St. Utsman County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Stutsman County in 2026
StUtsmanRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to property records in Stutsman County, North Dakota. Members of the public may access records pertaining to ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and encumbrances. Available record categories include property deeds, mortgage documents, tax assessment records, lien filings, plat maps, and transfer histories. Access to these records is subject to the availability and completeness of underlying government data sources.
Official resources for searching Stutsman County property records include:
- Property Tax Information Portal — county parcel tax data and GIS viewer
- Stutsman County Recorder — recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Stutsman County Treasurer — tax payment history and outstanding balances
- Stutsman County Tax Equalization — property assessments and mobile home permits
- North Dakota Primary Residence Credit — state property tax credit applications
Online Search Methods
Property Tax Information Portal:
The Stutsman County Property Tax Information Portal provides free public access to parcel-level tax data without registration. Members of the public may search by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel ID number
- Map/GIS location via the interactive ND Parcel Viewer
Information available through this portal includes current owner name, mailing address, assessed values, tax payment status, and parcel boundaries displayed on an interactive map.
How to search the portal:
- Navigate to the Stutsman County Property Tax Information Portal
- Select the search method (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the parcel of interest to view the full property record
- Access linked GIS data or tax information as needed
County Recorder's Official Records Search:
The Stutsman County Recorder maintains the official record of property ownership and complete title information for each parcel in the county. Recorded documents may be searched by:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents available through the Recorder's office include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions and releases, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, declarations of restrictions, plat maps, and powers of attorney affecting real property.
How to search recorded documents:
- Contact or visit the Stutsman County Recorder's office
- Specify the search type (grantor/grantee name, document type, or date range)
- Review the index results
- Request document images or certified copies as needed
- Note the book and page or instrument number for future reference
Tax Collector / Treasurer Search:
The Stutsman County Treasurer maintains records of all property taxes and tax payments. Members of the public may search by property address, owner name, or parcel number to obtain:
- Current tax bill amounts
- Payment history
- Outstanding balances
- Delinquency status
- Installment plan information
GIS / Mapping System:
The ND Parcel Viewer, accessible through the Property Tax Information Portal, provides an interactive mapping interface with aerial photography, property boundary overlays, and parcel data. Users may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel, and access linked property information.
In-Person Searches
Stutsman County Recorder
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: (701) 252-9035
Stutsman County Recorder
Services available in person include viewing official recorded documents, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with title research.
Stutsman County Treasurer
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: (701) 252-9034
Stutsman County Treasurer
Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and payment processing.
Stutsman County Tax Equalization
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: (701) 252-9036
Stutsman County Tax Equalization
Services include property assessment information, mobile home moving permits, and administration of property tax exemptions in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 57-55.
By Mail Requests
Recorder — Mail Requests:
- Mailing address: 511 2nd Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401
- Specify the document by book and page, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range
- Include payment for applicable copy fees
- Certified copies are available upon request with appropriate fee
Treasurer — Mail Requests:
- Mailing address: 511 2nd Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401
- Request specific tax payment records or current tax bill information
- Include the property address or parcel number
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Through Professionals
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and provide abstracts of title and title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership issues or disputes. Real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties and pull comparable sales histories as part of their representation services.
Search Tips
- When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats, and consider spelling variations or business entity names
- When searching by address, try with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and verify the correct ZIP code
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- Older records that have not been digitized require an in-person visit to the Recorder's office
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID number across multiple databases
What Is Stutsman County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government as legal records of ownership, transactions, and encumbrances. These records are essential for establishing clear title and are accessible to any member of the public under North Dakota law.
Purpose of Property Records:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
- Document property transfers and sale prices
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Protect property rights and enable title insurance
- Facilitate real estate transactions
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association documents
- Lis pendens (notice of pending lawsuit)
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments maintained by the Tax Equalization office
- Tax bills and payment history maintained by the Treasurer
- Exemptions including homestead, senior, veteran, and disability
- Special assessments and tax delinquency records
- North Dakota homeowners may apply annually for the Primary Residence Credit through the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
Legal Descriptions:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and lot-and-block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violations and zoning information
- Land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records
The Stutsman County Recorder is responsible for recording and indexing all official documents affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens, and for maintaining permanent records of property ownership and complete title information. As stated on the Recorder's official page, "Fees for the County Recorder's Office are statutory fees set by the North Dakota" Century Code, ensuring that recording costs are governed by state law rather than set at county discretion.
