About Bismarck
Key landmarks in Bismarck include the North Dakota State Capitol, an iconic Art Deco building completed in 1934, and the Dakota Zoo, which houses over 600 animals and spans 90 acres. The Missouri River runs through the city, providing recreational opportunities and scenic views. Economically, Bismarck has seen significant growth due to the oil boom in the Bakken formation, which has contributed to a diversified economy and increased job opportunities in various sectors, including healthcare and education.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Bismarck
Bismarck Police Department
Departments · Police · Click to visit the Bismarck Police Incidents Dashboard · 1 The entrance and signage in front of the Bismarck Police Department · 2 Bismarck PD Incidents Dashboard Map · 3 Pickup with Bismarck Police Department branding · 4 Side of a BPD squad car showing American flag and 'To Protect and Serve' text ·
https://www.bismarcknd.gov/94/Police
Burleigh County Sheriff's Office
Kelly Leben, Sheriff Burleigh County Sheriff's Department Phone: (701)222-6651 Fax: (701)221-6899 · Mailing Address: Box 1416 Bismarck, ND 58502-1416 · Physical Address: 514 East Thayer Avenue Bismarck, ND 58501 · North Dakota Century Code.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Bismarck
Municipal Court | Bismarck, ND - Official Website
Clerk of Court Nicole Hanson is assisted by the Deputy Clerk of Court and support staff. The court staff provides information to assist the public in all cases filed in Municipal Court but cannot provide legal advice. Contact the Clerk of Court's Office by email for questions.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Bismarck
Burleigh County Recorder
Property records for Bismarck, North Dakota are maintained by the Burleigh County Recorder. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Burleigh County, including Bismarck.
About Bismarck North — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Burleigh County Detention Center operates in Bismarck as the primary facility for housing inmates throughout Burleigh County. When individuals are booked into the facility, they undergo fingerprinting, photographing, and documentation of personal information. The detention center provides inmate lookup services online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation at the facility requires appointments and strict adherence to security protocols specific to the center.
The bond and bail process follows North Dakota state guidelines, and those seeking to post bail for inmates can obtain information through the Sheriff's Office. The facility is the central intake point for all arrests made within county boundaries.
Arrest Records
The Burleigh County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, charges filed, and personal information of arrestees. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The North Dakota Open Records Statute governs how these records may be accessed, establishing a framework for transparency and public access. Typical arrest records include the date, time, and location where the arrest occurred, along with details about the arresting officer.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Burleigh County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Burleigh County Sheriff's Office and the Bismarck Police Department maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides criminal history reports. The Bureau assists Burleigh County residents in accessing statewide criminal information, making sure of thorough background checks for employment, licensing, and personal inquiries.
Vital Records
The Burleigh County Recorder's Office is responsible for maintaining vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, for residents of Bismarck and the surrounding area. Requests for these records can be made through Burleigh County's website at https://www.burleighco.com/departments/recorder/. The North Dakota Department of Health also maintains a statewide vital records registry, which can be accessed at https://www.ndhealth.gov/vital/.
Business & Licensing Records
The Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce is the primary resource for business related public records in the area. The chamber's website at https://bmchamber.com/ provides information on local business licenses, permits, and other regulatory requirements affecting companies operating in the region. For statewide business filings, the North Dakota Secretary of State's office maintains a public business registry accessible at https://apps.nd.gov/sc/busnsrch/busnSearch.htm.
This registry allows searches for corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities registered to operate in the state. Together, these resources give entrepreneurs and the public access to official business documentation and licensing information.
Economy & Demographics
The Bismarck-Mandan Development Association (https://bmda.org/) and Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce (https://bmchamber.com/) are the primary sources for economic data and public records related to the Bismarck area's business community. These organizations provide information on local employment, industry trends, and economic development initiatives. The North Dakota Department of Commerce also maintains statewide economic data and resources, which can be accessed at https://www.ndcommerce.com/.
Elections & Voter Records
Bismarck voters are served by the Burleigh County Auditor/Elections Office, located at 221 North 5th Street, Suite 101, Bismarck, ND 58501 (phone: 701-222-6710, website: www.burleighco.com/departments/auditor). The County Auditor is the chief election official for all federal, state, county, and municipal elections within Burleigh County. North Dakota stands alone among U.S. States in not requiring voter registration, eligible residents simply show identification at their polling place on Election Day.
Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, or tribal ID showing current name, current residential address, and current date of birth. Those without ID showing current residential address may use supplemental documentation such as utility bills or bank statements. This system makes the state one of the most accessible for voting, as there are no registration deadlines to miss. Municipal elections for city offices, mayor, city commissioners, and school board, are typically held in June of odd-numbered years. Terms are four years, and elections are nonpartisan. Information about local candidates, ballot measures, and city election procedures is available through the City Auditor's office at 221 North 5th Street (phone: 701-355-1302, website: bismarcknd.gov). Residents can find their assigned polling place by visiting the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://vip.sos.nd.gov or by contacting the Burleigh County Auditor's office. Polling places are assigned based on residential address and precinct boundaries. North Dakota's State-level races include North Dakota Governor and Lieutenant Governor (elected together), Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Auditor, and several state legislative seats representing districts covering parts of the county in both the North Dakota Senate and House of Representatives. County offices on the ballot in 2026 include County Commission seats, Sheriff, State's Attorney, and other county officials serving four-year terms. Judicial retention elections for district court judges may also appear. North Dakota allows early voting by absentee ballot for any reason. Absentee ballot applications are available at www.sos.nd.gov/elections or through the Burleigh County Auditor's office. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 PM on the day before the election. Mail-in ballots must be requested, completed, and returned by 5:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Election records that are public in North Dakota include precinct-level election results (available at www.sos.nd.gov/elections after each election), candidate filing information, campaign finance reports (filed with the Secretary of State and searchable at www.sos.nd.gov), and lists of voters who participated in elections (though not how they voted, as ballots are secret). Because the state does not maintain a voter registration database, there is no traditional voter roll available for public inspection.
Official Government Resources
Bismarck North Dakota Archives and Genealogy
North Dakota State Archives genealogy and historical records for Bismarck.
Bismarck North Dakota Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of North Dakota for Bismarck.
North Dakota Courts, Bismarck Case Search
North Dakota Courts case search for Bismarck.
Bismarck North Dakota Vital Records
North Dakota Department of Health vital records for Bismarck.
Bismarck North Dakota Inmate Search
North Dakota Department of Corrections inmate locator for Bismarck.
Bismarck North Dakota Missing Persons
North Dakota missing persons for Bismarck.
Bismarck North Dakota Sex Offender Registry
North Dakota Sex Offender Registry for Bismarck.
City of Bismarck
221 N Fifth Street Fourth Floor Bismarck, ND 58501-4208 Phone: 701-355-1300 Directory of Bismarck city records and infor
Bismarck Police Department
Search warrants and other services 700 S 9 St Bismarck, ND 58504 Telephone: 701-223-1212
Bismarck Fire Department
1020 E Central Ave. Bismarck, ND 58501-1936 (701) 355.1400
Bismarck Administration
221 N Fifth Street Fourth Floor Bismarck, ND 58501-4208 Phone: 701-355-1300 Fax: 701-222-6470 Email: lfoolbea@nd.gov
Bismarck Public School District
806 North Washington Street Bismarck ND 58501 701-323-4091
Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce
Business directory and information 1640 Burnt Boat Drive PO Box 1675 Bismarck, ND 58502-1675 info@bismarckmandan.com 701
Bismarck Finance Department
Annual Financial Reports and More PO Box 5503 221 N 5th St Bismarck, ND 58506-5503 Phone: (701) 355-1601
Bismarck North Dakota Official Criminal History Background Check
State Capitol 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Dept. 125 Bismarck, ND 58505 701 328-2210 TTY: 800 366-6888
Bismarck Airport
Flight and Travel Information PO Box 991 2301 University Drive Bldg 17 Bismarck, North Dakota 58502 701-355-1808
Bismarck Community Development
Building inspections, division information and other services 221 N 5th Street Bismarck, ND 58506 Phone: 701-355-1840
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
515 North Fifth Street, Bismarck, ND 58501-4081 Phone: 701-355-1480 Fax: 701-221-3729 After-hours information line: 701-
Bismarck Census Information
Recorded census data and demographics
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health
Information for home health, nutrition services and more 500 East Front Avenue Bismarck, ND 58504 Phone: 701-355-1540 Fa
Bismarck State College
1500 Edwards Avenue PO Box 5587 Bismarck, ND 58506 701-224-5400 or 800-445-5073
Bismarck Parks & Recreation
Find out about events and more 400 East Front Avenue Bismarck, North Dakota 58504 Telephone: (701) 222-6455 Fax: (701) 2
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Bismarck Inmate Search
North Dakota Department of Correction 3100 Railroad Avenue Bismarck, ND 58501 Phone 701.328.6390
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I vote in Bismarck, North Dakota?
North Dakota is the only U.S. state that does not require voter registration. To vote in Bismarck, North Dakota, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have lived in your North Dakota precinct for at least 30 days. Bring valid photo ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or current driver's license) to the polls. For more information, see the North Dakota Secretary of State elections page at sos.nd.gov. 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 Bismarck, contact the Burleigh County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Bismarck, North Dakota?
Property records for Bismarck, North Dakota are maintained by the Burleigh County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Burleigh County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Burleigh County, including parcels in Bismarck. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Burleigh 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. The Burleigh County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Bismarck, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Bismarck, 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 Burleigh County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Burleigh 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.