North Dakota, county records

Nelson County, North Dakota Public Records

Find the right office in Nelson County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

Official sources first Free directory Links checked Sep. 13, 2026 Mobile friendly
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Most requested Nelson County records

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About public records in Nelson County

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County profile

Nelson County at a glance

State
North Dakota
County seat
Lakota
Population
2,979
Area
982 sq mi
Founded
1883
Cities and towns
8

Nelson County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Nelson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Nelson County, particularly in the unincorporated areas.

Police Departments. Law enforcement in Nelson County is primarily provided by Nelson County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within Nelson County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Nelson County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 210 B Avenue West in Lakota, ND 58344, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Nelson County and provides support to municipal departments. Nelson County Jail, a small detention facility operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pretrial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Nelson County does not currently maintain an online inmate roster system. Municipal law enforcement is provided by local police departments in incorporated cities: the Lakota Police Department serves the county seat, while other communities may contract with the Sheriff's Office or maintain part-time officers depending on municipal budgets and needs. Arrest records in Nelson County are considered public information under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Nelson County are maintained by Nelson County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the guidelines set forth by the North Dakota Open Records Statute.

Jail & Inmate Records. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainee, and records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which may provide an online inmate lookup tool.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Nelson County are taken and retained by Nelson County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

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Nelson County public-records FAQs

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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Nelson County, North Dakota?

Mugshots or booking photos in Nelson County, North Dakota, can be obtained from the Nelson County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records upon request, depending on the case and privacy laws. Some mugshots might be available through the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's online portal, which provides information on current inmates.

How do I get a criminal background check in Nelson County, North Dakota?

To obtain a criminal background check in Nelson County, North Dakota, you can contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The BCI provides statewide background checks, which include records from Nelson County. You may need to submit fingerprints and pay a fee. Local background checks can also be requested through the Nelson County Sheriff's Office.

How can I look up sex offenders in Nelson County, North Dakota?

To look up sex offenders in Nelson 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 information on registered sex offenders throughout the state, including Nelson County. The online database allows you to search by name, location, or other criteria.

How do I vote in Nelson County, North Dakota?

North Dakota does not require voter registration, making it unique among U.S. States. Eligible residents of Nelson County can vote by appearing at their designated polling place on Election Day with acceptable proof of residency and identification, such as a North Dakota driver's license, tribal ID, or other qualifying documents. Contact the Nelson County Auditor at (701) 247-2462 or visit the polling place locator at vip.sos.nd.gov to find your voting location. Absentee ballots are available by application through the County Auditor for those who qualify under North Dakota law.

How do I look up property records in Nelson County, North Dakota?

Property records in Nelson County are maintained by the Nelson County Recorder's Office, located at 210 B Avenue West, Lakota, ND 58344, phone (701) 247-2462. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other documents affecting real property, while the County Director of Tax Equalization handles property valuations and tax assessments. To search records, contact the office directly to inquire about in-person searching or any available online access options. Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, and the Treasurer's office can provide property tax payment information.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Nelson County, North Dakota?

Birth and death certificates for events in Nelson County are available through the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200. Certified copies cost $7 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Applications require valid identification and proof of eligibility (immediate family member or legal representative), and processing typically takes 2-4 weeks by mail. Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service on the state health department website, though convenience fees apply.

How do I find business license records in Nelson County, North Dakota?

Business entity information is available through the North Dakota Secretary of State's free online database at sos.nd.gov, which includes corporations, LLCs, and other registered entities. For fictitious name (DBA) filings, contact the Nelson County Recorder's Office at (701) 247-2462, as these assumed name certificates are recorded at the county level. Local business licenses within incorporated cities are handled by municipal clerk offices in Lakota and other towns. Professional licenses are regulated by state boards rather than county offices, and information is available through the respective licensing agencies.

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Cities, towns and neighboring counties

Use the city page when a record was created by a municipal police department or city office; use the county page for courts, deeds, vital records and jail custody.