal fee.
A Look at Criminal Records in North Dakota
North Dakota state law provides two types of criminal records checks: a general public records check and a regulatory/licensing records check. Requests for criminal records are processed through the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office.1 Written consent is required by the individual before a third party can conduct a criminal background check.
General Public Records Check
A general public records check is used by landlords, private employers, and other private entities/individuals to obtain a criminal history of a person. The information included in a general public records check includes
- Convictions (regardless of the amount of time since the date of conviction).
- Any charges that resulted in a non-conviction (not guilty), were dismissed, or do not have a court disposition, and are less than three years old. This includes deferred charges that were subsequently dismissed after the conditions were met.
- Incarceration records are less than three years old.3
Regulatory & Licensing Records Check
A regulatory/licensing record check is required by the state when an individual is applying for licensure through a North Dakota agency, commission, or board.
It is also used for individuals applying for professional licensing academic programs and for application with state and local government entities such as law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and state social workers. The following information is included in a regulatory/licensing record check:
- Convictions (regardless of the amount of time since the date of conviction).
- Any charges that resulted in a non-conviction (not guilty), were dismissed, or do not have a court disposition regardless of how old. This includes deferred charges that were subsequently dismissed after the conditions were met.
- Incarceration records, regardless of how old the records are.3
How To Search Criminal History in North Dakota
Anyone’s criminal history in North Dakota can be searched; however, there are some limitations on what can be disclosed and to whom. Records that are not subject to public searches include the following.
- Juvenile court records.
- Commitment hearings in mental health cases.
- Domestic violence protection order files (the final order entered is public; however, any ex parte/emergency orders are not).
- Psychological evaluations, substance abuse screenings, or treatment information contained in criminal records.4
How To Find Someone’s Criminal Records in ND
Criminal records can be requested through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NDBCI) and include convictions, charges that were dismissed or returned a not-guilty adjudication, and a sex offender registry.3
Individuals can search North Dakota court records online at the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry Page. This includes criminal/traffic court, family/probate court, judgments, and court calendars.
Inmate searches can be completed at the North Dakota Corrections & Rehabilitation public search page for individuals currently incarcerated in the state prison system.15 Jail rosters are maintained by local law enforcement agencies.
Court records that may contain criminal records can be accessed at the clerk of the court’s office or through the Supreme Court’s online search portal. This information includes both court dispositions and information on cases awaiting trial.5
There’s also a free North Dakota probation, arrest, and criminal record search resource which provides a detailed overview of criminal history custodians, methods of obtaining these records, the associated costs, and includes county arrest logs and contact information for each county jail or sheriff’s office.
How To Access North Dakota Arrests & Mugshots
Mugshots and arrests can be viewed online at select county correctional facilities/jails in North Dakota. For example, the following county jails post mugshots online, but many more do as well:
| Jail Name | Location |
| Barnes County | 2371 7th Street SE Valley City, N. Dakota 58072 |
| Williams County Sheriff’s Office | 223 E Broadway Williston, N. Dakota 58801 |
| Stutsman County | 205 6th Street SE, Suite #201 Jamestown, N. Dakota 58401 |
Mugshots for individuals in North Dakota’s prison system are available on the North Dakota Department of Corrections website via a name search.
Availability of Juvenile Records in North Dakota
Per Rule 19 of the North Dakota Court System, all juvenile records are sealed and not open to the public. Juvenile records can only be viewed under the following circumstances:
Pursuant to a court order allowing the following individuals to view the juvenile record: individuals or agencies conducting pertinent research studies; the victim, a member of the victim’s family representing the victim, or an insurance company representing the victim; United States military signed by the subject or the subject’s parents if the subject is under the age of 18.
Social service reports may be released to attorneys representing the individuals involved in the case at hand.
Statistical information only (does not include any PII). Substance abuse treatment records when the court has found good cause to release the record.6
Where To Check if I’m Wanted in North Dakota (Free Warrant Search)
A warrant inquiry can be made at the local law enforcement agency in person or via telephone in most situations; however, each department makes its own policy regarding the release of information on outstanding warrants.
For example, most law enforcement agencies do not publish warrant lists; however, McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office does publish its warrant list online and encourages individuals with outstanding warrants to turn themselves in.
A name search can also be conducted on the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry page. Any name with a “W” beside it indicates an active, unserved warrant on that individual.
