About Colfax
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) makes this map available. Colfax has a population of approximately 172. Official government information is available at www.dot.nd.gov.
Notable landmarks in Colfax include the Colfax Community Center, which is a hub for local events and gatherings, and the historic St. John's Lutheran Church, a significant structure that reflects the city's cultural heritage. The surrounding neighborhoods, such as Maplewood and Riverside, offer a mix of residential options and access to outdoor activities along the river. Historically, Colfax was established in the late 19th century and was named after Schuyler Colfax, the 17th Vice President of the United States. The city played a role in the agricultural development of the region, with farming being a key part of its economy. Today, agriculture remains a vital part of Colfax's economic scene, contributing to Colfax's sustainability and growth.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Colfax
Richland County Sheriff's Office
As an elected official, the Sheriff serves as one of the chief law enforcement officers of Richland County, directing the activities of the department in detecting and preventing crime. The enforcement of N.D. Century Code through the actions of investigations and patrol activities is done either personally or through sworn deputies.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Colfax
North Dakota District Court | PACER: Federal Court Records
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🔗 https://pacer.uscourts.gov/file-case/court-cmecf-lookup/court/NDDC
🏠 Property & Public Records in Colfax
Richland County Recorder
Property records for Colfax, North Dakota are maintained by the Richland County Recorder. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Richland County, including Colfax.
About Colfax North — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Richland County Jail in Wahpeton is the primary detention facility For people arrested anywhere in Richland County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of detainees. Family members and legal representatives can access inmate lookup services through the Sheriff's Office to find information about current inmates. Visitation at the facility follows specific rules, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and follow strict security protocols.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Richland County are maintained by the Richland County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances surrounding an individual's arrest, including the charges filed and the arresting officer's report. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Dakota Open Records Statute, the records are generally accessible to the public, though certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.
Local specifics: The Colfax Police Department is reachable at 515-674-9668. The department is led by Chief Of Police. More information is available at colfaxia.gov.
Criminal Records
Richland County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Richland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Bureau, which compiles statewide data.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Colfax residents can be requested through attorneygeneral.nd.gov. The standard fee is $15 per record request.
Vital Records
Vital records for Colfax, Richland County, North Dakota, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Richland County Recorder's Office (301 Broadway, Wahpeton, ND 58075). Residents can request copies of these records by completing the necessary forms and providing valid identification. The North Dakota Department of Health (600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505) also maintains a statewide vital records database that may be accessed for information related to Colfax.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for Colfax, Richland County, North Dakota, can be accessed through the North Dakota Secretary of State's office at 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505. The office maintains information on registered businesses, corporations, and limited liability companies operating within the city. The Richland County Recorder's Office at 301 Broadway, Wahpeton, ND 58075 also maintains records related to commercial property deeds and transactions. Colfax City Hall at 102 Main St, Colfax, ND 58018 may have information on local business licenses and permits.
Economy & Demographics
Economic and financial records for Colfax, Richland County, North Dakota, can be accessed through various sources. The Richland County Director of Tax Equalization's Office (301 Broadway, Wahpeton, ND 58075) maintains property tax records and assessment data for the city. The North Dakota Department of Commerce (1600 E Century Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503) provides information on economic development, business incentives, and other economic indicators related to Colfax. The Colfax City Hall (102 Main St, Colfax, ND 58018) may also have data on local businesses, employment, and community development initiatives.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Colfax are served by the Richland County Auditor's Office, which administers elections for all of Richland County including unincorporated areas. The Auditor is located at 418 2nd Avenue North, Wahpeton, ND 58075, and can be reached at (701) 642-7806. The office handles voter registration, absentee voting, polling place assignments, election administration, and the tabulation and certification of results.
Information about elections in Richland County is available through Richland County government website and the North Dakota Secretary of State's election portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. North Dakota stands alone among U.S. States in not requiring voter registration. Eligible residents can vote by showing identification at their polling place on Election Day. The state does, however, allow voters to update their information and verify their eligibility through the Voter Information Portal. To vote in North Dakota, a resident must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old on the date of the election, and a resident of the state for at least 30 days preceding the election. Voters must present valid identification showing their name, current residential address, and date of birth. Acceptable forms of ID include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care certificate. Because Colfax is an unincorporated community with no municipal government, there are no city council or mayoral elections specific to the area. Residents vote in county, state, and federal elections. Local voters are assigned to a precinct within Richland County, and polling place information can be obtained by contacting the Auditor at (701) 642-7806 or by using the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://vip.sos.nd.gov.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Colfax voters are published by the North Dakota Secretary of State Elections (https://www.sos.nd.gov/elections). Richland County voters will also elect county offices including County Commissioner seats (the county has five commissioners elected to staggered four-year terms), and may see other county offices such as Sheriff, State's Attorney, Auditor, Treasurer, and Recorder on the ballot depending on the election cycle. Voters should check with the Richland County Auditor closer to the 2026 election for a complete list of races and any local measures. North Dakota offers absentee voting for voters who are unable to vote in person on Election Day. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to the Richland County Auditor's Office by mail, email, fax, or in person. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. On the day before the election. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail (must be received by the Richland County Auditor by the close of polls on Election Day) or delivered in person to the auditor's office. North Dakota does not have universal mail-in voting; absentee voting is available upon request but most voters cast ballots in person. Election records that are public in North Dakota include precinct-level election results, which are posted by the Secretary of State and county auditors following each election; candidate filing information, including statements of candidacy and nominating petitions; campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees, which are filed with and available from the Secretary of State's campaign finance portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/campaignfinance; and voter history data, though individual voter choices are confidential and ballot secrecy is strictly protected. The North Dakota Secretary of State's website provides election information, results, and candidate data for all state and federal elections.
Public Records Resources for Colfax, North Dakota
Official government websites for Colfax, North Dakota and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov,.us, or.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- North Dakota Birth RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the ND Dept. of Health.
- North Dakota Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the North Dakota Secretary of State.
- North Dakota Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records from the ND Dept. of Health.
- North Dakota Federal CasesSearch the ND Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- North Dakota Lawyer LookupVerify an attorney's licensing status with the ND Lawyers Directory.
- North Dakota MarriagesPublic search of the North Dakota marriage index.
- North Dakota Divorce RecordsAccess divorce records or request divorce certificates from the ND Dept. of Health.
- North Dakota Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the ND State Unclaimed Property Division.
Nearby Cities in Richland County, North Dakota
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I vote in Colfax, North Dakota?
North Dakota is the only U.S. state that does not require voter registration. To vote in Colfax, 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 Colfax, contact the Richland County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Colfax, North Dakota?
Property records for Colfax, North Dakota are maintained by the Richland County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Richland County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Richland County, including parcels in Colfax. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Richland 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 Richland County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Colfax, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Colfax, 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 Richland County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Richland 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.