About McHenry County
Population
5,264 residents
County Seat
Towner
Established
1873
Named After
James McHenry
Court Records & Case Information
The Mchenry County Court serves Mchenry County, North Dakota and handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. The courthouse is located in the county seat of this area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the North Dakota online court portal.
Mchenry County North Dakota court jurisdiction is located in Towner, North Dakota. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, felonies, and appeals. The court also has jurisdiction over family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. The court address is: McHenry County Courthouse, PO Box 517, Towner, ND 58788.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing times and any associated copying fees will be communicated upon request.
- North Dakota does not maintain a centralized statewide mugshot database, so county-level requests are necessary.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows North Dakota state guidelines, allowing for the release of individuals under certain conditions while awaiting trial.
Courts & Case Records
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically include a search fee and per-page copying charges as established by North Dakota Century Code § 27-01-07.
- North Dakota Supreme Court opinions and some appellate records are available online through the North Dakota Supreme Court website.
- For historical court records or archived cases, researchers may need to submit written requests and allow additional processing time.
Property & Public Records
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, typically including a base search fee plus per-page copying charges.
- Residents and researchers should contact the Recorder or Auditor's office directly to inquire about online search capabilities for McHenry County.
- Property record requests can be made in person at the courthouse during regular business hours, by phone, or by mail with specific property descriptions or parcel numbers.
407 Main Street South, Towner, ND 58788
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- The current fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through the North Dakota Vital Records website using VitalChek, though this service includes additional processing fees.
- Certified copies can be requested in person, by mail, or by phone with proper identification.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The Secretary of State's online Business Information Search allows free lookup of registered business entities at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov.
- This database includes entity names, registration dates, registered agents, principal addresses, and filing status.
Official Government Resources
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in McHenry County, North Dakota?
To search for someone recently arrested in McHenry County, North Dakota, you can contact the McHenry County Sheriff's Office. the local Jail is where individuals are typically held after an arrest. You can inquire about recent arrests by calling the jail directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office. Some information may be available through the North Dakota statewide inmate lookup system online.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in McHenry County, North Dakota?
Mugshots or booking photos in McHenry County, North Dakota, can be obtained from the McHenry County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests and booking photos. You may need to visit the office in person or check if they provide an online portal for accessing such records.
How can I get a criminal background check in McHenry County, North Dakota?
To obtain a criminal background check in McHenry County, North Dakota, you should contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The BCI provides statewide background checks, which include McHenry County records. You can request a background check online through the BCI website or by submitting a request form in person or by mail.
How do I look up sex offenders in McHenry County, North Dakota?
To look up sex offenders in McHenry County, North Dakota, you can use the North Dakota Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the North Dakota Attorney General's Office and provides an online search tool. You can search for offenders by name, location, or proximity to a specific address within McHenry County.
How do I register to vote in McHenry County, North Dakota?
North Dakota does not require voter registration, making it unique among U.S. States. Eligible McHenry County residents can vote by presenting valid identification and proof of residency at their polling place on Election Day. Acceptable ID includes a North Dakota driver's license with current address or other documents establishing residency as defined by state law. For questions about polling locations or absentee voting, contact the McHenry County Auditor at (701) 537-5729.
How do I look up property records in McHenry County, North Dakota?
Property records in McHenry County are maintained by the County Recorder's Office at the courthouse in Towner, 407 Main Street South, phone (701) 537-5729. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property. Property tax assessment information is available through the County Director of Tax Equalization and Auditor offices at the same location. Online access to McHenry County property records may be limited; contact the Recorder's office directly to inquire about search options and fees for certified copies.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in McHenry County, North Dakota?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in McHenry County are obtained through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200. The fee is $7 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record. Processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks for mail requests, with expedited service available for additional fees. Online ordering is available through VitalChek with additional processing charges, and applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate eligibility under North Dakota Century Code § 23-02.1.
How do I find business license records in McHenry County, North Dakota?
Business entity records for corporations and LLCs are searchable through the North Dakota Secretary of State's online Business Information Search at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov, providing free access to registration information. Trade name and DBA filings for McHenry County businesses are recorded with the McHenry County Recorder's Office at the courthouse in Towner, (701) 537-5729. Local business licenses or permits may be required by individual cities such as Towner or Velva; contact the respective city offices for municipal licensing requirements. Professional licenses are issued by state licensing boards rather than county offices.