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How to Find Public Records in St. Utsman County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents, case filings, property data, and other official materials may access a range of publicly available information through StUtsmanRecords.us, which aggregates data related to St. Utsman County, North Dakota. The records available through official channels may include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and financial documents
- Voting and election records
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Access: The North Dakota Courts public access portal provides District Court case information for criminal, traffic, and civil case types. No registration is required to conduct basic searches. Members of the public may also use the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system, which includes Stutsman County case data. Property and recorder records may be accessed through the Stutsman County official website.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Stutsman County Clerk's Office to inspect records during regular business hours. The office is located at 511 2nd Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the Stutsman County Clerk's Office at 511 2nd Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. Requests must include the requester's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, agencies are required to respond to public records requests promptly.
Phone/Email: The Stutsman County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (701) 252-9035. Email inquiries may be directed through the county's official website contact page.
What Are Public Records in St. Utsman County?
Public records in Stutsman County are defined under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18 as all records, regardless of physical form, that are made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of official business by a public entity. The following record types are maintained by county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Stutsman County District Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Stutsman County Recorder |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | ND Department of Health / County Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | Stutsman County Auditor |
| Property tax and assessment records | Stutsman County Assessor |
| Voting and election records | Stutsman County Auditor |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Stutsman County Commission |
| Budget and financial documents | Stutsman County Auditor |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Stutsman County Sheriff |
| Land use and zoning records | Stutsman County Planning & Zoning |
Court records, including criminal case filings, may be searched using the North Dakota criminal case records search tool, which allows searches by case number, defendant name, citation number, and attorney information.
Is St. Utsman County an Open Records County?
Stutsman County operates in full compliance with North Dakota's open records laws, which establish a broad public right of access to government documents. Under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, all records of public entities are presumed open and accessible to any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. As stated by the North Dakota Office of the Attorney General: "The open records law reflects a legislative policy that the public is entitled to know what its government is doing." This presumption of openness applies to all county offices, boards, and commissions within Stutsman County.
The North Dakota Legislature has further reinforced this principle through the state's sunshine laws, which require that government meetings be open to the public and that records of official actions be made available for inspection. The North Dakota Attorney General's open records guidance provides detailed information on the scope of these obligations. Stutsman County does not maintain a separate county-level public records ordinance that supersedes state law; state statute governs all access requests.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in St. Utsman County?
The current fee structure for public records in Stutsman County is governed by state law and individual office schedules. Standard fees applicable to most record requests are as follows:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (standard) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $7.00 per document |
| Electronic copies | Varies by record type |
| Search fees | No charge for basic searches |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request. Under North Dakota law, fees charged for public records must be reasonable and may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Fee waiver provisions may apply in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the records custodian. Fees vary by record type and the office maintaining the record.
Does St. Utsman County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Stutsman County offices during regular business hours. Members of the public are entitled to inspect records without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. The following resources provide free access to public records:
- The North Dakota Courts public access portal provides free online access to District Court case information, including criminal, traffic, and civil cases.
- The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system allows free searches of Stutsman County court case data by case number, defendant name, or citation number.
- The Stutsman County Assessor's office provides free online access to property assessment data through the county's official website.
- Voting and election records may be inspected free of charge at the Stutsman County Auditor's office.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while any person may inspect public records at no cost, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above. Certain records, such as personal records requested by the subject individual, may be available at reduced or no cost depending on the record type and applicable state provisions.
Who Can Request Public Records in St. Utsman County?
Any person may request public records in Stutsman County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. North Dakota's open records law does not restrict access to residents of the state, nor does it require requesters to provide identification or explain the reason for their request. As affirmed by the North Dakota Attorney General: "Any person may inspect and copy public records. There is no requirement that the requester be a North Dakota resident or that the requester state a reason for the request."
Non-residents retain the same rights of access as residents under state law. Requesters seeking their own records, such as personal court filings or vital records, follow the same process as any other requester, though additional identification may be required for certified copies of vital records. Certain record types, including juvenile records, sealed court files, and records subject to statutory exemptions, are restricted regardless of the identity of the requester. Restrictions on specific record categories are governed by the applicable exemption statutes rather than by the identity or purpose of the requester.
What Records Are Confidential in St. Utsman County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. North Dakota law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the general open records requirement. The following records are currently withheld from public access in Stutsman County:
- Sealed court records and expunged case files
- Juvenile court records
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Social Security numbers and personal financial account data
- Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Personnel records, except as otherwise provided by law
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details
Under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18.1, specific exemptions are enumerated for records whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or would compromise public safety. When a records custodian withholds a document, the custodian is required to identify the applicable exemption. Members of the public who believe a records request has been improperly denied may seek review through the North Dakota Attorney General's office or pursue remedies available under state law.
St. Utsman County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Stutsman County Clerk and Recorder
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
(701) 252-9035
Stutsman County Clerk and Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on federal and state holidays.
Stutsman County District Court
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
(701) 252-9035
Stutsman County District Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stutsman County Auditor
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
(701) 252-9035
Stutsman County Auditor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Stutsman County Sheriff's Office
400 3rd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
(701) 252-9051
Stutsman County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Emergency services available 24 hours.
North Dakota Department of Health – Vital Records
600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept. 301
Bismarck, ND 58505
(701) 328-2360
North Dakota Department of Health Vital Records
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM