About Minot
Key landmarks in Minot include the Scandinavian Heritage Park, which features a replica of a traditional Norwegian Stave Church, and the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, home to the annual North Dakota State Fair, one of the largest events in the state. The historic downtown area boasts a variety of shops and restaurants that reflect the city's active community spirit. Economically, Minot is significant for its proximity to the Bakken oil formation, which has transformed the local economy since the oil boom began in the early 2000s.
The City of Minot operates a public records portal through its official website at minotnd.org. This digital gateway provides access to municipal documents ranging from city council meeting minutes to zoning and planning records and various public reports. The Office of the City Clerk is the central contact point for public record requests, assisting citizens who need help navigating the city's records management system.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Minot
Minot Police Department
Police Department · 1 City of Minot Photo · 2 Minot PD and Minot Fire standing infront of vehicles while b52 flys over · 3 Minot PD Swat Bearcat Unit · 4 Minot Police Department Swat Command Vehicle · 5 Patrol Car Downtown Minot · 6 Patrol car in front of Minot sign number 2 ·
https://www.minotnd.gov/219/Police-Department
Ward County Sheriff's Office
The men and women of the Ward County Sheriff’s Department are dedicated to provide our citizens and visitors with a safe environment to live, work and play. We are committed to the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace, order, and safety; the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws; and the defense of the Constitution of the State of North Dakota.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Minot
North Dakota Court System - Minot
Tallman, Nicole, Clerk PO Box 5006 Minot 58702 701-857-4759 Fax: 701-857-1522
🏠 Property & Public Records in Minot
Ward County Recorder
Property records for Minot, North Dakota are maintained by the Ward County Recorder. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Ward County, including Minot.
About Minot North — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Ward County Detention Center in Minot is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested throughout Ward County. After booking - which includes photographing and fingerprinting - detainees remain in custody until bail is posted or they appear before a judge. Family members and legal representatives can access inmate lookup services through the Sheriff's Office to locate current detainees. The facility maintains specific visitation rules that require advance scheduling and strict adherence to guidelines.
Arrest Records
The Ward County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, charges filed, and personal information about individuals taken into custody. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Dakota Open Records Law, these records are publicly accessible, though certain exceptions exist to protect privacy and security. A typical arrest record includes the arrest date, specific charges, and identifying information about the arresting agency.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Ward County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Ward County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the North Dakota Open Records Law. Background checks can be conducted through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides criminal history reports for residents. The Bureau also manages the state's sex offender registry, providing an essential resource for community safety and awareness.
Vital Records
The Minot Public Library, located at http://www.minotlibrary.org/, is a valuable resource for accessing vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates. The library's genealogy and local history collections also contain extensive information about the city's past. Residents can visit the library or contact the staff for assistance in obtaining these important documents.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Minot's Economic Development office, accessible through the main municipal website, provides resources and information for businesses operating in the community. Entrepreneurs and business owners can access business licensing and permitting records, along with data on the local economy, major employers, and economic development initiatives. These public records help those making informed decisions about starting or expanding operations in the area.
Economy & Demographics
Minot's and diverse economy is reflected in the public records available through the city's Economic Development office. These records include data on the city's top employers, major industries, and economic growth trends. Residents and interested parties can access this information to better understand the local job market, investment opportunities, and the overall economy of Minot and Ward County.
Elections & Voter Records
Minot voters are served by the Ward County Auditor/Treasurer's Office, which administers elections throughout Ward County. Located at 315 3rd Street SE, Suite 100, Minot, ND 58701, the office handles everything from voter registration to ballot preparation and results tabulation for federal, state, county, and local elections. Residents can reach the office at 701-857-6440 or visit www.co.ward.nd.us/departments/auditor-treasurer. North Dakota stands alone among U.S. States in requiring no voter registration.
