About Miles City — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Custer County Detention Center in Miles City houses arrestees awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences. The booking process follows standard procedures, fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details. Families and attorneys can search for current detainees through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and anyone planning to visit must follow the facility's guidelines carefully. Bond and bail work according to Montana state law, with bail posted either through the court system or through a licensed bail bondsman.
Arrest Records
When someone is arrested in Custer County, the Sheriff's Office maintains the official record. These documents detail the circumstances of arrest, charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Anyone needing to access arrest records - whether residents or attorneys - can request them directly from the Sheriff's Office by following procedures outlined in the Montana Public Records Act. A typical arrest record shows the arrest date, what charges were filed, and information about subsequent court proceedings.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Custer County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice offers additional resources for background checks and criminal record inquiries.
Vital Records
Vital records for Miles City and Custer County, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, are managed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (https://dphhs.mt.gov/vitalrecords). Individuals can request copies of these records through the state's online portal or by contacting the local registrar's office.
Business & Licensing Records
Miles City and Custer County maintain a range of business related public records, including business licenses, zoning information, and economic development data. Companies looking to obtain licenses and permits can work through the City Clerk's Office (https://www.milescity-mt.org/departments/city-clerk) or the Custer County Clerk and Recorder's Office (https://www.custercountymt.gov/clerk-recorder). These offices handle the paperwork that keeps local commerce running smoothly.
Economy & Demographics
Economic data and public records for Miles City and Custer County can be found through various sources, including the Montana Department of Commerce (https://comdev.mt.gov/), the Custer County Economic Development Corporation (https://www.custercountymt.gov/economic-development), and the Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce (https://milescitychamber.com/). These resources provide information on employment, industry, and economic development trends in the region.
Elections & Voter Records
Miles City voters are served by the Custer County Election Office, which operates as part of the Custer County Clerk & Recorder's Office at 1010 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301 (phone: 406-874-3444, website: https://www.custercountymt.gov). This office runs all federal, state, county, and local elections for residents, handling everything from voter registration to absentee ballot processing and precinct management.
Montana residents can register to vote online at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote/ through the Secretary of State's website, or they can register in person at the Custer County Clerk & Recorder's office. Registration must be completed by close of business the day before Election Day, though Montana also allows same-day voter registration at polling places with proper identification. Acceptable ID includes a Montana driver's license, state ID card, tribal ID, passport, or a current utility bill paired with photo ID. City council seats and the mayoral position are nonpartisan, and candidate information comes through the Miles City Clerk's office (406-874-8402) and gets published in the Miles City Star, the local newspaper. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by visiting the Montana Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo/ or by contacting the Custer County Election Office directly. Montana makes extensive election records available to the public. Voter registration lists - excluding birth dates and driver's license numbers - can be purchased for political purposes. Campaign finance reports are accessible online through the Commissioner of Political Practices at https://camptrack.mt.gov, and certified election results by precinct get published by both the Secretary of State and Custer County Clerk.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Miles voters are published by the Montana Secretary of State Elections (https://sosmt.gov/elections/).S. Representative for Montana's Second Congressional District, state legislative seats for the Montana House of Representatives (District 38) and Montana Senate (District 19 if up for election), and county offices including Custer County Sheriff, County Commissioners, County Attorney, Clerk & Recorder, Treasurer, Assessor, and other constitutional officers on staggered terms. Montana allows no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can request an absentee ballot by mail by submitting a written request to the Custer County Clerk & Recorder or applying online through the Secretary of State portal. Absentee ballot requests must be received by noon the day before the election, though earlier submission is recommended. The state has moved to a largely mail-based voting system for many precincts, with some counties mailing ballots automatically to all registered voters while maintaining Election Day polling places.
Public Records Resources for Miles City, Montana
Official government websites for Miles City, Montana 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.
- Montana Birth and Death Vital RecordsRequest birth and death certificates from the MT Dept. of Public Health and Human Services.
- Montana Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Montana Secretary of State.
- Montana Death Row inmatesInformation from a non-profit resource about Montana death row inmates.
- Montana Federal CasesSearch the Montana Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.
- Montana Property RecordsObtain property tax info by contacting the Montana Cadastral Mapping page.
- Montana Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by name or business with National Assoc. of Unclaimed Property Administrators.
- Montana Archival CollectionsMontana historical records, manuscript collections and government records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Miles City, Montana?
To register to vote in Miles City, Montana, residents can register online through the Montana Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Custer 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 Miles City, contact the Custer County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Miles City, Montana?
Property records for Miles City, Montana are maintained by the Custer Montana Department of Revenue's Office and the Custer County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Custer County, including parcels in Miles City. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Custer 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. The Custer County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Miles City, Montana?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Miles City, 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 Custer County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Custer 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.