Decker Montana Public Records and Criminal Background Check

How to Request Public Records in Decker, Montana

Montana operates under the Montana Public Records Law, which gives every person the right to inspect or copy government records. Follow the five steps below to submit a successful request:

1
Identify the right agency
Records are held by the agency that created or maintains them — not a central repository. City records go to the City Clerk or city department; county records go to the County Clerk or relevant county office.
2
Submit a written request
Requests must be in writing. Online portals, email, mail, or hand delivery are all accepted. Check the agency's website for an online portal or email address. Always include your name, contact information, and a precise description of the record (dates, names, case numbers if known).
3
Wait for the statutory response window
The agency must acknowledge your request within the statutory window for Montana.
4
Review the cost estimate and pay any fees
Standard fees are nominal for most routine records. Most agencies charge $0.10–$0.25 per page for paper copies; some provide digital copies free. Agencies must send a cost estimate before processing any request over $40.
5
Appeal a denial or delayed response
If a request is denied, ask for the specific statutory exemption in writing. Most states have an administrative appeals process or an ombudsman office that can compel disclosure.

Which Portal to Use — Decker Record Finder

Not sure where to start? Use this directory to go directly to the right source for each record type.

Arrest & Jail Records Local police or county sheriff online portal County Records →

Court Records County clerk or district court search portal

Property Records County assessor or appraisal district

Federal Court Records Federal civil, criminal, bankruptcy PACER.gov →

Record Request Fees & Processing Times — Decker

Fees vary by record type and agency. Under the Montana Public Records Law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of copying, programming, or redacting records. Paper copies are typically $0.10–$0.25 per page. Certified copies (vital records, court documents) carry a fixed fee set by state statute. Agencies must provide a written cost estimate before processing any request likely to exceed $40.

Vital Records — Decker, Montana

Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates) are generally not public records in most states and are restricted to the named parties, immediate family, or authorized representatives.

Birth & Death Certificates: Contact the city or county health department, or the Montana Department of Health/Vital Statistics.
Marriage Records: File with the County Clerk; historical marriage indexes vary by state.
Divorce Decrees: Held by the district or circuit court where the divorce was filed; search the county clerk's records portal.

Property & Tax Records — Decker, Montana

Property records in County are held by the county assessor, recorder, or appraisal district. Typical sources include:

County Assessor / Appraisal District: Owner name, assessed value, exemptions, parcel maps — usually searchable free online.
County Recorder / Clerk: Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats — most counties offer free online document search.
County Tax Office: Property tax statements, payment history, and tax lien information.

Common Exemptions & What to Do If Your Request Is Denied

Most state public-records laws include exceptions for personal privacy, active law enforcement investigations, attorney-client privileged communications, and records sealed by court order. If your request is denied, ask the agency to cite the specific statutory exception in writing. You can then appeal to the state's oversight office (e.g., Attorney General, ombudsman, or state archives).

Emergency & Quick Contacts — Decker

911 — Emergencies

DHS National Threat Level NWS Live Weather Alerts — Montana FEMA Hazard Risk Index Bighorn County Records Montana State Records

Frequently Asked Questions — Decker

How do I request public records from Decker, Montana?

To request public records from Decker, Montana, submit a written request to the Decker City Clerk or the Big Horn County records office. Under the Montana Right to Know Act, government agencies must acknowledge your request promptly. You can submit requests in person, by mail, or through the agency's online portal. Specify the records you need as clearly as possible. Most requests are fulfilled within 5–10 business days.

What types of records are available for Decker, Montana?

Decker, Montana public records include: court records and case filings from the Big Horn County Superior Court; property and assessment records from the county Assessor; vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) from the Big Horn County Clerk; arrest and jail records from the local police department and Big Horn County Sheriff; business licenses and permits from Decker City Hall; and voter registration records. All are governed by the Montana Right to Know Act.

Where can I find arrest and criminal records for Decker, Montana?

Arrest and criminal records for Decker, Montana are maintained by the Decker Police Department, the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office, and the Big Horn County Superior Court. You can search online via the court's case records portal or request records in person. Background checks can be obtained through the Montana Department of Justice or a licensed third-party service. Some records may be restricted under state law.

How do I find property records in Decker, Montana?

Property records for Decker, Montana are held by the Big Horn County Assessor's office and Recorder's office. You can search online for ownership history, assessed value, parcel maps, deeds, liens, and tax records. Visit the Big Horn County official website or the Montana state portal to access the property search tool. Certified copies of deeds and title documents can be ordered from the County Recorder for a small fee.

Public Records Guide — Decker, Montana Overview

Nestled amid the scenic splendor of Big Horn County, Decker boasts a small yet close-knit community of approximately 100 residents. This unincorporated community is distinguished by its stunning landscapes and a rustic atmosphere that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Montana. Established in the early 20th century, Decker has maintained its charm with a landscape dominated by rolling hills and expansive plains, appealing to nature enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil lifestyle. The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture and ranching, with many residents engaged in cattle farming and related industries. Decker's distinctiveness lies not only in its breathtaking vistas and rural way of life but also in its resilience as a small community that epitomizes the spirit of the American West.

For law enforcement, Decker is served by the Decker Police Department, which operates in conjunction with the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for a broader jurisdiction, ensuring that law enforcement is effectively managed throughout Big Horn County. Residents seeking information on criminal records can approach the Decker Police Department for local information or the Sheriff’s Office for more comprehensive records. To obtain arrest records, mugshots, and booking records, individuals typically start by submitting a request to the local police records unit or the county sheriff’s office. These records can often be accessed through formal requests either in person or via the mail. For those seeking a more extensive background check, the Montana Department of Justice, specifically the Montana Criminal Records Repository, offers state-wide criminal history searches. In recent years, many of these services have transitioned to online portals, allowing residents to access some records easily; however, for certain documents, in-person requests may still be necessary, particularly for sensitive information.

When it comes to courts and public records, the Big Horn County District Court serves Decker residents, handling a variety of civil and criminal matters. For those wishing to request court records, the process is straightforward; individuals can either visit the court in person or utilize the online case management system to submit their inquiries. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Big Horn County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Residents can also access these records through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for state-wide requests. Property records are managed by the county assessor and recorder, and these documents can usually be accessed online or through direct contact with the office. Additionally, individuals wishing to make general public records requests can do so under the Montana Right to Know law, which ensures transparency and access to government records. Typically, responses to such requests are processed within 5 to 10 business days, allowing residents reasonable access to the information they seek. As a community deeply rooted in legal and civic traditions, Decker exemplifies the blend of rural charm and commitment to civic duty that characterizes much of Montana.

All sources listed are official government or authoritative public data portals. PublicRecordCenter.com does not store personal records — we index public access points. Last reviewed: March 2026.

Decker, Montana Public Records

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