North Dakota public criminal records are official documents that show arrests, charges, court cases, and convictions within the state. These records come from district courts, municipal courts, law enforcement agencies, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Anyone can request them for background checks, legal research, or personal use. The state makes most criminal records available online or by mail, but some sensitive cases like juvenile offenses or sealed records are not public. Knowing how to find, read, and use these records helps individuals protect their rights and make informed decisions.
Where to Find North Dakota Public Criminal Records
North Dakota offers several ways to access public criminal records. The main sources include the state’s district court portal, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and third-party sites that collect public data. Each source has different coverage, fees, and speed. Official government sites provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. Third-party sites may be easier to use but often have outdated data. Always verify results from unofficial sources with official records.
North Dakota District Court Online Portal
The North Dakota District Court system runs an online search tool that lets users look up criminal cases from all 53 district courts. This includes felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil cases. Records go back to 1975 and are updated daily. Users can filter by case type, county, filing date, or docket number. The system also includes municipal court records from cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. This gives a full picture of lower-court activity in one place.
To search, visit the official portal and enter a name, case number, or date range. Results show the docket number, parties involved, charges, and final disposition. You can download PDF copies of docket sheets and court orders. Confidential cases—like those involving minors or sealed by court order—are not shown. A data dictionary explains each field in the search results, helping users understand what they’re seeing.
https://www.ndcourts.gov/public-access 
Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Criminal History Repository
The BCI is the central hub for North Dakota criminal history records. It collects data from every sheriff’s office, police department, and state patrol unit. As of 2024, the database holds over 2.3 million entries dating back to 1960. These include arrests, indictments, charges, and final convictions. Law enforcement uses this system for background checks, while courts check it during sentencing.
Individuals can request their own criminal history through the Attorney General’s website. The process requires a notarized request form and a $5 fee. Reports list incident dates, laws cited, charge status, and outcomes. For mailed requests, use the “North Dakota Request for Criminal History” form with a $15 certified check, photo ID copy, and notarized consent if someone else is requesting. Processing takes up to 15 business days.
https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/public-safety/criminal-history-records 
StateRecords.org Free Criminal Record Check
StateRecords.org offers a free online tool to search North Dakota criminal records. It pulls data from the state’s public access system and covers misdemeanors and felonies from 1990 to today. Users enter a name and email address to receive a PDF report within minutes. The report includes the offender’s name, case number, arrest date, charges, and final judgment.
While convenient, this site is not an official government source. Data may lag behind real-time updates. Always confirm findings with the BCI or district court portal for legal or employment decisions. The site also lists the BCI mailing address and phone number for direct contact.
https://northdakota.staterecords.org/criminal.php
Types of Records Included in North Dakota Public Criminal Records
Not all criminal records are the same. North Dakota separates records by type, source, and level of detail. Understanding these differences helps users know what to expect when searching.
Arrest Records vs. Criminal History Records
An arrest record shows when someone was taken into custody by police. It does not prove guilt. A criminal history record includes arrests, charges, court rulings, and convictions. Arrest records are kept by the BCI and local agencies. They appear in both paper and digital formats. Since 2022, the state’s electronic case management system (version 3.2) includes biometric data like fingerprints.
To get an arrest record, send a written request to the BCI with the person’s full name and arrest date. Most requests are answered in ten business days. These records are public unless sealed by a judge.
https://northdakotapublicrecords.org/criminal-records/
District Court Case Records
District court records cover serious crimes like felonies and major misdemeanors. Each case has a docket number, such as 09-2009-CR-00001. Users can search by this number with or without dashes or zeros. Adding the defendant’s last name or judge’s name narrows results. Once found, the portal shows the full docket sheet, charging document, and court orders—all stamped with the court seal.
These records are updated nightly and reflect filings up to the previous business day. They do not include juvenile cases or records protected under the ND Confidentiality Act.
https://www.ndcourts.gov/public-access/help/criminal
Municipal Court Records
Municipal courts handle minor offenses like traffic tickets, local ordinance violations, and petty misdemeanors. Larger cities like Fargo and Bismarck upload their records to the district court portal. This allows users to see both district and municipal cases in one search. Smaller towns may only keep paper files at local clerk offices.
