North Dakota court records are filed with the Clerk of District Court. The District Court (unified) handles trial-level cases. North Dakota offers a statewide court search through ND Courts Public Search, which covers most case types across all counties courts.
What this page covers: North Dakota state court case records — criminal, civil, family, and probate filings. What it does not cover: Federal court cases (those are on PACER) or sealed/juvenile records.
Where to start: Use ND Courts Public Search for online case search. If you need documents beyond docket information, contact the Clerk of District Court in the specific county where the case was filed.
Common mistake: ND Courts Public Search covers state courts only. Federal cases filed in North Dakota (bankruptcy, federal criminal, federal civil) require PACER — a separate federal system.
Court Records Databases
8 official North Dakota court records sources.
Court Records
North Dakota Counties
53 North Dakota counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free statewide criminal search in North Dakota?▼
North Dakota's official criminal-history repository is operated by the state law-enforcement agency. Free public access to a complete criminal history is generally not available; an official background check typically requires fingerprints and a fee. County-level court records can be searched at no cost through individual court websites.
How do I search North Dakota court cases?▼
North Dakota's court system is headed by the North Dakota Supreme Court. Trial-court business is handled by the District Court (7 judicial districts), Municipal Court. Many North Dakota courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.
Where do I search North Dakota business entities?▼
The North Dakota Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) operates the official business-entity search. You can typically search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other registered entities by name or registration number. See the Licenses or Business tab above.
What is the difference between Assessor and Recorder in North Dakota?▼
The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some county offices combine these roles, others keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.
How do I obtain a North Dakota birth or death certificate?▼
North Dakota vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (Vital Records) and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.
Are North Dakota property records free to search?▼
Most county-level property and recorded-document searches are free for basic information through the Assessor or Recorder website. Certified copies of deeds typically have a per-page fee. Direct links are in the Property Records tab above.
How do I check a North Dakota sex offender?▼
The North Dakota sex offender registry is maintained by the state law-enforcement agency under the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The registry is searchable by name, ZIP code, or address.