North Dakota Public Records Search

What Records Are Public In North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the public has guaranteed access to most government records. Public records are defined under the North Dakota Century Code (N.D.C.C.) § 44-04-18 as any document, book, photograph, film, sound recording or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, created or received by a government agency in the transaction of public business. The North Dakota Open Records Statute is codified in N.D.C.C. §§ 44-04-18 et seq. and provides a right of access to public records. Some of the public records that are available in North Dakota include court records of all proceedings and documents, including criminal, civil, family, probate, and small claims cases. Additionally, arrest and criminal conviction records are also available to the public. Other public records that are available to the public in North Dakota include vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. State agencies are generally required to provide access to public records upon request, with a few specific exceptions such as confidential information or personal information. It is important to note that North Dakota law allows agencies to request fees for access to public records, however, these fees are typically limited to a reasonable cost for copying or providing the records. Overall, North Dakota maintains a strong commitment to transparency and the right of the public to access government records.

Who Do You Contact For Public Records In North Dakota?

In North Dakota, public records can be requested through the appropriate agency or department responsible for maintaining them. The North Dakota Open Records Statute grants access to all public records except for those that are specifically exempted by law. Requests can be made either in person, online, or by mail, and there are no residency requirements to obtain public records in North Dakota. To request public records in North Dakota, individuals can start by contacting the relevant agency or department directly. This may include the North Dakota Office of Vital Records for birth, death, and marriage records, the North Dakota Department of Transportation for driving records, or the North Dakota Court System for court records. Each agency or department may have different procedures for requesting records, and some may charge fees for copies or processing. Additionally, the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office provides a centralized online portal for requesting a variety of records, including business records, election records, administrative rules, and more. The portal allows individuals to submit records requests and payment online, and offers a tracking tool for monitoring the progress of the request. It is important to note that some records may be restricted or confidential, such as those containing personal identifying information, medical records, or certain law enforcement records. In these cases, individuals may need to provide additional documentation or meet specific qualifications to obtain the records in question. Overall, public records in North Dakota can be obtained through a number of different agencies and departments, and individuals can make requests either in person, online, or by mail.

How Do I Make A Change To Public Records In North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the process for making changes to public records will depend on the type of record that needs to be amended. For certain records, such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, the North Dakota Department of Health may be the agency to contact. To amend a birth or death certificate in North Dakota, individuals can submit a written request to the state’s Division of Vital Records. The request should include the individual’s name, the nature of the request, and any supporting documentation. If the amendment relates to a name change, legal documentation supporting the name change will be necessary. For marriage and divorce records, individuals can contact the clerk of court in the county where the marriage or divorce was recorded to request an amendment. The individual will need to provide documentation to support the requested change. For other types of public records, such as criminal records or property records, individuals may need to contact the agency responsible for maintaining the record. This may be a court clerk, county recorder, or other government agency. It is important to note that not all public records can be amended. In some cases, it may be possible to have a notation added to the record to reflect the requested change. Additionally, certain types of records may be sealed, making it difficult or impossible to make changes or obtain access to the record. Overall, the process for making changes to public records in North Dakota can vary depending on the type of record and agency involved. It is recommended that individuals contact the agency responsible for maintaining the record to determine the specific steps necessary to request an amendment.

North Dakota State Resources

• Governor Doug Burgum
• Secretary of State
• State Agencies
• State Personnel Directory
• Association of Counties
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Justice
• Department of Rehabilitation
• Legislative Branch
• Judicial Branch
• Census
• DOT

North Dakota State Charities