About Pembina County
Pembina County is located in the northeastern corner of North Dakota, bordered by Canada to the north and the Red River of the North to the east, which forms the boundary with Minnesota. Established in 1867, it is one of the oldest counties in the state and covers approximately 1,119 square miles. Pembina County Seat is Cavalier, a community of approximately 1,300 residents located in the central part of Pembina County. According to recent census estimates, Pembina County has a total population of around 6,800 people.
Pembina County is named after the Pembina River and the historic the local community settlement, which was one of the first European settlements in what is now North Dakota. Major communities include Cavalier, Cavalier area, Walhalla, Mountain, and Hamilton. Pembina County is characterized by fertile agricultural land, with farming and ranching forming the backbone of the local economy.
The International Peace Garden, a 2,339-acre botanical garden straddling the U.S.-Canada border, is one of Pembina County's most significant landmarks and tourist attractions. Pembina County Courthouse in Cavalier houses the principal county offices including the County Recorder at 301 Dakota Street West, Cavalier, ND 58220, the Clerk of Court, and the County Assessor. The Cavalier area Gorge State Recreation Area offers scenic vistas and outdoor recreation.
Pembina County's history includes significant indigenous heritage, fur trading, and early agricultural settlement. Pembina County maintains a blend of rural character with cross-border commerce due to its international boundary location.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Pembina County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across Pembina County's unincorporated areas. This office oversees patrol operations, manages Pembina County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is also involved in community outreach programs and works closely with local schools and organizations to ensure public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling emergency management and disaster response.
Police Departments
In addition to Pembina County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Pembina County. The Cavalier Police Department serves the city of Cavalier, while the Pembina Police Department covers the city of Pembina. These agencies handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. The sheriff's office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Pembina County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Pembina County Sheriff's Office, located at 801 Dakota Street West in Cavalier, ND 58220, is the primary law enforcement agency for Pembina County's unincorporated areas and provides support to municipal departments. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains responsibility for operating Pembina County Jail, serving civil process, and providing courthouse security. Inmate information for Pembina County Jail can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Pembina County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster.
- The Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable fees for copying and compiling records as permitted under state law.
Municipal law enforcement in Pembina County includes the Cavalier Police Department, Pembina Police Department, and Walhalla Police Department, each serving their respective incorporated cities. Arrest records in Pembina County are public documents accessible under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law. To request arrest records, citizens should submit written requests to Pembina County Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department that made the arrest, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
Booking photographs and mugshots are generally considered public records in North Dakota and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the arresting agency, though some records may be restricted if they involve ongoing investigations or juvenile matters. There are no tribal police jurisdictions within Pembina County, as it does not contain reservation lands, though Pembina County maintains cooperative law enforcement relationships with Canadian border authorities due to its international boundary location.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Pembina County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Pembina County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the bureau, which offers detailed reports on an individual's criminal history within the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pembina County are maintained by Pembina County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and court dates. Under the North Dakota Open Records Statute, these records are accessible to the public, for public access in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
Pembina County Jail, located in Cavalier, is the primary detention facility for Pembina County. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to strict schedules. The bond and bail process follows North Dakota state laws, and individuals can post bail through the court or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pembina County are taken and retained by Pembina County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office website or by submitting a formal request. While North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from third-party websites may need to pursue legal avenues. The sheriff's office provides guidance on how to access these records, following state laws regarding public information.
Courts & Case Records
Pembina County is served by the Northeast Central Judicial District of the North Dakota District Court system. Pembina County Courthouse, located at 301 Dakota Street West, Cavalier, ND 58220, houses the District Court, which has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, juvenile, and probate matters. The Clerk of District Court can be reached at and maintains all court records, case files, and dockets.
- The state of North Dakota provides an online case search system through the North Dakota Supreme Court website at www.ndcourts.gov, where users can search for public case records by party name, case number, or attorney.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of District Court for a fee of $10 per document plus $1 per page.
North Dakota's District Courts handle felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, domestic relations cases including divorce and child custody, estate and probate proceedings, and appeals from administrative agencies. Access to court records is governed by North Dakota Court Administrative Rule 32, which establishes that most court records are presumptively open to the public unless specifically sealed or restricted by statute or court order. Informal case information may be obtained in person at the courthouse or by phone during regular business hours.