How to Request North Dakota Criminal Records by Mail
Some people prefer paper requests over online searches. The BCI accepts mailed applications for criminal history records. Use the official “North Dakota Request for Criminal History” form from their website. Include a $15 certified check or money order, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a signed authorization. If you’re requesting for someone else, add a notarized consent form.
Mail everything to: Criminal Records Section, 4205 State Street, PO Box 1054, Bismarck, ND 58502. The BCI processes requests within 15 business days and mails the report to your address. This method is slower but useful for those without internet access or who need certified copies.
https://gov-record.org/north-dakota-criminal-records/
Fees, Processing Times, and Required Documents
North Dakota charges small fees for criminal record requests. Online personal checks cost $5. Mailed requests cost $15. Third-party sites may charge more or offer “free” searches with limited data. Always check if the site is official before paying.
Processing times vary. Online reports from the Attorney General arrive in three business days. Mailed requests take up to 15 days. Court records are instant if searched online. Required documents include a valid photo ID, notarized form (for personal checks), and payment.
Fee Comparison Table
| Request Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online Personal Check (AG Portal) | $5 | 3 business days |
| Mail-In Request (BCI) | $15 | 15 business days |
| Court Case Search (Online) | Free | Instant |
| StateRecords.org Inquiry | Free | Minutes (email delivery) |
Understanding Record Dispositions and Legal Terms
Reading a criminal record requires knowing key terms. “Disposition” means the final outcome of a case—guilty, not guilty, dismissed, or pending. “Statutory citation” refers to the law violated, like NDCC § 12.1-20-03. “Charge status” shows if someone was arrested, charged, or indicted. These details help users understand what happened in a case.
Records older than ten years may have personal details hidden to protect privacy. Recent filings show full names, dates, and outcomes. Sealed or expunged records are not public and cannot be accessed without a court order.
Limitations and Privacy Protections
North Dakota limits access to certain criminal records to protect privacy. Juvenile cases, sealed records, and ongoing investigations are not public. The ND Confidentiality Act blocks release of sensitive data. Employers cannot use arrest records alone to deny jobs under state law. Only convictions can affect employment in most cases.
Third-party sites like GovernmentRegistry.org gather data from public sources but may be outdated. Their records refresh once per year, so they miss recent changes. Always verify with official sources for accuracy.
https://www.governmentregistry.org/criminal-records/north-dakota
County-Level Criminal Record Searches
Each North Dakota county maintains local criminal records. These include arrest logs, active warrants, filed charges, and convictions. CountyOffice.org combines data from sheriff’s offices and police departments into one search tool. Users enter a name, birth date, or case number to see a timeline of events.
Results show the arrest date, agency involved, statute cited, and final outcome. Older records hide personal details, but recent ones show full information. This service is free but not always up to date. For legal matters, check with the county clerk directly.
https://www.countyoffice.org/nd-criminal-records/
Recent Updates to North Dakota Criminal Record Systems
In August 2022, North Dakota upgraded its public records portal. The new system added over 120,000 criminal case files, including misdemeanors previously only available at county offices. Users can now filter by offense type, year, and jurisdiction. Case status—pending, dismissed, or closed—appears on the results page. Data from the old BCI database was merged to ensure records go back to 1985. Search results can be exported as CSV files for research or background checks.
https://north-dakota-criminal-records.recordslookupvg.com/
North Dakota Supreme Court Public Search Portal
The Supreme Court’s public portal gives real-time access to dockets, judgments, and calendars. Data refreshes nightly, showing filings up to the previous day. Users can browse by case type—criminal, civil, family, or probate—and view PDFs of opinions and orders. The calendar lists upcoming hearings, arguments, and conferences. This helps lawyers and the public stay informed about high-level court activity.
https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/Search.aspx?ID=100
Using Criminal Records for Background Checks
Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often use North Dakota public criminal records for background checks. State law allows access to conviction records but restricts use of arrest-only data. Always get written consent before running a check. Reports should include only relevant, recent offenses. Expunged or sealed records must not be disclosed.
