Belfield Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Belfield, North Dakota government websites.
About Belfield, North Dakota
Government Type
City Council
Belfield, North Dakota, operates under a city government structure known as the Belfield City Council. This governing body consists of five elected members, including the Mayor, who are elected at-large by the residents of Belfield. Each council member serves a term length of four years. The current Mayor is Allen D. Stokes, and the council members include Lisa K. Hager, Jerry J. Hager, Dan L. Hager, and Tami L. Council meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
Historically, Belfield was established in the early 20th century and has roots in the agricultural and railroad industries. The city is part of the larger economic scene of Stark County, which has seen growth due to the oil boom in the Bakken formation.Belfield's local government is led by Mayor Alan D. Huber, along with a city council that includes members such as Councilman John H. Huber and Councilwoman Linda J. Huber, who work to enhance the quality of life for residents.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement across Stark County involves coordination between multiple agencies. While the Stark County Sheriff's Office provides countywide coverage, the Belfield Police Department handles matters within city limits. The Dickinson Police Department operates similarly within Dickinson's boundaries. These agencies work together on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of residents throughout the county receive protection and service.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility for the county is the Stark County Jail in Dickinson. When someone is booked, the process includes photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information. Residents seeking inmate information can use the lookup service provided by the Stark County Sheriff's Office. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and visitors must follow strict guidelines. Bond and bail procedures follow North Dakota state laws, with cash or surety bonds available to secure release.
Arrest Records
The Stark County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, including details of arrests, charges filed, and arrestee information. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Dakota Open Records Law, the public generally has access to these documents, though certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or avoid compromising ongoing investigations.
Court Records
Legal matters within city limits are handled by the Belfield Municipal Court (https://www.cityofbelfield.com/municipal-court), which processes traffic violations, misdemeanors, and other minor offenses. Court records and case information can be accessed through the municipal court's website or by contacting the court clerk's office directly. More serious criminal cases involving residents are processed through the Stark County District Court (https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/stark-county).
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Stark County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Stark County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies, including those in Stark County.
Public Records Access
Public records for Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota are accessible through various government agencies and online portals. The Stark County Recorder's Office (https://www.starknd.org/recorder) maintains land records, property deeds, and other vital documents. Business registration and incorporation filings for local companies can be found through the North Dakota Secretary of State (https://sos.nd.gov/). The Belfield Public Library (https://www.belfield.lib.nd.us/) also houses a collection of historical records and archives related to the community's development over the years.
Vital Records
Vital records for Belfield, North Dakota, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, are maintained by the North Dakota Department of Health's Division of Vital Records (https://www.health.nd.gov/vital records). Residents can request copies of these documents by submitting the appropriate forms and fees to the state agency. The Stark County Recorder's Office (https://www.starknd.org/recorder) also keeps some local vital records on file for the Belfield community.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses operating in Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota can be found in the North Dakota Secretary of State's business registry (https://sos.nd.gov/business-services/business-search). This online database includes information on company names, registration details, and registered agents. The Belfield Chamber of Commerce (https://www.belfield-chamber.com/) also maintains a directory of local businesses and organizations serving the area.
Economy & Demographics
Belfield, North Dakota has a diverse local economy that includes agriculture, energy production, and small businesses. Economic data and statistics for the city can be found through the North Dakota Department of Commerce (https://www.business.nd.gov/) and the Stark Development Corporation (https://www.starkdev.com/). These organizations track information on employment, industry trends, and economic development projects within the Belfield area.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Belfield are administered by the Stark County Auditor's Office, located at 51 3rd Street East, Dickinson, ND 58601. The office can be reached at 701-456-7659 or online at https://www.starkcountynd.com. North Dakota stands apart from other states by not requiring voter registration, eligible residents simply present valid identification at their polling place on Election Day. Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care certificate.
The city operates under a commission form of government with elected commissioners serving four-year terms. Municipal elections for mayor and city council positions are typically held in June during even-numbered years, with the next city elections scheduled for June 2026. Candidate filing information and local ballot measures are available through Belfield City Hall at 701-575-4244. Residents vote at their designated polling place, usually a public building such as city hall or the community center. Specific polling location information can be confirmed by contacting the County Auditor or visiting the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. In the November 2024 general election, Stark County reported strong voter turnout with approximately 65-70% of eligible voters participating in the presidential election. For the November 3, 2026 general election, voters will decide several important races. North Dakota does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026, as both senators were last elected in 2022 and 2024. However, the ballot will likely include the U.S. House of Representatives seat - North Dakota has one at-large representative - along with state legislative seats for District 37, which includes the community. State Senate and House seats will be contested, as well as Stark County Commission seats and county offices including Sheriff, State's Attorney, and Auditor. Potentially local school board positions will also appear on the ballot. North Dakota does not hold gubernatorial elections in 2026, as the governor serves a four-year term with the next election in 2024. Absentee voting is available for voters who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, are unable to attend due to illness or disability, or meet other criteria. Absentee ballot applications are available through the County Auditor's office and must be submitted by 5:00 PM the day before the election. Early voting is available at the County Auditor's office beginning 15 days before Election Day. Election records that are publicly accessible in North Dakota include precinct-level election results, available through the Secretary of State and County Auditor. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates can be searched at https://vip.sos.nd.gov, along with candidate filing information and ballot measure details. Since the state has no voter registration, there are no registration lists - a distinctive feature of North Dakota's election system.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor, Limited: Recorder Partial Online | Arrest Logs: Limited: Online | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering via State | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Results, No Registration Required | Overall: 7.5/10, Stark County and North Dakota provide good online access to court records, business filings, and property assessments, though some recorder documents and jail records require direct contact with county offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota?
Public schools in Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the North Dakota Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota?
Crime data for Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting the Belfield police department or the Stark County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota Library?
The Belfield Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Stark County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The Belfield Public Library serves residents of Belfield and the surrounding Stark County area in North Dakota. Contact the library or visit the Stark County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Belfield, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Stark County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Belfield Police Department or Stark County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Belfield, Stark County, North Dakota including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the North Dakota Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Stark County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Belfield, North Dakota?
To register to vote in Belfield, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Stark County elections office. North Dakota 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 North Dakota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Belfield, contact the Stark County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Belfield, North Dakota?
Property records for Belfield, North Dakota are maintained by the Stark County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Stark County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Stark County, including parcels in Belfield. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Stark County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many North Dakota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Stark County offices at the county courthouse. The Stark County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Belfield, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Belfield, North Dakota residents are available through both county and state offices. The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Bismarck, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in North Dakota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Stark County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Stark County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Belfield, North Dakota?
Business licensing for Belfield, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Belfield town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Belfield limits. Stark County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all North Dakota businesses must register with the North Dakota Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the North Dakota Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant North Dakota licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Belfield, contact the Belfield clerk's office and the Stark County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Stark County, North Dakota
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: