OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Minnesota Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Minnesota. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 87 counties across 10 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Minnesota)
  • Background checks: Minnesota BCA — Criminal History Checks
  • Records law: Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Minnesota BCA
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Minnesota has 87 counties across 10 judicial districts. You can search court cases using Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO), the official statewide case search.

County-level court records include district courts handling all trial-level cases. Most records are accessible through MCRO.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Minnesota are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Minnesota — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Fergus Falls

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) 🏛️ Minnesota Judicial Branch Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Minnesota are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides criminal history checks.

🔍 Minnesota BCA — Criminal History Checks 📋 Minnesota BCA Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Minnesota operates under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. Ch. 13). Any person can request government data. Agencies must respond promptly.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Minnesota

Court records are maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch across 10 judicial districts. Criminal history is centralized through the Minnesota BCA. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Minnesota

Minnesota has 87 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Minnesota state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Minnesota for free?
Use Minnesota Court Records Online, the official statewide case search.
Are arrest records public in Minnesota?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Minnesota?
The Minnesota BCA provides criminal history checks. Visit the BCA website for details.
What is the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act?
It is the state law that governs access to government data. Any person can request government data. The law categorizes data as public, private, or confidential.
How many court systems does Minnesota have?
Minnesota has a unified court system with 10 judicial districts: district courts (trial level), the Court of Appeals, and the Minnesota Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026