OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
North Dakota Public Records

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

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 53 counties across 7 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of North Dakota)
  • Background checks: North Dakota BCI — Criminal History Record Check
  • Records law: North Dakota Open Records Law
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 ND BCI
🏛️ 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

North Dakota has 53 counties across 7 judicial districts. You can search court cases through the North Dakota Courts public case search system.

County-level court records include district courts handling all trial-level cases.

Federal Courts

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

  • District of North Dakota — Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot

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

⚖️ North Dakota Courts — Public Case Search 🏛️ North Dakota Courts Website

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

Arrest Records

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

For statewide criminal history, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides criminal history record checks.

🔍 ND BCI — Criminal History Record Checks 📋 North Dakota Attorney General

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

Other Public Records

North Dakota operates under the North Dakota Open Records Law (NDCC §44-04-18). Any person can request government records. 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 North Dakota

Court records are maintained by the North Dakota Courts across 7 judicial districts. Criminal history is centralized through the ND BCI. 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 North Dakota

North Dakota has 53 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I search court records in North Dakota for free?
Use the North Dakota Courts public case search.
Are arrest records public in North Dakota?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the North Dakota Open Records Law. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in North Dakota?
The ND BCI provides criminal history record checks. Visit the ND AG website for details.
What is the North Dakota Open Records Law?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond promptly.
How many court systems does North Dakota have?
North Dakota has a unified court system with 7 judicial districts: district courts, the Court of Appeals, and the North Dakota 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