Great Falls Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Great Falls, Montana government websites.
About Great Falls, Montana
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Great Falls, Montana, is the Great Falls City Commission, which consists of five elected members. Each commissioner is elected at-large and serves a term of four years. The current commissioners include Mayor Bob Kelly, along with Commissioners Mary Moe, Casey D. McKeon, and others, who represent the interests of the community.Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
Law enforcement in Great Falls is primarily overseen by the Great Falls Police Department. If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal histories, the process involves several steps. Individuals can start by approaching the records unit of the Great Falls Police Department, where personnel can assist with local records. Further, the Montana Department of Justice Bureau of Criminal Investigation maintains the statewide criminal repository, which individuals may contact for full criminal history checks. Many of these records can also be accessed through online lookup portals for added convenience, reflecting a commitment to transparency and public information. The judicial system in Great Falls is anchored by the Cascade County District Court, which handles a range of cases, including civil, criminal, and family matters. Individuals looking to request court records can do so through the court’s website, which offers an online portal designed to help with access to various documents. For personal records like birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents should contact the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder or the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for vital records, with applications available both online and in person. Property records are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, with online access also provided for convenience. Public records requests can be made under the Montana Right to Know law, which grants citizens the right to access government documents. Typically, responses to these requests are provided within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring a timely process for accessing essential public information.
Great Falls, Montana Public Records & Government Resources
Great Falls Montana Inmate Search
Montana Department of Corrections inmate search for Great Falls.
USA.gov guide to government public records and information for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana US Bankruptcy Court Case Locator
PACER bankruptcy case locator - find bankruptcy filings from Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana Unclaimed Property Search
Search for unclaimed property and money belonging to Great Falls residents.
Great Falls Montana Social Security Death Records
Social Security Administration death records and survivor benefits for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana National Sex Offender Registry
National Sex Offender Public Website - search sex offenders near Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana FBI Most Wanted Criminals
FBI national most wanted criminals - search for Great Falls area subjects.
Great Falls Montana Voter Registration Records
Find voter registration information and public records for Great Falls residents.
Great Falls Montana PACER Federal Court Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records - search federal court cases for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana Archives and Genealogy
Montana Historical Society genealogy and archives for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Montana for Great Falls.
Montana Courts, Great Falls Case Search
Montana Courts case search for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana Vital Records
Montana DPHHS vital records, birth, death, marriage for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana Missing Persons
Montana DOJ missing persons for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana Sex Offender Registry
Montana Sex Offender and Violent Offender Registry for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana Criminal History Records
Montana Department of Justice criminal records for Great Falls.
Great Falls Montana Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Great Falls.
City of Great Falls
Directory of Great Falls City Information P.O. Box 5021 Great Falls, MT 59403 Phone: 406.771.1180
Great Falls Montana Police Department
Official Site for the City of Great Falls Police Dept. 112 1st Street South Great Falls, MT 59403 Phone: 406-771-1180
Great Falls Montana Fire Department
Find Fire Safety Information and Report Fires Fire Station #1 105 9th Street South Great Falls, MT 59403 Phone: 406-727-
City Clerk of Great Falls Montana
Search for Official Documents and Records Civic Center 2 Park Drive South Great Falls, MT 59403 Phone: 406-455-8451
Search Great Falls Montana Criminal Records
Montana Department of Justice 303 North Roberts P.O. Box 201403 Helena, MT 59620-1403 E-mail: dojitsdpublicrecords@mt.go
Search Great Falls Montana Criminal, Divorces and Other Civil Cases
Search court records, criminal cases, and dissolution of marriage and other civil matters Office of The Court Administra
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Great Falls Montana Department of Corrections Offender Network Search
Find an inmate and location information The Montana Department of Corrections 1539 11th Avenue P.O. Box 201301 Helena, M
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement throughout Cascade County involves coordination between the Cascade County Sheriff's Office and several municipal departments. The Great Falls Police Department handles urban policing within city limits while collaborating with county authorities on major investigations. Smaller departments like the Belt Police Department cover their own jurisdictions. Together, these agencies work to maintain public safety across the county's diverse communities.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary lockup for Cascade County is the Cascade County Detention Center in Great Falls. When someone is booked, the facility processes fingerprints, photographs, and personal details. Residents can search for current inmates through Cascade County's official website. Visitation requires advance scheduling according to facility rules. Montana's bail system accepts cash, bond, or property, and information about recent arrests is available directly from the Detention Center.
Arrest Records
The Cascade County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the area. Anyone seeking these records - whether residents or attorneys - can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. A typical record includes the arrested person's name, charges filed, and arrest date. The Montana Public Records Act guarantees public access to these documents, promoting transparency in local law enforcement.