Check for Sex Offenders in Any North Dakota Neighborhood
Sex offender listings in North Dakota can be found at the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Registry and the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry.16
North Dakota’s sex offender registry allows users access to a list of all registered offenders in the state. It also allows users to search high-risk/lifetime offenders only, and delinquent offenders.7 Searches can be done by name, address, or geographic location.
The Ins & Outs of North Dakota Background Checks
North Dakota makes a distinction between a background check and a criminal history check according to the ND Attorney General’s Office. The primary difference is BCI verification. BCI cannot provide verification of information on a background check; however, it can provide verified results for criminal history checks.9
A criminal history check must be accompanied by a signed consent or authorization form; however, a background check does not carry the same consent requirement. The primary difference is BCI verification. BCI cannot provide verification of information on a background check; however, it can provide verified results for criminal history checks.9
Background checks return results of public records such as court records, sex offender registries, or other public records. These are usually conducted by entities such as landlords or public businesses for employment.
Criminal history checks are much more extensive and include public records and law enforcement databases. These searches can be by name/social security number/date of birth only, or fingerprints.
Criminal history checks are conducted when an applicant applies for licensure or a job that requires a more detailed background check, such as teaching, law enforcement, or social work.
The following exemptions apply regarding the release of North Dakota public records:
- Personally identifying information (PII) contained on some records may be redacted as allowed by law to protect certain individuals (such as victims of crime).
- Personal financial information of public employees.
- Information pertaining to an ongoing criminal investigation.
- The specific schedule for law enforcement officers.
- Certain crime scene photos (specifically homicide photos, photos from sex offense investigations, or any crime scene photo where the victim is a minor).
- Interviews with and statements made by child victims of crimes.
- Employment applications for positions with a government entity.
- Medical records are maintained by government entities in North Dakota.
- Open/active internal affairs investigations (once the case has been completed and closed for 75 days, these records can be released).
- The work product of an attorney.
- Security system schematics for government agencies.
- PII of individuals who receive government assistance benefits.
- Other records as ordered by statute or judicial rulings.8
ND Background Check
To obtain a background check in North Dakota, individuals can utilize any of the public search portals available through state or federal agencies. These searches return limited information, and there may be multiple records for persons with the same name or date of birth.
Criminal History Check
A criminal history check is more extensive and can only be requested from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. There is a $15 fee charged for each record check. To request an NDBCI criminal history, follow the steps below.
- Gather the required information needed for the records check.
- Subject’s full legal name (including maiden name and any known aliases).
- Subject’s date of birth.
- Social security number for subject OR subject’s fingerprints.
- Current address for subject OR a signed authorization form.
- Open the request form at the North Dakota Attorney General’s website.
- Download, print, and complete the form.
- Mail the form along with a check or money order (payable to ND Attorney General) to:
Criminal Records Section – North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
Post Office Box 1054
Bismarck N. Dakota 58502-1054
Note: if a signed authorization form is not included in the request for a criminal records check, NDBCI will mail one to the subject to obtain consent before the request will be processed.
Record checks are typically returned in 7-10 business days. For expedited reports, requests must include a self-addressed/stamped envelope and a certified check.9
Under North Dakota statute NDCC 12-60-24, national records checks (FBI records checks) are made through BCI. National records checks are for professional licensure, to become a foster care provider, and pursuant to approval as adoptive parents.
Understanding North Dakota Court Records
In North Dakota, court records can be searched online by subject’s name, citation number, or criminal case number. North Dakota is divided into eight judicial districts that conduct hearings regarding criminal matters, civil cases, small claims matters, juvenile cases, and administrative/traffic offenses.
North Dakota also has 82 municipal courts charged with handling violations of municipal codes/ordinances.12
How To Look Up Someone’s Court Records
The District Court search portal is used for all cases both open and those with a final disposition. Individuals searching for most court records can start their search here.5
Criminal records searches can also be conducted in person at the clerk of the court’s office where the hearing was held. The table below lists all the county clerks of court offices in North Dakota.
