Skip to main content
 Criminal Records, BCI, FBI UCR, NSOPW

North Dakota Criminal Records

A full U.S. criminal-history picture needs three layers: the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Identification (fingerprint record), the FBI Interstate Identification Index (III) for multi-state history, and the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) for registry status.

Sponsored

North Dakota Criminal Records at a Glance

North Dakota criminal records are maintained by the Attorney General office. A ND criminal history record check searches confidential law enforcement databases by name, DOB, and SSN. This is more detailed than a regular background check. Court records are accessible through the ND District Court Case Search. The North Dakota Sex Offender Registry provides searchable offender in

1North Dakota Statewide Criminal Search Resources

2North Dakota County Sheriff Reports & Criminal Records

The North Dakota Attorney General’s office draws a clear distinction between a “background check” and a “criminal history record check.” A background check typically searches publicly available online records. A ND criminal history record check searches confidential law enforcement databases using name, date of birth, and social security number.

3Federal & National Authoritative Sources

These federal and national sources complement North Dakota's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when North Dakota state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.

NSOPW, National Sex Offender Public Website
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
FBI, Identity History Summary Check
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
FBI UCR, Uniform Crime Reporting
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
 Frequently Asked Questions

North Dakota Criminal Records, FAQ

Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?

No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.

What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?

A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.

Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?

Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.

How long does an expungement take?

It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.

 Last reviewed: April 2026  Updated: April 2026  Cite as: www.publicrecordcenter.com/north_dakota_criminal_records.htm