About Dawson County
Dawson County is located in eastern Montana, spanning approximately 2,373 square miles along the Yellowstone River. Dawson County Seat is Glendive, which is the primary population center with roughly 5,000 residents in a county of approximately 8,900 people. Established in 1869, Dawson County was named after Major Andrew Dawson, a prominent frontier military officer.
Dawson County lies in the heart of the Badlands region, featuring distinctive geological formations including Makoshika State Park, Montana's largest state park at 11,531 acres, known for its dramatic badlands terrain and dinosaur fossils. Dawson County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dryland farming, along with significant energy development including oil, natural gas, and coal extraction. Dawson County Courthouse, located at 207 West Bell Street in Glendive, houses key governmental offices including the County Clerk and Recorder, Montana Department of Revenue, and Treasurer.
Dawson Clerk and Recorder's office maintains all property records, deeds, and land documents at the courthouse address. Dawson County Clerk's office, also at 207 West Bell Street, handles vital records, marriage licenses, and election administration. Dawson Montana Department of Revenue, situated in the same courthouse complex, is responsible for property valuations and tax assessments.
Glendive's strategic location along Interstate 94 and the Yellowstone River has made it a regional hub for eastern Montana, serving surrounding agricultural communities and energy development areas. Dawson County experiences a semi-arid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers typical of the northern Great Plains.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Dawson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Dawson County. The office oversees Dawson County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office also provides patrol services, investigates crimes, and works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and crime prevention efforts tailored to the needs of Dawson County residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Dawson County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Dawson County is also provided by the Glendive Police Department. The Glendive Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Glendive, addressing local crimes and community policing efforts. Both agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Dawson County. They work together on initiatives such as drug enforcement and public safety campaigns.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, located at 120 East 9th Street in Glendive, Montana 59330, is the primary law enforcement agency for Dawson County's unincorporated areas. The Glendive Police Department, serving Dawson County Seat, operates independently within city limits and can be contacted, located at 200 North Merrill Avenue.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office or Police Department directly, submitting written requests that include the name and approximate date of arrest.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public records and may be released upon request, though some jurisdictions charge copying fees.
Inmate information for Dawson County Detention Center can be obtained by calling the jail directly at or visiting the facility in person during business hours. Montana law does not currently mandate a statewide online inmate roster, so Dawson County jail information is typically provided by phone inquiry. Arrest records in Dawson County are considered public information under Montana's Constitutional Right to Know provision (Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution) and the public records statute (Mont.
Code Ann. § 2-6-102).
No tribal police agencies operate within Dawson County boundaries, as Dawson County does not contain reservation lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Dawson County cover a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides full criminal history information. The bureau offers services for both personal and professional purposes, so that Dawson County residents have access to accurate and up-to-date criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dawson County are maintained by Dawson County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individuals. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, following the guidelines set by the Montana Public Records Act. An arrest record in Dawson County typically includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings related to the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Dawson County Detention Center, located in Glendive, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested or are serving short-term sentences. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Montana allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Dawson County are taken and retained by Dawson County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases, depending on availability. While Montana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances. The sheriff's website may provide a portal for searching mugshots, or they may be accessed through third-party services.
Courts & Case Records
Dawson County is served by the Sixteenth Judicial District Court of Montana, which handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, probate, mental health commitments, and appeals from lower courts. Dawson County Court is located at Dawson County Courthouse, 207 West Bell Street, Glendive, MT 59330, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Montana operates a unified court system, and the Sixteenth Judicial District also serves Richland County. Dawson County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $7,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and issues restraining orders.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, as established by state statute.
The Justice Court is located at the courthouse and operates under Dawson County of elected justices of the peace. Municipal Court for the City of Glendive addresses city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court records in Montana are public under Mont.
Code Ann. § 2-6-109 and the Montana Supreme Court's public access policy. The Montana Judicial Branch maintains the Montana Court Records Online Portal, though availability varies by county and case type.
To search Dawson County court records, individuals may visit the Clerk of District Court office at the courthouse in person, where staff can assist with case searches. Remote access to some case information may be available through the Montana Supreme Court's case tracking system. The Clerk of District Court office maintains indices of all civil and criminal cases filed in District Court, which are available for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
Dawson County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 207 West Bell Street, Glendive, MT 59330, maintains all property and land records for Dawson County. The office can be reached at and is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, subdivision plats, military discharges, UCC financing statements, and other documents affecting real property. Montana law requires that land records be maintained by Dawson County clerk and recorder as public documents accessible to any citizen (Mont. Code Ann. § 7-4-2631).
- The office provides a public counter where individuals may search land records during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee of $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Property owners and prospective buyers can request parcel information, tax history, and assessment details directly from the Assessor's office.
- Some property tax information may be searchable through the Montana Department of Revenue's Cadastral Mapping system, which provides GIS and parcel data for participating counties.
While Dawson County does not currently offer a full free online property document search, some Montana counties are transitioning to digital record systems. Property tax records are maintained by Dawson Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located at the courthouse The Assessor's office maintains property valuations, assessment records, and ownership information.
Dawson County Treasurer, contactable, handles property tax collection, tax sale information, and current tax payment status. Montana requires all real property to be assessed and taxed according to state law (Mont. Code Ann.
Title 15).
