About Billings

Billings, Montana. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Billings, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Billings

Billings Police Department

The Billings Police Department is committed to improving the quality of life through a customer service, problem solving partnership with the community.

https://www.billingsmt.gov/2882/Police

Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office

Official site for Yellowstone County, Montana. Find information on property records, public notices, job openings, law enforcement careers, and courthouse services in Billings, MT.

https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov/sheriff/

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Billings

Yellowstone CountyDistrict Court

🔗 https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov/clerk_court/

🏠 Property & Public Records in Billings

Yellowstone County, Montana

🔗 https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov/clerk/

Public Records & Services in Billings

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Yellowstone County school administration or the Montana Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Billings police department or the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Billings Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Yellowstone County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Billings, Montana residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Yellowstone County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact local police (where present) or the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Montana Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Billings — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Yellowstone County Detention Facility, located in Billings, is the primary booking and holding center for anyone arrested within county boundaries. The facility maintains an online inmate lookup tool that allows the public to search for current detainees. Visitors must schedule appointments ahead of time and follow strict guidelines established by the facility. Montana's bond and bail system permits cash bonds or arrangements through licensed bondsmen, and those seeking information about recent arrests can contact the Sheriff's Office directly for updates on booking records.

Arrest Records

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office maintains all arrest records for Yellowstone County. Residents and attorneys can request these records by following procedures set forth in the Montana Public Records Act. A typical arrest record includes personal identifying information, circumstances of the arrest, charges filed, and booking details.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Yellowstone County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run a background check through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice offers additional resources for accessing criminal records, so that residents have access to background information.

Vital Records

Vital records in Billings, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder's Office. This office can be contacted at https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov/clerk_recorder/ for information on obtaining certified copies of these important documents. The Billings-Yellowstone County Health Department at https://www.ci.billings.mt.us/1185/Health-Department provides access to public health resources and information.

Business & Licensing Records

The business community in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana receives support from the Billings Chamber of Commerce at https://www.billingschamber.com/, which provides resources and networking opportunities for local enterprises. The City of Billings also maintains an Economic Development Office at https://www.ci.billings.mt.us/1191/Economic-Development that offers information on business licensing requirements, available incentives, and initiatives builds economic growth throughout the area.

Economy & Demographics

Billings' diverse economy is driven by a range of industries, including healthcare, energy, agriculture, and tourism. The city's economic performance and development initiatives can be tracked through resources provided by the Billings Chamber of Commerce at https://www.billingschamber.com/ and the City of Billings' Economic Development Office at https://www.ci.billings.mt.us/1191/Economic-Development. These sources offer insights into local employment, business growth, and economic trends in the region.

Elections & Voter Records

Voters in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana are served by the Yellowstone County Election Department, officially known as the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder, Elections Division. The office is located at 217 North 27th Street, Room 203, Billings, MT 59101 and can be reached at 406-256-2785 or online at co.yellowstone.mt.us/clerk/elections.aspx. Montana offers online voter registration through the Montana Secretary of State at sosmt.gov/elections/vote, with registration accepted until noon the day before Election Day.
The state also allows same-day registration at polling places and election offices for those who bring proof of residence. New registrants need a valid Montana driver's license or state ID, the last four digits of their Social Security number, and a current Montana address. The mayor serves a four-year term, while the City Council comprises 10 members elected from five wards, two per ward, serving staggered four-year terms. Information about city elections, candidate filings, and local ballot measures is available through the City Clerk's Office at billingsmt.gov/clerk or through the County Elections Office. Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the Montana Voter Information Portal at app.mt.gov/voterinfo by entering their name and date of birth. The portal also displays sample ballots, upcoming election dates, and current voter registration status. As a public records state, Montana makes election information broadly accessible: voter registration lists are available for purchase by qualified requesters under MCA 13-2-220, campaign finance reports can be searched at campaignfinance.mt.gov maintained by the Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filings are public records at both the County Elections Office and Secretary of State, and precinct-level election results are posted at results.enr.clarityelections.com/MT. Montana will elect its U.S. House Representative, the state now has two congressional districts following 2023 redistricting, with Billings located in District 2, along with all 100 State House seats and 25 State Senate seats, representing half of the 50-seat chamber. County offices on the ballot include County Commissioners, Sheriff, County Attorney, Clerk and Recorder, and other constitutional offices. Montana offers absentee voting by mail to any registered voter without requiring a reason. Applications are available at sosmt.gov/elections or through the County Elections Office, and requests must be received by noon the day before the election, though earlier submission is strongly encouraged. The county also provides early voting in person at the County Elections Office beginning 30 days before Election Day.
City Info
StateMontana
CountyYellowstone
Population118,321

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Billings, Montana, residents can register online through the Montana Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Yellowstone County elections office. Montana 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 Montana Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Billings, contact the Yellowstone County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Billings, Montana are maintained by the Yellowstone Montana Department of Revenue's Office and the Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Yellowstone County, including parcels in Billings. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Yellowstone County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Montana counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Yellowstone County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Billings, Montana residents are available through both county and state offices. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Helena, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Montana. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Yellowstone County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Yellowstone 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.