North Dakota Public Records: How to Find Public Records in North Dakota

North Dakota makes certain records, such as criminal history, property, business entity, warrants, court, driving, and historical documents available to the public. 

To save time and resources when searching for public records, know where to start and the exact laws regulating the release of documents and the operations of the record custodians. 

For instance, for federal records originating from a national office in North Dakota like the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, requests must be made directly to that agency using the procedures outlined in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This article is a quick guide to help you locate public records and write specific requests to access them. 

Purpose of Searching for Public Records in North Dakota 

Landlords, employers, and others use public records searches to confirm an individual's suitability for a role.

It reports the person's previous criminal activities, court records, and driving infractions and verifies their vital records. However, certain types of information, such as social security numbers, medical records, and juvenile records, may be restricted or confidential.

A Look at Court Records in North Dakota 

You can access court records online using the individual's name, criminal case number, and citation number. 

Or you may obtain the documents in person by visiting one of the state's eight judicial districts, specifically the court that conducted hearings on the subject's criminal, juvenile, administrative, civil, or traffic offenses.

The district court search portal is the best point to begin your search for North Dakota court records. It contains descriptions of open and closed cases.  

Understanding North Dakota's Public Criminal Records

North Dakota law offers two types of criminal records checks: a general public records check, and a regulatory/licensing records check, both handled by the North Dakota Attorney General's Office.

Private entities/individuals, such as landlords or employers, use a general public records check to obtain a person's criminal history. The statement includes information about: 

● Convictions (no matter how long ago they occurred) 
● Non-conviction charges that are less than three years old (such as those that were dismissed or did not have a court disposition) 
● Incarceration records that are less than three years old
A regulatory/licensing record check is needed when applying for a license through a North Dakota agency, commission, board, or specific professions like law enforcement or social work. It includes information on the following: 
● Convictions, regardless of when they occurred
● Charges that didn't result in a sentence or were dismissed, regardless of age
● Incarceration records, regardless of age

Who keeps criminal records in North Dakota? 

North Dakota criminal records can be obtained through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NDBCI) and include information on convictions, charges that were dismissed or returned, a not-guilty verdict, and the sex offender registry. 

Suppose you're looking for court records, including criminal and traffic court, family and probate court, judgments, and court calendars. In that case, search online at the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry Page. 

You can search the North Dakota Corrections and Rehabilitation public search page for information on incarcerated inmates in the state prison system. Local law enforcement agencies maintain jail rosters. 

Additionally, court records that may contain criminal records can be accessed by the clerk of the court's office or through the Supreme Court's online search portal, including information on cases awaiting trial and court dispositions.

Looking into North Dakota Vital Records

The North Dakota Division of Vital Records is responsible for keeping and managing important documents, including birth records, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These vital records indicate various life events, such as adding a newborn or spouse to an insurance policy, settling an estate after someone's passing, or removing a former spouse as a beneficiary from specific insurance policies. 

To obtain copies of these records, you can visit the ND Division of Vital Records office resource page to submit requests for free North Dakota divorce records, birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses.

How to find marriage and divorce records in ND

Officially, the county register of deeds office where the marriage or divorce proceedings took place is the source for obtaining records of these events. However, the Division of Vital Records provides a comprehensive county agency directory with marriage and divorce records for easy access.

How to find birth and death certificates in ND

Anyone can request informational death records. North Dakota's Health Department Division of Vital Records offers a convenient online option for requesting certified copies of birth certificates, available to the person named on the certificate, birth parents, authorized individuals (such as lawyers with a court order), or immediate family members of the deceased. 

Similarly, certified death records are available to relatives, authorized individuals, or funeral homes. They can be requested from the Division of Vital Records. A search fee of $15 applies to both birth and death certificates.

Accessing Driving Records In North Dakota

You can easily obtain your driving record in North Dakota by visiting the website of the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). However, the online version is limited and only covers traffic violations and accidents within the last three years. 

For a copy of your driving record, fill out a form and mail it, along with a $3 fee, to the Drivers License Division at 608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58505. Alternatively, you can visit the NDDOT website for instructions on submitting an online request, which also requires a $3 fee.

Using Third-Party Search Engines to Find Public Records in North Dakota 

Third-party websites provide a convenient way to access public records using comprehensive search tools to collect and organize data from most government organizations. 

To initiate a search, provide the name of the person involved in the record (unless it's a juvenile) or/and the location or assumed location of the document or person concerned.

Final Insight: The Best Third-Party Public Search Engine in North Dakota

Truepeoplesearch.io is one of the best platforms to find data about someone who lives in North Dakota. Its comprehensive database automatically updates weekly, providing endless easy ways to find records of colleagues, neighbors, and lost family members. And offers several free services.