For national checks, the FBI handles federal records. North Dakota’s BCI only provides state-level data. To get FBI records, apply directly through their website for a $14 fee.
Common Mistakes When Searching Criminal Records
Many people assume all criminal records are online or up to date. That’s not true. Some counties still use paper files. Third-party sites may have old data. Always cross-check with official sources. Also, don’t confuse arrest records with convictions. An arrest doesn’t mean guilt. Finally, remember that name searches can return false matches. Use case numbers or birth dates to narrow results.
Legal Rights and Record Corrections
If a record is wrong, you can request a correction from the BCI or the court that handled the case. Provide proof like a dismissal order or expungement certificate. The agency must respond within 30 days. If they refuse, you can appeal to the Attorney General’s office. Keeping accurate records protects your reputation and rights.
Contact Information for Official Requests
For mailed requests or questions, contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation at PO Box 1054, Bismarck, ND 58502. Phone: (701) 328-5500. The Attorney General’s criminal history unit can be reached online or by calling (701) 328-2210. District court clerks handle local case inquiries—find your county clerk at ndcourts.gov.
Visiting hours for most offices are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. Some locations close for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Call ahead to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Public Criminal Records
People often ask how to find, read, and use criminal records in North Dakota. Below are answers to the most common questions based on current state laws and procedures.
Can I get someone else’s criminal record in North Dakota?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. If you’re not the subject of the record, you must provide a notarized consent form signed by that person. This applies to both online and mailed requests. Without consent, only the individual or their legal representative can obtain the record. Employers may request records with written permission as part of a background check. Landlords and licensing agencies follow the same rule. The BCI verifies all consent forms before releasing information. This protects privacy while allowing legitimate access for safety and legal purposes.
Are juvenile criminal records public in North Dakota?
No, juvenile records are not public. North Dakota law seals all cases involving minors to protect their future opportunities. These records are only accessible to law enforcement, courts, and authorized social services. Even parents cannot share them publicly without a court order. If a juvenile case is transferred to adult court, those records become public like any other criminal case. But the original juvenile file remains confidential. This policy helps young people rehabilitate without lifelong stigma.
How long does it take to get a criminal record from the BCI?
Online requests through the Attorney General’s portal take three business days. Mailed requests take up to 15 business days. The difference is due to manual processing, verification, and postage time. Rush services are not available. During busy periods, such as hiring seasons, delays may occur. Always plan ahead if you need the record for employment, licensing, or travel. Include all required documents to avoid rejection and restarting the process.
Can I remove or seal my criminal record in North Dakota?
Yes, in some cases. North Dakota allows expungement for certain misdemeanors and dismissed charges. Felonies are rarely eligible. To start, file a petition in the district court where the case was handled. You’ll need proof of completion of sentence, no new charges, and a clean record for a set time. The court holds a hearing and decides based on your history and public interest. If approved, the record is sealed and not visible in public searches. Note that law enforcement may still access it internally.
Why do third-party sites show different results than official sources?
Third-party sites like StateRecords.org or GovernmentRegistry.org collect data from public sources but update less frequently. Official systems update daily; third-party sites may refresh monthly or yearly. They also use automated scraping, which can miss recent changes or misread data. Some charge fees for “premium” access, but free government portals offer the same info. Always verify third-party results with the BCI or court portal for accuracy, especially for jobs or legal matters.
What should I do if my criminal record has errors?
Contact the agency that created the error—usually the BCI or the district court clerk. Submit a written correction request with supporting documents like court orders or dismissal papers. The agency must respond within 30 days. If they deny the request, you can appeal to the North Dakota Attorney General’s office. Keep copies of all communications. Correcting errors prevents harm to employment, housing, or licensing applications.