Eligible residents simply provide proof of residency at their polling place on Election Day. Acceptable documents include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal ID, or other documents showing name and current residential address. Those without proper identification can vote if a registered voter from the precinct vouches for their residency. First-time voters who registered by mail may need to show ID. The state's official election portal at vote.nd.gov, managed by the North Dakota Secretary of State, provides additional information. The city operates under a council-manager form of government with a mayor and city council elected in nonpartisan municipal elections. The mayor serves a four-year term, while city council members serve staggered four-year terms. Municipal elections take place in June of odd-numbered years - most recently in 2023, with the next scheduled for 2025 and 2027. The next mayoral election will be in June 2027. Candidates for city offices file with the Minot City Auditor at City Hall, 515 2nd Avenue SW. Local ballot measures, when they arise, appear on municipal election ballots. Voters can find information about candidates and local issues through the Minot Daily News, the city's website at www.minotnd.org, and candidate forums typically held before elections. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by contacting the Ward County Auditor at 701-857-6440 or using the North Dakota Secretary of State's polling place lookup at vote.nd.gov/portal. On Election Day, polls typically open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time. Thanks to same-day voting, eligible residents can appear at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residency and cast their ballot without prior registration. Under North Dakota law (Chapter 44-04), most election related records are public. This includes precinct-level results posted by the Ward County Auditor and Secretary of State after each election. While voter lists aren't maintained due to the state's no-registration system, poll books listing who voted at each precinct become public record after elections. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State and searchable at vote.nd.gov/campaign-finance. Candidate filing information, including nominating petitions, is available through the appropriate filing office - the Ward County Auditor for county offices, city auditor for city offices, and Secretary of State for state and federal offices. This figure aligns with North Dakota's traditionally high voter participation rates. County voters supported Republican candidates by substantial margins, reflecting the area's conservative voting patterns. Voters should check with the Ward County Auditor closer to the election for confirmed candidate lists and local ballot measures. North Dakota offers absentee voting by mail for voters who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, are unable to vote in person due to illness or disability, or have other qualifying reasons. Absentee ballot applications are available from the Ward County Auditor's Office at 701-857-6440 or online at vote.nd.gov. Applications must be received by the Ward County Auditor by 5:00 PM the day before the election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the auditor by the close of polls on Election Day to be counted. The state does not have universal mail-in voting or no-excuse absentee voting; voters must have a qualifying reason to vote absentee.
Official Government Resources
Minot North Dakota Archives and Genealogy
North Dakota State Archives genealogy and historical records for Minot.
Minot North Dakota Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of North Dakota for Minot.
North Dakota Courts, Minot Case Search
North Dakota Courts case search for Minot.
Minot North Dakota Vital Records
North Dakota Department of Health vital records for Minot.
Minot North Dakota Inmate Search
North Dakota Department of Corrections inmate locator for Minot.
Minot North Dakota Missing Persons
North Dakota missing persons for Minot.
Minot North Dakota Sex Offender Registry
North Dakota Sex Offender Registry for Minot.
Minot North Dakota Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Minot.
City of Minot
515 2nd Ave SW Minot, ND 58701-3739
Minot Police Department
515 2nd Ave SW Minot, ND 58701-3739 Phone: (701) 852-0111 Fax: (701) 839-4804
Minot Fire Department
2111 10th St SW Minot, ND 58701 701-857-4740 fax 701-857-4743 email fires1@minotnd.org
Office of the City Clerk
515 2nd Ave SW Minot ND 58701 Phone: 701-857-4752 FAX: (701) -857-4751 email: clerk@minotnd.org
Minot Public Library
516 2nd Ave. SW Minot, North Dakota 58701 Phone: 701-852-1045 Fax: 701-852-2595
Minot North Dakota Official Criminal History Background Check
State Capitol 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Dept. 125 Minot, ND 58505 701 328-2210 TTY: 800 366-6888
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Minot Inmate Search
North Dakota Department of Correction 3100 Railroad Avenue Minot, ND 58501 Phone 701.328.6390
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I vote in Minot, North Dakota?
North Dakota is the only U.S. state that does not require voter registration. To vote in Minot, North Dakota, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have lived in your North Dakota precinct for at least 30 days. Bring valid photo ID and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or current driver's license) to the polls. For more information, see the North Dakota Secretary of State elections page at sos.nd.gov. North Dakota 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 North Dakota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Minot, contact the Ward County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Minot, North Dakota?
Property records for Minot, North Dakota are maintained by the Ward County Director of Tax Equalization's Office and the Ward County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Ward County, including parcels in Minot. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Ward County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many North Dakota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Ward County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Minot, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Minot, North Dakota residents are available through both county and state offices. The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Bismarck, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in North Dakota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Ward County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Ward 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.