State Public Records Guide
Public Records in North Dakota
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in North Dakota under the North Dakota Open Records Law (est. 1957).
Overview of Public Records in North Dakota
North Dakota's Open Records Law provides citizens with broad access to records maintained by public entities throughout the state. The law establishes that all records of public entities are public unless otherwise specifically provided by law. North Dakota's small population and accessible government structure make records relatively easy to obtain compared to larger states. The Attorney General's office provides guidance on open records issues and publishes advisory opinions that help both agencies and citizens understand their rights and obligations.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in North Dakota
Response Time
Agencies must respond within a reasonable time. While no specific day count is mandated, if a request is denied, the denial must be in writing and state the legal authority for the denial.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge a reasonable fee for copies, typically $0.25 per page. Fees must be based on actual reproduction costs and may not be set at levels designed to deter access to records.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing to the custodian of records. No specific form or identification is required. The requester does not need to state a reason for the request.
Appeal Process
Requesters may seek an opinion from the attorney general on whether records were properly withheld. They may also file suit in district court. The court can order disclosure and award costs to prevailing requesters.
Types of Public Records Available in North Dakota
Property Records
Property records in North Dakota include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in North Dakota contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on North Dakota election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
North Dakota court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in North Dakota include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
North Dakota vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in North Dakota document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access North Dakota Public Records
To request records in North Dakota, submit a request to the relevant public entity. While written requests are recommended, the law does not require a specific format. Agencies should respond within a reasonable time. North Dakota counties maintain property records through recorder offices, and the North Dakota Courts provide case searches online. The Secretary of State offers online business entity searches through its FirstStop portal.
Online Access
North Dakota courts provide online case record access through the Judicial Branch website. The state Industrial Commission maintains an online oil and gas well database. The Secretary of State provides business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in North Dakota
While the North Dakota Open Records Law establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in North Dakota.
- Records made confidential by specific state or federal law
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government counsel
- Active criminal investigation files where disclosure would harm the case
- Trade secrets and proprietary business data
- Records that would jeopardize public safety if disclosed
- Individual tax return information
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, North Dakota provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
North Dakota Open Records Law
Enacted: 1957
North Dakota's Open Records Law is codified in North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04. The law declares that all records of public entities are public records and are open to the public unless specifically exempted. The Attorney General issues advisory opinions on open records and open meetings issues. The law was updated in 2019 to address electronic records and modernize its provisions.
Key Features of North Dakota's Records Law:
- North Dakota's Attorney General provides advisory opinions on open records issues
- The state's small population means more personalized service for records requests
- North Dakota's oil boom has created unique records related to mineral rights and energy production
North Dakota Public Records Facts
North Dakota has 53 counties maintaining local government records
The state has approximately 570,000 registered voters
North Dakota Secretary of State maintains records for over 80,000 business entities
The oil-rich Bakken region has generated substantial mineral rights and property records
Search North Dakota Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across North Dakota. Enter a name below to search public records in ND.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Public Records
How do I access North Dakota court records?
Are North Dakota property records online?
Does North Dakota have a response deadline for records requests?
How do I get North Dakota vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the North Dakota Open Records Law. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in North Dakota or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.