| District | County | Address |
| East Central District | Cass | 211 9th Street. S. Fargo, N. Dakota 58103 |
| Steele | 201 Washington Avenue. W. Finley, N. Dakota 58230 |
|
| Traill | 114 W Caledonia Avenue, Hillsboro, N. Dakota 58045 |
|
| Southwest District | Adams | 602 Adams Avenue, Suite 202 Hettinger, N. Dakota 58639 |
| Billings | 495 4th Street. Medora, N. Dakota 58645 |
|
| Bowman | 104 1st Street. NW, Bowman, N. Dakota 58623 |
|
| Dunn | 205 Owens Street. Manning, N. Dakota 58642 |
|
| Golden Valley | 150 1st Avenue SE, Beach, N. Dakota 58621 |
|
| Hettinger | 336 Pacific Avenue, Mott, N. Dakota 58646 |
|
| Slope | 206 Main Street. Amidon, N. Dakota 58620 |
|
| Stark | 51 3rd Street E, Dickinson, N. Dakota 58601 |
|
| Southeast District | Barnes | 230 4th Street. NW Valley City, N. Dakota 58072 |
| Dickey | 309 N 2nd Street. Ellendale, N. Dakota 58436 |
|
| Eddy | 524 Central Avenue. New Rockford, N. Dakota 58356 |
|
| Foster | 1000 N. Central Avenue. Carrington, N. Dakota 58421 |
|
| Griggs | 805 Odegard Avenue SW Cooperstown, N. Dakota 58425 |
|
| Kidder | 120 Broadway E Steele, N. Dakota 58482 |
|
| LaMoure | 204 4th Avenue NE Lamoure, N. Dakota 58458 |
|
| Logan | 301 Broadway Napoleon, N. Dakota 58561 |
|
| McIntosh | 112 1st Street NE Ashley, N. Dakota 58413 |
|
| Ransom | 205 5th Avenue W Lisbon, N. Dakota 58054 |
|
| Richland | 418 2nd Avenue N Wahpeton, N. Dakota 58075 |
|
| Sargent | 355 Main Street., Suite 2 Forman, N. Dakota 58032 |
|
| Stutsman | 511 2nd Avenue SE Jamestown, N. Dakota 58401 |
|
| Wells | 700 Railway Street N Fessenden, N. Dakota 58438 |
|
| South Central District | Burleigh | 514 E. Thayer Avenue. Bismarck, N. Dakota 58501 |
| Emmons | 100 4th Street. NW Linton, N. Dakota 58552 |
|
| Grant | 106 2nd Avenue Carson, N. Dakota 58529 |
|
| McLean | 712 5th Avenue Washburn, N. Dakota 58577 |
|
| Mercer | 410 Van Slyck Avenue Stanton, N. Dakota 58571 |
|
| Morton | 210 2nd Avenue NW Mandan, N. Dakota 58554 |
|
| Oliver | 115 W Main Street Center, N. Dakota 58530 |
|
| Sheridan | 215 2nd Street E McClusky, N. Dakota 58463 |
|
| Sioux | 300 2nd Avenue Fort Yates, N. Dakota 58538 |
|
| Northeast District | Benson | 311 B Avenue. S. Minnewaukan, N. Dakota 58351 |
| Bottineau | 314 W. 5th Street. Bottineau, N. Dakota 58318 |
|
| Cavalier | 901 3rd Street., Suite 1 Langdon, N. Dakota 58249 |
|
| McHenry | 407 S Main Street Towner, N. Dakota 58788 |
|
| Pembina | 301 Dakota Street. W #10 Cavalier, N. Dakota 58220 |
|
| Pierce | 240 2nd Street SE, Suite 8 Rugby, N. Dakota 58368 |
|
| Ramsey | 524 4th Avenue NE, Unit 4 Devils Lake, N. Dakota 58301 |
|
| Renville | 205 Main Street E Mohall, N. Dakota 58761 |
|
| Rolette | 102 2nd Street NE Rolla, N. Dakota 58367 |
|
| Towner | 315 2nd Street Cando, N. Dakota 58324 |
|
| Walsh | 600 Cooper Avenue Grafton, N. Dakota 58237 |
|
| Northeast Central District | Grand Forks | 124 South 4th Street. Grand Forks, N. Dakota 58201 |
| Nelson | 210 B Avenue W, Suite 203 Lakota, N. Dakota 58344 |
|
| Northwest District | Divide | 200 N. Main Street Crosby, N. Dakota 58730 |
| McKenzie | 201 5th Street NW Watford City, N. Dakota 58854 |
|
| Williams | 205 E Broadway Williston, N. Dakota 58802-2047 |
|
| North Central District | Burke | 103 Main Street. NE Bowbells, N. Dakota 58721 |
| Mountrail | 101 N Main Street Stanley, N. Dakota 58784 |
|
| Ward | 315 3rd Street SE Minot, N. Dakota 58701 10 |
Municipal courts handle cases that involve city ordinances only (except in certain special cases that involve juvenile offenders). There are 90 cities in North Dakota with municipal courts. A list of these can be found on the State of North Dakota Courts website.