The Tax Equalization office administers property tax assessments in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 57-02, which governs the assessment of real property throughout the state. The Treasurer is responsible for keeping track of all property taxes and tax payments and for mailing out tax statements, operating in accordance with North Dakota statutory requirements.
Are Property Records Public Information in Stutsman County?
Property records are public information in Stutsman County. Under North Dakota's open records framework, any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific purpose, establishing residency, or obtaining prior authorization. This principle reflects centuries of American legal tradition establishing that land records must be publicly accessible to provide constructive notice of ownership and encumbrances.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, which governs public records access in the state
- State recording statutes requiring that recorded instruments be available for public inspection
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Constitutional protections for property rights
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency in property ownership serves multiple public interests. The public has a right to know who owns real property, and open access prevents fraudulent transfers and secret encumbrances. Commercially, public property records enable real estate transactions, title searches, property appraisals, market analysis, and mortgage lending. Legally, recorded documents provide constructive notice — meaning that any person is presumed to have knowledge of a recorded instrument regardless of whether they have personally reviewed it.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics including size, age, and building type
- Deeds and all recorded documents
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under current law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may request address confidentiality protections under applicable state provisions. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is subject to separate access policies; members of the public should contact the Tax Equalization office directly regarding the availability of specific exemption application details.
Who Can Access Property Records:
No residency requirement, ownership interest, or stated business purpose is required to access Stutsman County property records. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Stutsman County?
The cost to obtain property records in Stutsman County depends on the type of record requested and the method of access. Fees for the County Recorder's Office are statutory fees set by the North Dakota Century Code, meaning the county does not have discretion to set its own fee schedule.
Current Fee Structure:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $20.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $10.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $10.00 per document |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Online parcel tax data (Property Tax Portal) | Free |
| In-person property record inspection | Free |
Notes on Fees:
- Inspection of public property records at the Recorder's office is free of charge
- The Property Tax Information Portal provides free online access to parcel tax data and GIS information without registration or fees
- Certified copies carry a higher fee than non-certified copies and are required for legal proceedings
- Recording fees are governed by North Dakota Century Code § 11-18-05, which establishes the statutory fee schedule for county recorders statewide
- Payment methods accepted at the Recorder's office include cash, check, and money order; members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the office prior to submitting mail requests
Fee Waivers: No general fee waiver provision applies to property record copy requests under current North Dakota law. Government agencies and certain nonprofit entities may be entitled to reduced or waived fees in specific circumstances; such requests should be directed to the Recorder's office.
What's Included in a Stutsman County Property Record
A complete Stutsman County property record contains several categories of information drawn from multiple county offices.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title reflecting previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section/township/range where applicable
- Parcel ID / folio number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Total living area, year built, number of stories, and building type
- Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features including garage, pool, porch, fireplace, heating type, water source, and sewer system
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value as assessed
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification and value where applicable
Tax Information:
- Current year tax amount, taxable value after exemptions, and millage rate
- Breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, and special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency status
- Exemptions applied, including homestead, senior, disability, and veteran exemptions
- North Dakota homeowners may separately apply for the Primary Residence Credit through the state
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers for recent transfers
- Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
- Sale type designation (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, etc.)
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages including lender name, recording date, and original amount
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at time of recording)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not recorded with the Recorder
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Stutsman County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Stutsman County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed, as the integrity of the chain of title depends on the preservation of every recorded document from the county's formation to the present.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
The permanent retention of recorded property documents is required under North Dakota's records retention framework. The Recorder is obligated by statute to preserve all recorded instruments as part of the official public record. This requirement reflects the legal principle that a break in the chain of title — caused by the loss or destruction of a recorded document — creates a title defect that may render property unmarketable.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All plats, subdivision plats, and survey plats
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Court documents affecting title
- Any instrument recorded with the Recorder's office
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Stutsman County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:
- Very old records: Handwritten ledgers and bound books
- Mid-20th century: Typed entries and microfilm
- Recent records: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
All formats are maintained at the Recorder's office with appropriate climate-controlled storage and backup systems. Digital records are subject to ongoing backup and preservation protocols.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Access Method |
|---|---|
| Recent records (last 20+ years) | Online via portal or in-person |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | Microfilm or in-person at Recorder |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person; staff retrieval may be required |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice recommended |
Property Appraiser / Tax Equalization Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently by the Tax Equalization office. Recent years of assessment history are accessible through the online portal; historical assessments are available in person.
