About Wells — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility for the county is the Faribault County Jail in Blue Earth. When someone is booked, they undergo fingerprinting and photographing while staff record their personal information. The public can search for current detainees through an online database maintained by the facility. Visitation requires advance appointments and strict adherence to security protocols. Bond and bail procedures follow Minnesota state guidelines, which determine the conditions under which individuals may be released while awaiting trial.
Arrest Records
The Faribault County Sheriff's Office is the central repository for arrest records throughout Faribault County. These documents contain the circumstances of each arrest, formal charges filed, and identifying information about the person arrested. Anyone seeking these records - whether residents or attorneys - must contact the Sheriff's Office directly and follow procedures outlined in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Typical records include the arrest date, specific charges, and the name of the arresting officer.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Faribault County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Bureau offers an online portal for easy access to criminal records, for openness and public safety.
Vital Records
The City of Wells maintains vital records for the community, including birth, marriage, and death certificates. These records can be obtained through the City Clerk's office. The Wells Public Library also is a resource for genealogical research, providing access to historical records and documents related to the city and its residents. Individuals can visit the library or the city's website at http://www.cityofwells.net/index.php/library to access these vital records.
Business & Licensing Records
The Wells Area Chamber of Commerce at http://www.wellsareachamber.com/ is a central resource for the city's business community and entrepreneurs. The organization provides information on local commerce, economic development initiatives, and community events throughout the year. Those needing public records related to business licensing, permits, and other commercial activities can obtain them through the City of Wells website or directly from Faribault County government offices.
Economy & Demographics
Wells, Faribault County, Minnesota has a diverse economy that is heavily influenced by its agricultural roots. Public records related to the city's economic activities, such as business licenses, property tax assessments, and economic development initiatives, can be accessed through the City of Wells and Faribault County government websites. The Wells Area Chamber of Commerce also is a valuable resource for information on the local business community and economic trends within the city.
Elections & Voter Records
ELECTION HUB for Wells, Minnesota voters: The Faribault County Auditor-Treasurer's Office administers elections for Wells voters. The office is located at 415 3rd St NW, Blue Earth, MN 56013. Residents can reach them at (507) 526-6213 or visit www.co.faribault.mn.us/departments/auditor-treasurer. Voter registration is available online at mnvotes.org, though residents must register at least 21 days before an election. Registration requires a valid Minnesota driver's license, learner's permit, or state ID card. Municipal elections in the city cover the mayor and city council positions.
These contests take place in November of even-numbered years, with candidate information posted at wellsmn.us. Polling place locations can be found at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. Minnesota law designates several election records as public information: voter registration data, absentee ballot applications and envelopes, polling place rosters, and precinct-level results. Requests for these materials go through the Faribault County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. The county achieved 75% voter turnout during the 2024 general election. November 2026 will bring races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Minnesota Governor, and various state and local offices to the ballot. Absentee voting in Minnesota is available to any registered voter who requests a ballot by mail or in person up to 46 days before an election. Completed ballots must reach the Faribault County elections office by 8 PM on Election Day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: 8 | Property: 9 | Arrest Logs: 7 | Vital Records: 8 | Business: 7 | Elections: 9 | Overall: 8.2/10, Faribault County and the city of Wells, Minnesota have a high level of government transparency, with detailed election information, property records, and court records available to the public. Some areas like arrest logs and business registrations could be improved, but overall the transparency in Wells is quite strong.
Wells Public Records Directory
Search county, state, and federal government records serving Wells, Minnesota.
Official Government Resources
Wells Minnesota FBI Most Wanted Criminals
FBI national most wanted criminals - search for Wells subjects.
Wells Minnesota Vital Records
Minnesota Department of Health vital records for Wells.
Wells Minnesota USA.gov Public Records Guide
USA.gov guide to government public records and information for Wells.
Wells Minnesota US Bankruptcy Court Case Locator
PACER bankruptcy case locator - find bankruptcy filings from Wells.
Wells Minnesota Unclaimed Property Search
Search for unclaimed property and money belonging to Wells residents.
Wells Minnesota Social Security Death Records
Social Security Administration death records and survivor benefits for Wells.
Wells Minnesota National Sex Offender Registry
National Sex Offender Public Website - search sex offenders near Wells.
Wells Minnesota Voter Registration Records
Find voter registration information and public records for Wells residents.
Wells Minnesota PACER Federal Court Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records - search federal court cases for Wells.
Wells Minnesota Archives and Genealogy
Minnesota Historical Society genealogy and archives for Wells.
Wells Minnesota Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Minnesota for Wells.
Minnesota Courts, Wells Case Search
Minnesota Courts public access case search for Wells.
Wells Minnesota Missing Persons
Minnesota Missing Person Clearinghouse for Wells.
Wells Minnesota Sex Offender Registry
Minnesota Department of Corrections sex offender registry for Wells.
Wells Minnesota Criminal History Records
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension criminal history for Wells.
Wells Minnesota Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Wells.
City of Wells
Directory of Wells city records and information
Faribault Minnesota City Hall
125 South Broadway Faribault, MN 507-553-6371
City of Wells Chamber of Commerce
Look up businesses in Wells
Get Criminal Case Histories
Minnesota Judicial Center 25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 Phone: (651) 297-7650
Search Divorce records and other Civil matters
Phone: (651)259-3888 Contact Self Help Center District Court Directory
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Wells Minnesota Inmate Search
State of Minnesota Department of Corrections 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108 Phone: 651-36
Nearby Cities in Faribault County, Minnesota
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Wells, Minnesota?
To register to vote in Wells, Minnesota, residents can register online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Faribault County elections office. Minnesota requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Minnesota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Wells, contact the Faribault County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Wells, Minnesota?
The City of Wells maintains a full public records system, providing access to a wide range of municipal documents and information. Residents and the public can access city council meeting minutes, ordinances, and other official records through the city's website at http://www.cityofwells.net/. The Faribault County government also offers public records related to the city, such as property assessments and tax information, through the County Courthouse at http://www.cityofwells.net/index.php/city-hall.
How do I find business license records in Wells, Minnesota?
The Wells Chamber of Commerce, located at http://www.wellsareachamber.com/, is a valuable resource for businesses and entrepreneurs in the city. The Chamber provides information on local businesses, economic development opportunities, and community events. Residents and businesses can also access public records related to licensing, permitting, and other commercial activities through the City of Wells website and the Faribault County government.