How To Find North Dakota Bankruptcies via Public Records
North Dakota bankruptcy records can be accessed at the clerk of the court’s office (Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm except on state and federal holidays) in the bankruptcy court location listed below.
Bankruptcy Clerk’s Office – Quentin N. Burdick United States Courthouse
655 1st Avenue North, Suite 210
Fargo, N. Dakota 58102
701-297-7100
North Dakota bankruptcy information can also be located using the PACER system. Requests can be submitted online through PACER for all bankruptcies heard at the United States Bankruptcy Court District of North Dakota.
North Dakota Inmate Records
Public searches of North Dakota inmate records for those in prison can be conducted online at the Department of Corrections website.
An online public search of prison inmate records in North Dakota only returns the offender’s name, a mugshot, date of birth, and the facility they are located at an estimated release date.
A name search can be conducted through the resident lookup portal. The website also provides a link for victims to sign up for ND SAVIN (a notification system that provides victims with updates on offender movement and releases). Information on jail inmate searches is outlined below.
This information is helpful to victims and the public when tracking the release of potentially dangerous individuals or those at high risk of reoffending.
Find Jail Inmates & Recent Arrest Records in North Dakota
Inmates in North Dakota jails can include individuals who are awaiting trial or those convicted of lesser (misdemeanor) offenses that carry short-term sentences per NDCC Chapter 12.1-32 Penalties and Sentencing. Information on jail inmate searches appears below.
Many jails in North Dakota provide current inmate lists to the public. The table below provides a list of jails that publish inmate rosters:
| Law Enforcement Agency | Address | Phone Number |
| Cass County Jail | 450 34th Street. S. Fargo, N. Dakota 58103 |
(601)-271-2900 |
| Stutsman County Jail | 205 6th Street SE, Suite #201 Jamestown, N. Dakota 58401 |
(601)-252-7436 |
| Ward County Jail | 204 Front Street P.O. Box 907 Minot, N. Dakota 58702 |
701-857-6530 |
| Burleigh County Jail | 4000 Apple Creek Road Bismarck, N. Dakota 58504 |
(601)-255-3113 |
| Southwest Multi-County Correctional Facility | 66 Museum Drive Dickinson, N. Dakota 58601 |
701-456-7790 |
| Barnes County Jail | 2371 7th Street SE Valley City, N. Dakota 58072 |
(601)-845-8532 |
| Williams County Correctional Center | 223 E Broadway Williston, N. Dakota 58801 |
(601)-577-4585 |
| Lake Region Law Enforcement Center | 222 Walnut Street West, Devils Lake, N. Dakota 58301 |
(601)-662-0700 |
| McKenzie Law Enforcement Center | 1201 12th Street SE, Suite C Watford City, N. Dakota 58854 |
701.842.2565 |
How To Find a State or Federal Prisoner in North Dakota
Inmates at state correctional institutions can be located through the North Dakota Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation website search portal.
North Dakota’s state prison system contracts with the United States government to house federal inmates. The Bureau of Prisons inmate locator portal online provides public search access.
Accessing Free Vital Records: North Dakota Divorce & Marriage Records
Vital records (such as birth records, deaths, marriages, and divorces) are maintained by the North Dakota Division of Vital Records. Vital records provide proof of an event for purposes such as adding a newborn child or a newly-wed spouse to insurance, proof of an individual’s passing to close an estate, or proof of divorce to remove someone as a beneficiary in certain insurance policies.
Who To View Free Marriage Records in North Dakota
Vital records, including marriage and divorce records, are considered public records and are accessible to anyone unless otherwise specified.
Not only are individual records publicly accessible, the Census Bureau also provides statistics on the rates of various vital statistics; the image below shows the estimated divorce rates, or the percentage of people divorced in each North Dakota county.