Court Records
The Cascade County District Court at 521 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401, is the primary judicial authority for Great Falls. The court's docket includes criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law matters, probate cases, and general litigation. Court records, case files, and dockets are accessible through the Montana Courts website at https://courts.mt.gov/courts/district/cascade.
Criminal Records
Cascade County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run a background check through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Public Records Access
Municipal records for Great Falls are kept by the City Clerk's office, which maintains everything from city codes and council minutes to permits and licenses. The office is located at 2 Park Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59401. Residents can visit in person or search for specific documents online at https://greatfallsmt.net/cityclerk.
Vital Records
The Cascade County Health Department is responsible for maintaining vital records for Great Falls and the surrounding region. This includes birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. Individuals can request copies of these records by visiting the department's office at 115 4th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59401, or by accessing the online portal at https://cchdmt.org/vital records/.
Business & Licensing Records
Great Falls supports its business community through city-provided resources and dedicated development services. The Great Falls Development Authority at 316 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59401, assists with business licensing, economic development projects, and entrepreneurial guidance. Additional information and resources are available on the city's website at https://greatfallsmt.net/business.
Economy & Demographics
Great Falls, Montana, boasts a diverse and thriving economy, with key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers in the area include Benefis Health System, the U.S. Air Force, and the Great Falls Public Schools. The city's economic development efforts are coordinated by the Great Falls Development Authority, which works to attract new businesses, support existing companies, and foster a pro-business environment. Information about the city's economy and development opportunities can be found on the city's website at https://greatfallsmt.net/business.
Elections & Voter Records
Great Falls voters are served by the Cascade County Election Department, housed in the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 415 2nd Avenue North, Room 202, Great Falls, MT 59401 (phone: 406-454-6803, website: https://www.cascadecountymt.gov/departments/clerk-recorder/elections). Montana residents can register through the Secretary of State's My Voter Page at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote, by mail, or in person at the Cascade County office.
Registration stays open until 5:00 PM the day before Election Day - one of the latest deadlines in the country - and same-day registration is permitted at polling places and the Cascade County office with proper identification. Municipal elections for mayor and city council happen in odd-numbered years, with the next round set for November 2025. The city operates under a commission government with two commissioners and a mayor elected at-large to four-year terms. Residents can locate their polling place through the Montana My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo or by calling the Cascade County election office. Montana conducts elections primarily by mail, sending ballots to all registered voters about 20 days before each election, though in-person voting remains available at the Cascade County office and designated locations on Election Day. In November 2024's presidential election, Cascade County had approximately 38,000 registered voters with turnout reaching roughly 72%. On November 3, 2026, voters will decide contests including Montana's U.S. Senate seat (Senator Steve Daines is up for re-election in 2026), Montana's U.S. House seat (the city falls within District 2 following 2022 redistricting), state legislative positions in both the Montana House and Senate, and county offices such as County Commissioner, Sheriff, Attorney, and Clerk and Recorder. Montana does not have a gubernatorial election in 2026 (the next occurs in 2028). Public election records in the state include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance disclosures searchable at https://campaignfinance.mt.gov, candidate filings through the Cascade County office and Secretary of State, and precinct-level results published after each election. While all voters automatically receive mail ballots, residents can still request absentee ballots from the Cascade County Election Department; military and overseas voters can use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) at https://www.fvap.gov.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, Cascade County and Montana provide excellent online access to most public records through state databases and county portals, with particularly strong property record access and statewide court search capabilities, though some municipal court and older records still require in-person requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana?
Public schools in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Cascade County school administration or the Montana Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana?
Crime data for Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana Library?
The Great Falls Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Cascade County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4 Where is the Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana Public Library located?
The Great Falls Public Library serves residents of Great Falls and the surrounding Cascade County area in Montana. Contact the library directly or visit the Cascade County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana?
Fingerprinting services for Great Falls, Montana residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Cascade County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. The Montana Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Great Falls, Cascade County, Montana including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Montana Department of Public Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Cascade County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7 How do I register to vote in Great Falls, Montana?
To register to vote in Great Falls, Montana, residents can register online through the Montana Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Cascade County elections office. Montana 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 Montana Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Great Falls, contact the Cascade County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Great Falls, Montana?
Property records for Great Falls, Montana are maintained by the Cascade Montana Department of Revenue's Office and the Cascade County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Cascade County, including parcels in Great Falls. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Cascade County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Montana counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Cascade County offices at the county courthouse. The Cascade County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Great Falls, Montana?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Great Falls, Montana residents are available through both county and state offices. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Helena, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Montana. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Cascade County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Cascade 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.
10 How do I find business license records in Great Falls, Montana?
Business licensing for Great Falls, Montana operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Great Falls town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Great Falls limits. Cascade County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Montana businesses must register with the Montana Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Montana Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Montana licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Great Falls, contact the Great Falls clerk's office and the Cascade County economic development office.