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Bismarck, North Dakota Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Bismarck, North Dakota.

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Bismarck Public Records Directory

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Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Bismarck, North Dakota, you will be transported to the Burleigh County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Burleigh County Court. Under North Dakota law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The Burleigh County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.nd.gov/docr/adult/InmateLocator/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota?
The Bismarck Public School District serves the city of Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota. According to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, the district's overall performance rating for the 2019-2020 school year was "Excellent." The district's graduation rate was 93.2%, and the average ACT score was 22.1.
3
What are the crime statistics for Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota?
According to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the total number of reported crimes in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota in 2019 was 2,845. Of those, 1,845 were property crimes and 1,000 were violent crimes.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota Library?
The Bismarck Public Library in Burleigh County, North Dakota provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and North Dakota government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the North Dakota Open Records Law, which governs access to government documents in North Dakota. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Bismarck North Dakota Archives and Genealogy at https://www.history.nd.gov/archives/. Contact the Bismarck Public Library reference desk at (701) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota Library is located at 515 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Bismarck, North Dakota residents are provided at the Bismarck Police Department, which serves Burleigh County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Bismarck Police Department at (701) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation at https://www.ndinvestigations.com/investigations/criminalrecords/.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
The Burleigh County Recorder's Office is responsible for issuing vital records for Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota. To obtain vital records, you must submit a written request to the Burleigh County Recorder's Office. The request must include the full name of the person whose record is being requested, the date of the event, and the type of record being requested.

The types of records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. Each record includes the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event.
8
About background check
A background check in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in North Dakota. Criminal background checks are processed through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for North Dakota residents. The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides official criminal history checks at https://www.ndinvestigations.com/investigations/criminalrecords/. Under the North Dakota Open Records Law, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026