For example, birth records can only be requested by the mother, father, or individual named on the record who is over the age of 16. A notarized form must accompany the request. If the child listed on the birth certificate is deceased, an immediate relative or authorized representative can access the birth record.13
How To Check Marriage & Divorce Records in North Dakota
Marriage and divorce records are available through the county register of deeds office where the action originated. The Division of Vital Records maintains a list of county agencies to access marriage and divorce records.
Obtain Replacements Death & Birth Certificates in North Dakota
Certified copies of birth certificates can be requested online through the Division of Vital Records by the individual listed on the birth certificate, the birth mother or birth father, an authorized party (such as an attorney pursuant to a court order), or immediate family for an individual who is deceased.13
Certified complete death records are issued to a relative, authorized party (such as an attorney), or the funeral home and can be requested from the Division of Vital Records. An information death record can be requested by anyone. There is a $15 search fee for birth and death certificates.11
This guide acts as a one-stop source for North Dakota: search people’s public records. State, federal, and local North Dakota public records can be accessed through the various agencies featured in this guide.
References
1United States Government Department of Justice. (n.d.). FOIA.gov – Freedom of Information Act. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from <https://www.foia.gov/>
2North Dakota State Government. (n.d.). Requesting Public Records | Attorney General. ND Attorney General. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from <https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/open-records-meetings/requesting-public-records>
3North Dakota Attorney General. (n.d.). Understanding the Criminal History Record Results | Attorney General. ND Attorney General. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from <https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/understanding-criminal-history-record-results>
4State of North Dakota Courts. (n.d.). North Dakota Court System – Data Access. North Dakota Supreme Court. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from <https://www.ndcourts.gov/state-court-administration/information-technology/data-access>
5North Dakota Court System – District Court Case Search and Payment Processing. (n.d.). North Dakota Supreme Court. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from <https://www.ndcourts.gov/public-access>
6North Dakota Court System – RULE 19. JUVENILE RECORDS. (2021, July 1). North Dakota Supreme Court. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from <https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-resources/rules/ndrjuvp/19>
7North Dakota Sex Offender Web Site. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from <https://sexoffender.nd.gov>
8North Dakota State Government. (n.d.). Requesting Public Records | Attorney General. ND Attorney General. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from <https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/open-records-meetings/requesting-public-records>
9Requesting a Criminal History Record Check | Attorney General. (n.d.). ND Attorney General. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from <https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records/requesting-criminal-history-record-check>
10North Dakota Court System – Court Locations. (n.d.). North Dakota Supreme Court. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from <https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations#municipal-courts>
11REQUEST FOR CERTIFIED COPY OF A DEATH RECORD ( ). (2022, 4). ND.gov. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from <https://www.health.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/Files/Vital/SFN%205531.pdf>
12The Structure of the North Dakota Judicial System. (2002). North Dakota Supreme Court. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from <https://www.ndcourts.gov/Media/Default/Court%20Administration/Annual-Report/2002annualreport.pdf>
13Birth Records by Mail | Department of Health. (2020). North Dakota Department of Health. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from <https://www.health.nd.gov/vital/certified-copies-birth-records/birth-records-mail>
14State of North Dakota Courts. (2009). North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from <https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/default.aspx>
15North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (2023). Resident Lookup. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from <https://www.docr.nd.gov/resident-lookup>
16McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office. (2024, April 8). Active Warrants. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from <https://www.mckenziesheriff.net/usrfiles/cp/warrant_list_4-8-24.pdf>
17North Dakota Office of Attorney General. (2023). North Dakota Sex Offender Registry – Office of Attorney General. Search. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from <https://sexoffender.nd.gov/offender/search>
18North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Office of Attorney General. (2024, April). Personal Authorization for Criminal History Record Information. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from <https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SFN51156-Personal-Authorization-For-CHR.pdf>
19North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Office of Attorney General. (2014, May). Non-criminal Justice Request for Criminal History Record Information. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from <https://eforms.com/images/2018/02/Non-Criminal-Justice-Request-SFN50744.pdf>
20State of North Dakota Courts. (2009). North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry – Criminal/Traffic. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from <https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/Search.aspx?ID=100>
21VINELink. (2023). Wecome to North Dakota Vine. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from <https://vinelink.vineapps.com/state/ND>
22North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Request a North Dakota Birth or Death Record. Retrieved June 1, 2023, from <https://apps.nd.gov/doh/certificates/birthRecordQA.htm>