What public records are available in Burke County, North Dakota?

Burke County North Dakota Free Public Records, Criminal Records And Court Records

About Burke County, North Dakota

Burke County is located in the northwest corner of North Dakota and is part of the state's Oil Patch region. The county seat is Bowbells. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 1,968.

Burke County is governed by a three-member Board of County Commissioners. The county is divided into three townships: Bowbells, Lignite, and Powers Lake.

Burke County History & Notable Events

1. The Burke County Courthouse was built in 1883 and is the oldest courthouse in North Dakota.

2. The first post office in Burke County was established in 1883.

3. The first school in Burke County was established in 1884.

4. The first newspaper in Burke County was established in 1885.

5. The first railroad in Burke County was built in 1887.

Emergency & Safety

EMERGENCY: 911

Sheriff Non-Emergency Emergency Alert System FEMA Disaster Resources DHS Threat Level LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Burke County government headquartered?

The county seat of Burke County is Bowbells. County government offices, courts, and public records departments are located there.

What types of public records does Burke County maintain?

Burke County maintains court filings, criminal arrest records, property deeds, tax assessments, vital records (birth, death, marriage), business licenses, and voter registrations. Access varies by record type and may require a formal request.

How do I obtain vital records in Burke County?

Vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees — are maintained by the Burke County Clerk-Recorder in Bowbells. Certified copies can be requested in person, by mail, or online. State law determines which records are public and which require proof of relationship.

Where can I find property and tax records for Burke County?

Property records in Burke County are maintained by the county Assessor and Recorder office. You can search property ownership, tax assessments, deed transfers, and mortgage liens online through the county portal. The Treasurer-Tax Collector manages property tax payments.

Official Government Sources