Tax Records:
The Treasurer retains tax payment records for a minimum period consistent with North Dakota's records retention schedule. Tax deed records are maintained permanently. Members of the public seeking historical tax payment records beyond what is available online should contact the Treasurer's office directly.
Contact for Historical Records:
Stutsman County Recorder
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: (701) 252-9035
Stutsman County Recorder
Stutsman County Tax Equalization
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: (701) 252-9036
Stutsman County Tax Equalization
How To Find Liens on Property in Stutsman County
Liens on property in Stutsman County are recorded with the County Recorder and are part of the official public record. Any member of the public may search for liens by visiting the Recorder's office, submitting a written request by mail, or using available online resources.
Types of Liens Recorded:
- Federal and state tax liens
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors or materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Child support liens
- Code enforcement liens
Search Methods:
Step 1 — Search the Recorder's Index: The grantor/grantee index maintained by the Stutsman County Recorder is the primary resource for identifying recorded liens. Search by the property owner's name (as grantor) or by parcel ID to identify all recorded instruments, including lien filings and releases.
Step 2 — Review the Property Tax Portal: The Property Tax Information Portal displays parcel-level tax data and may reflect outstanding tax obligations that could give rise to tax liens.
Step 3 — Check Federal Tax Lien Records: Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the county recorder in the county where the property is located. These appear in the Recorder's index under the taxpayer's name.
Step 4 — Review Court Records: Judgment liens arise from court judgments and are docketed in the district court. Members of the public may search North Dakota court records through the North Dakota Courts system to identify judgments that may have been transcribed as liens against real property.
Step 5 — Engage a Title Company: For a comprehensive lien search, members of the public and real estate professionals may engage a licensed title company to conduct a full title search, which will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and other interests affecting the property.
In-Person Lien Search:
Stutsman County Recorder
511 2nd Ave SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: (701) 252-9035
Stutsman County Recorder
Staff at the Recorder's office can assist members of the public in locating recorded lien documents and provide copies upon payment of applicable statutory fees.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Stutsman County
The property owner rule in Stutsman County refers to the body of North Dakota law and county practice governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership.
Establishment of Ownership:
Ownership of real property in Stutsman County is established through a recorded deed. Under North Dakota recording law, a conveyance of real property is not effective against subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers for value unless the instrument is recorded with the County Recorder. This principle — known as constructive notice — means that recording a deed protects the new owner's interest against later claims. The Stutsman County Recorder maintains the official record of property ownership and complete title information for each parcel in the county.
Forms of Ownership:
North Dakota law recognizes several forms of real property ownership:
- Individual ownership — a single person holds title in their own name
- Joint tenancy — two or more persons hold title with right of survivorship; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the deceased's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common — two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal and are freely transferable; no right of survivorship
- Tenancy by the entirety — not recognized in North Dakota; married couples hold property as joint tenants or tenants in common
- Trust ownership — a trustee holds legal title for the benefit of beneficiaries
- Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, and other legal entities may own real property in North Dakota
Transfer of Ownership:
Real property in Stutsman County is transferred by recorded deed. The deed must identify the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer), contain a legal description of the property, be signed by the grantor, and be acknowledged before a notary public. Upon recording with the Recorder's office, the transfer becomes part of the permanent public record and provides constructive notice to all subsequent parties.
Property Tax Obligations:
Property ownership in Stutsman County carries an obligation to pay real property taxes assessed by the Tax Equalization office and collected by the Treasurer. Assessments are conducted in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 57-02, which establishes the standards for valuing real property for tax purposes. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the imposition of a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax deed sale.
Homestead and Exemption Rights:
Property owners who occupy their residence as a primary residence may apply for the Primary Residence Credit through the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner, which provides an annual state property tax credit. Additional exemptions for senior citizens, disabled persons, and veterans are administered through the Tax Equalization office in accordance with applicable North Dakota Century Code provisions.
Adverse Possession:
North Dakota law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person may acquire title to real property through open, notorious, continuous, exclusive, and hostile possession for a statutory period. Claims of adverse possession are adjudicated through the district court system and, if successful, result in a court order that is recorded with the County Recorder to establish title.
Eminent Domain:
The government retains the power of eminent domain — the authority to take private property for public use upon payment of just compensation. In Stutsman County, eminent domain proceedings are conducted in accordance with North Dakota law and result in recorded instruments reflecting the transfer of title to the acquiring governmental entity.