Blaine County

Blaine County is located in north-central Montana, bordering Canada to the north and including approximately 4,226 square miles of prairie, agricultural land, and portions of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Blaine County seat is Chinook, a town of approximately 1,200 residents situated along U.S. Highway 2. Blaine County was established in 1912 and named after James G. Blaine, a prominent U.S. Senator and Secretary of State. The total county population is approximately 6,500 residents, with significant portions residing on the Fort Belknap Reservation, home to the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes. Blaine County's scene is characterized by rolling hills, the Milk River valley, and agricultural operations dominated by wheat farming and cattle ranching. Major landmarks include the Bear Paw Battlefield, where Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce surrendered in 1877, and the Fort Belknap Agency. Blaine County Courthouse is located at 400 Ohio Street in Chinook, housing the County Clerk and Recorder, County Assessor, and other administrative offices. Blaine County Clerk and Recorder maintains vital records, property records, and election administration. Blaine County Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and maintains parcel data. What makes Blaine County unique is its dual jurisdiction structure with significant tribal governance, its agricultural heritage, its role in key Native American history, and its position as a border county with distinct economic and cultural characteristics shaped by both Anglo-American and Indigenous communities.

The Blaine County Courthouse serves Blaine County, Montana and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located in the county seat of the region. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Montana online court portal.

Blaine County Montana Court is located at: Blaine County Courthouse PO Box 517 Chinook, MT 59523 The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, felonies, and appeals. The court also handles small claims, probate, guardianship, and conservatorship matters.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Processing times vary, and minimal fees for copying may apply.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• Fees for certified copies typically include $5 for certification plus per-page copying charges as established by Montana statute.
• Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.

• Currently, Blaine County does not offer a full online property record search system; most document searches require in-person visits or written requests with specific property descriptions or grantor/grantee names.
• Recording fees are established by state statute and typically include $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
• Certified copies cost an additional $5 per document.
• The Assessor provides some property tax information upon request, though a fully interactive online GIS parcel viewer is not currently available.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $7 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates follow the same fee structure.
• Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks when ordered through the state office, potentially faster for in-person requests at Blaine County level if records are readily available.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Blaine County Clerk and Recorder; couples must apply in person, pay the license fee of approximately $53, and observe a waiting period unless waived.
• Expedited service options are available for urgent requests.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The Chinook Chamber of Commerce promotes local business interests and provides networking opportunities for county entrepreneurs and established businesses.