Vital Records
Vital records for Dawson County, Montana, including birth and death certificates, are maintained both at Dawson County level and by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics. Birth certificates for births occurring in Dawson County can be requested through Dawson County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 207 West Bell Street, Glendive, MT 59330 The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $12 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be requested from the same office.
- Processing time for vital records at Dawson County level is usually 1-3 business days if requested in person, or 1-2 weeks if requested by mail.
The Montana Office of Vital Statistics, located at 111 North Sanders, Room 209, Helena, MT 59604, maintains statewide records and can be contacted through the office’s website. Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, Montana's authorized vendor, at https://www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply. Marriage licenses in Montana are issued by the Clerk of District Court, and in Dawson County, couples should contact the Clerk's office at the courthouse. Montana law requires a marriage license to be obtained from any county in Montana, with no waiting period or blood test required (Mont.
Code Ann. § 40-1-301). Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court as part of court case files.
Applicants requesting vital records must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or direct interest, as Montana restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible interest (Mont. Code Ann. § 50-15-120).
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Dawson County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Dawson County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 207 West Bell Street, Glendive, MT 59330, handles the filing of Doing Business As (DBA) names and fictitious business names for sole proprietors and partnerships operating in Dawson County. These filings are public records available for inspection during regular business hours. The fee for filing a DBA is typically determined by state statute and recording page count.
For formal business entity registrations including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, filings are made with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Division in Helena. The Secretary of State maintains a free online Business Entity Search portal at https://biz.sosmt.gov where the public can search for registered businesses, view formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information. Montana does not impose a state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not applicable.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, and cosmetologists are issued by respective Montana state licensing boards, not at Dawson County level. Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated Dawson County are handled by Dawson County Planning and Zoning Department, which can be contacted through the courthouse. Within Glendive city limits, the City of Glendive Building Department issues permits and enforces building codes.
The Glendive Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, serving Dawson County business interests, can be reached at and maintains a website at www.glendivechamber.com, providing business directories, economic development information, and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Dawson County, Montana, are administered by Dawson County Clerk and Recorder, who serves as Dawson County election administrator. The elections office is located at 207 West Bell Street, Glendive, MT 59330, and can be contacted through the office’s website. voter registration information, polling locations, and absentee ballot requests. Voter registration in Montana is available online through the Montana Secretary of State's website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote/, by mail, or in person at Dawson County elections office.
- Absentee ballots, which Montana calls mail-in ballots, are available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request an absentee ballot by contacting Dawson County elections office by mail, phone, or in person.
- Montana law allows absentee ballot requests up to the day before the election, though earlier requests are encouraged.
- Citizens may request election transparency records including pollbook information, election judge rosters, and detailed precinct results by submitting public records requests to the County Clerk and Recorder under Mont.
Montana allows same-day voter registration, meaning eligible citizens can register and vote on Election Day at their polling place or county elections office, though pre-registration by the Friday before Election Day simplifies the process. To find your specific polling place in Dawson County, voters can contact the County Clerk's office or check the Montana Secretary of State's polling place locator online. Election records in Montana are largely public under the state's Constitutional Right to Know (Article II, Section 9) and Mont.
Code Ann. § 13-2-301. Public election records include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filings and petitions, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics.
Dawson County, like much of eastern Montana, typically experiences voter turnout of 65-75% in presidential election years and 50-60% in midterm elections. In the November 2024 general election, Dawson County turnout was approximately 70%, consistent with Montana's historically high voter participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, Montana state legislative seats, and various county and local offices. Montana is an at-large congressional district, so all Dawson County voters participate in the single U.S.
House race. Mail-in ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Code Ann.
§ 2-6-102.
Economy & Demographics
Dawson County's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, energy production, and regional services. Cattle ranching and dryland farming dominate the agricultural sector, with wheat, barley, and hay production as primary crops suited to the semi-arid climate. Dawson County has significant energy resources, including the Bakken oil formation extending into Dawson County, natural gas deposits, and historical coal mining operations.
- The median household income in Dawson County is approximately $55,000 to $60,000, slightly below the Montana state average, reflecting the rural agricultural economy.
Several oil and gas service companies maintain operations in Glendive, supporting drilling and production activities throughout eastern Montana and western North Dakota. Glendive Medical Center is a major employer and regional healthcare provider, offering hospital services and specialty care to residents across a multi-county area. Retail trade, education through Dawson Community College, and local government provide additional employment.
Dawson County Community College itself contributes significantly to the local economy, offering two-year degrees, vocational training, and acting as a cultural center for Dawson County. The unemployment rate in Dawson County typically tracks close to the Montana state average, ranging from 3% to 5% depending on seasonal agricultural cycles and energy sector activity. Transportation and logistics businesses benefit from Glendive's position on Interstate 94, the primary east-west corridor across Montana.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on diversifying beyond traditional agriculture and energy, including promoting outdoor recreation tied to Makoshika State Park and Yellowstone River access, and supporting value-added agriculture processing. The Glendive area has seen investment in local food production and agritourism, capitalizing on Montana's growing reputation for quality agricultural products.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Limited Online | Property: Limited: In-Person Records | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: State Online Tools | Overall Score: 5/10, Dawson County provides access to public records primarily through in-person requests at the courthouse, with limited online services; statewide Montana portals assist with business and election information.
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Cities & Towns in Dawson County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Dawson County, Montana.