OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Montana Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 56 counties across 22 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Montana)
  • Background checks: Montana DOJ — Criminal Records
  • Records law: Montana Constitution — Right to Know
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 Montana DOJ
🏛️ 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

Montana has 56 counties across 22 judicial districts. You can search court cases through the Montana Courts website. Contact the clerk of district court in the relevant county for specific case records.

County-level court records include district courts, justice courts, city courts, and municipal courts.

Federal Courts

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

  • District of Montana — Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Missoula

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

⚖️ Montana Courts Website 🏛️ Montana Trial Courts Directory

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

Arrest Records

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

For statewide criminal history, the Montana Department of Justice Criminal Records Unit maintains criminal records.

🔍 Montana DOJ — Criminal Records 📋 Montana Department of Justice

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

Other Public Records

Montana's right to access government records is enshrined in the Montana Constitution (Art. II, §9). Any person can request government records. There is no specific statutory response deadline, but 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 Montana

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's clerk of the district court. Criminal history is centralized through the Montana DOJ. 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 Montana

Montana has 56 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in Montana for free?
Visit the Montana Courts website or contact the clerk of district court in the relevant county.
Are arrest records public in Montana?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Montana Constitution — Right to Know. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Montana?
The Montana DOJ Criminal Records Unit provides criminal history checks. Visit dojmt.gov for details.
What is the Montana Constitution — Right to Know?
Montana's right to access government records is enshrined in the state constitution. Any person can request records from government agencies.
How many court systems does Montana have?
Montana has a multi-level court system: justice courts, city courts, municipal courts, district courts (22 districts), and the Montana 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