North Dakota, county records

Burke County, North Dakota Public Records

Find the right office in Burke County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

Official sources first Free directory Links checked Sep. 13, 2026 Mobile friendly

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Most requested Burke County records

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Local record guide

About public records in Burke County

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County profile

Burke County at a glance

State
North Dakota
County seat
Bowbells
Population
1,968
Area
1,129 sq mi
Founded
1910
Cities and towns
6

Burke County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Burke County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Burke County's unincorporated areas.

Police Departments. In addition to Burke County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Burke County is supported by municipal police departments in cities like Bowbells and Powers Lake.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Burke County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Burke County Courthouse in Bowbells, provides primary law enforcement services throughout Burke County's unincorporated areas and contracts with smaller municipalities. Inmate information and jail roster details can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Burke County does not currently maintain a full online inmate search portal. Municipal law enforcement in Burke County is provided by the Powers Lake Police Department, which serves the largest city in Burke County, while smaller communities rely on the Sheriff's Office or have limited municipal police presence. Arrest records and booking information are considered public records under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, which establishes the state's open records law. For warrant information or to report non-emergency incidents, citizens should contact the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours at the Bowbells courthouse location.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Burke County are maintained by Burke County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following procedures outlined under the North Dakota Open Records Law.

Jail & Inmate Records. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Burke County are taken and retained by Burke County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases.

Straight answers

Burke County public-records FAQs

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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Burke County, North Dakota?

Mugshots and booking photos in Burke County, North Dakota, are typically managed by the Burke County Sheriff's Office. While there isn't a dedicated online portal for public access to these images, you can request them directly from the Sheriff's Office. It's advisable to contact them to inquire about the process and any potential fees associated with obtaining these records.

How do I get a criminal background check in Burke County, North Dakota?

To obtain a criminal background check in Burke County, North Dakota, you should contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The BCI provides statewide background checks, which can be requested online or by mail. For local records, you may also contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office for any additional documentation they may provide.

How can I look up sex offenders in Burke County, North Dakota?

You can look up sex offenders in Burke County, North Dakota, by accessing the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the North Dakota Attorney General's Office and provides an online search tool where you can search by name, city, or county. This tool allows you to view information about registered sex offenders in the area.

How do I vote in Burke County, North Dakota?

North Dakota does not require voter registration, making it unique among U.S. States. Eligible Burke County residents can vote by simply appearing at their assigned polling place on election day with valid identification showing their current North Dakota address, such as a driver's license or state ID. Contact the Burke County Auditor's office at 701-377-2718 or visit vote.nd.gov for polling locations and identification requirements. Absentee ballots are available upon request from the County Auditor for those unable to vote in person on election day.

How do I look up property records in Burke County, North Dakota?

Property records in Burke County are maintained by the Burke County Recorder's Office at the courthouse, 102 Main Street, Bowbells, ND 58721, phone 701-377-2490. The Recorder's office preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps dating back to 1910. While Burke does not currently offer a online search portal, property records can be researched in person during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Property tax assessment information is available through the Assessor's office at the same courthouse location.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Burke County, North Dakota?

Birth and death certificates for events in Burke County can be requested through the Burke County Auditor's Office at the courthouse, 102 Main Street, Bowbells, ND 58721, phone 701-377-2718, with fees of $7 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks. Alternatively, you can order through the North Dakota Division of Vital Records in Bismarck by mail, in person, or online at health.nd.gov/vital records with additional processing fees. Proper identification and proof of eligibility are required, as birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 50 years under North Dakota Century Code § 23-02.1-18.

How do I find business license records in Burke County, North Dakota?

Business records in Burke County can be accessed through multiple offices depending on the type of business. The Burke County Auditor's office at 701-377-2718 handles local assumed name certificates (DBAs) and county permits. For formal business entities including corporations and LLCs, use the North Dakota Secretary of State's free online business search at firststop.sos.nd.gov to find registration information, filing history, registered agents, and business status. City business licenses for operations in Powers Lake, Bowbells, Columbus, or Lignite must be obtained from the respective municipal offices. Building permits for construction projects are handled by Burke County Planning and Zoning at the courthouse.

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Cities, towns and neighboring counties

Use the city page when a record was created by a municipal police department or city office; use the county page for courts, deeds, vital records and jail custody.