Free links to official Montana state and county government records — courts, criminal histories, vital records, property, voter, business, and licenses across all 56 counties.
How to Search Montana Criminal Records (Start Here)
Montana criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Montana state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Clerk of District Court in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Montana repository URL, fee, and statute verified against the official Montana Department of Justice - DCI publisher on review date. 6 primary .gov sources cited below.
Montana Criminal Records — Key Numbers (2026)
Montana DCI Crime Information Bureau: 406-444-3625 for assistance. CHOPRS public users portal at doj.egovmt.com.
$15-$30
Public access fee
Per state-only check
Online via CHOPRS - Crim
Primary method
How to submit
Montana Department of Ju
Issuing agency
Statewide repository
MCA §44-5
Governing statute
State law citation
June 04, 2026
Last reviewed
By SearchSystems
What's in a state criminal check (typical %)
In-state arrests
100%
In-state convictions
100%
Out-of-state arrests
10%
Federal cases
5%
Sealed/expunged
0%
Juvenile records
15%
Unit: % included in a typical state-only check.
What Changed in 2026 — Montana Criminal Records
2026
Montana state-only check active
The Montana Department of Justice - DCI continues to process state criminal history checks via dojmt.gov.
✓ Truth: False. The Montana Department of Justice - DCI check covers ONLY Montana arrests/convictions. Out-of-state and federal records are NOT included.
❌ Myth: "Free third-party 'instant' checks are accurate."
✓ Truth: False. Only dojmt.gov (the official Montana repository) is authoritative. Data brokers often have stale data.
❌ Myth: "Sealed records will show on a check."
✓ Truth: False. Records sealed or expunged under Montana law are removed from public-facing checks. Law enforcement may still access them.
❌ Myth: "Arrest = conviction on my record."
✓ Truth: False. An arrest is not a conviction. Most Montana public checks distinguish arrests, dispositions, and convictions; the FCRA bars non-conviction arrests older than 7 years from employer checks.
❌ Myth: "State and FBI checks return the same data."
✓ Truth: False. The Montana state check shows Montana-only records. The FBI check is fingerprint-based and shows records reported by all agencies nationwide.
The Missoula County Jail Roster is updated in real time. If you have any questions regarding information provided on this page, please refer to the contact page, and refer to the appropriate agency. The inmates are listed alphabetically, so just click on the appropriate letter for an inmate's ...
Hearing Types: SOP = Sex Offender Program; TSCTC/ICP = Boot Camp (Treasure State Correctional Training Center/Intensive Challenge ... A = Appearance; AD = Administrative Decision; AR = Annual Review; CR = Case Review; EC = Executive Clemency; ... Disposition: Parole upon completion of victim's impact to an approved DOC plan to include semi-restrict housing
Valley County Sheriff's Office · JAIL ROSTER · Printed on March 3, 2020 · NAME · HELD FOR · CHARGES · ANDERSON, NATHAN · Department of Corrections · BALL, MEAGAN · Blaine County Sheriff's Office · 45-7-309 - Criminal Contempt · BARROWS, PATRICE · OUT OF AREA MONTANA ·
Use the form below to search for individuals currently held at the detention center. You may search by inmate name or booking date. For best results, enter the full last name followed by a comma and first name (e.g., Doe, John).
Family & Friends · Informational Brochure · www.gallatin.mt.gov · Sheriff Dan Springer · Undersheriff Jeremy Kopp · Captain Jim Anderson- Jail Commander · Reception 406-582-2130 · Gallatin County Detention Center · 605 South 16th Ave · Bozeman, MT 59715
Welcome to the Montana Department of Justice service that allows users to search the state's public criminal history record database . This official State of Montana service provides electronic access to criminal history record information in accordance with Montana Code Annotated 44-5-301.
Find public records in Ravalli County. Learn more about how to lookup and obtain Ravalli County inmate records, criminal records, arrest records, court records, bankruptcy records, sex offender information, vital records and more. Navigate the complexities of public records laws in Ravalli County.
Access interactive map to view offenders in a region and search for offenders by name. Access statistics dashboard for cities, counties, and the State of Montana. Get automatic daily alerts when offenders move within zip codes you choose. Under Montana Law, anyone who uses this information to injure, harass or commit a criminal
This site is maintained by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts on behalf of the Federal Judiciary. PACER Service Center (800) 676-6856 pacer@psc.uscourts.gov
56 Montana 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.
How do I run an official Montana background check?▼
Montana's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the Montana Department of Justice - DCI. Begin the request at dojmt.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by Montana statute.
Are Montana criminal records public?▼
Most adult criminal-history information in Montana is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The Montana Department of Justice - DCI explains who can request what at dojmt.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.
What's the difference between a state and an FBI background check in Montana?▼
A state check from the Montana Department of Justice - DCI (dojmt.gov) covers only criminal activity within Montana. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.
Can I get someone else's Montana criminal record?▼
Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the Montana Department of Justice - DCI. The Montana Department of Justice - DCI documentation at dojmt.gov lists each authorized requester category.
How do I challenge or correct a Montana criminal record?▼
If you find an error on your Montana criminal history, the Montana Department of Justice - DCI offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at dojmt.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.