Municipal courts in Cavalier and other incorporated cities handle traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and minor criminal infractions, with appeals going to the District Court. The court maintains jury trial capabilities and regularly holds sessions in Cavalier with visiting district judges assigned to the judicial district.
Property & Public Records
Pembina County Recorder's Office, located in Pembina County Courthouse at 301 Dakota Street West, Cavalier, ND 58220, maintains all land records and property documents for Pembina County. The Recorder's Office can be reached at and is responsible for recording and preserving deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, mineral rights documents, military discharges (DD-214s), and other instruments affecting real property.
- Recording fees are established by North Dakota Century Code Section 11-18-05 and typically include $30 for the first page and $3 for each additional page for most documents.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder for $10 per document plus copying fees.
- The office accepts document recordings in person and by mail, with proper notarization and recording fees required.
North Dakota is a race-notice state, meaning properly recorded documents take priority, making the Recorder's office critical for title searches and property transactions. The office maintains both historical paper records dating back to Pembina County's establishment and modern digital records. Pembina County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel information, and ownership data for tax purposes.
Property tax records can be accessed by contacting the County Treasurer for While some North Dakota counties offer online property search portals, Pembina County primarily provides property information through in-person or telephone requests, though GIS mapping data may be available through regional services. All land records are public under North Dakota open records law except those specifically exempted by statute.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pembina County, North Dakota, are maintained both at Pembina County level and by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Pembina County can be requested from Pembina County level through informal arrangements, though the primary issuing authority is the State Division of Vital Records, located at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200.
- Birth certificates cost $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $5 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and same-day for in-person requests at the state office in Bismarck.
- Certified copies can be ordered online through the VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Pembina County Recorder's Office at the courthouse in Cavalier; couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay the $65 license fee.
To obtain a birth certificate, applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest as defined in North Dakota Century Code Section 23-02.1-18, which restricts access to the individual named (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives. There is no waiting period in North Dakota, and the license is valid for 60 days. Marriage records become public after the ceremony is performed and the license is returned for recording.
Divorce records (Decrees of Dissolution) are maintained by the Clerk of District Court in Pembina County and can be obtained as court records. Death certificates require identification and proof of relationship or legal interest. Genealogical researchers may access older vital records subject to statutory restrictions.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in Pembina County involves both county-level offices and state agencies depending on the type of business activity. Fictitious name registrations and assumed business name (DBA) filings for Pembina County businesses are recorded with Pembina County Recorder's Office at 301 Dakota Street West, Cavalier, ND 58220, telephone. The filing fee for a trade name certificate is typically $30 and must be renewed every five years.
- Agricultural producers may need to register with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture for certain activities.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration is handled exclusively by the North Dakota Secretary of State Business Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online business records database at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov where the public can look up registered business entities, view filing history, check business status, and access officer and registered agent information free of charge. Sales tax permits are issued by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner and can be applied for online through the state's business portal.
Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, health professionals, etc.) are administered by the respective North Dakota state licensing boards. Building permits and zoning matters in unincorporated Pembina County are handled by the County Planning and Zoning office, while incorporated cities issue their own permits. The Cavalier Area Chamber of Commerce serves Pembina County and can be contacted for business development resources.
County business licenses may be required for specific activities and can be inquired about through the County Auditor's office.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pembina County are administered by Pembina County Auditor's Office, which serves as Pembina County's election authority. The office is located at 301 Dakota Street West, Cavalier, ND 58220, and can be reached for Voter registration in North Dakota operates under a unique system: the state does not require advance voter registration. Eligible North Dakota residents can vote by presenting valid identification and proof of residency at their polling place on Election Day. This makes North Dakota the only state without traditional voter registration.
Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, or tribal ID. Voters can verify their polling place by contacting Pembina County Auditor or visiting the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Public election records in Pembina County include precinct-level election results, candidate filing documents, ballot measure petitions, and polling place information, all accessible under North Dakota's open records laws.
Voter lists showing who voted (but not how they voted) are public records available for inspection. Campaign finance reports for county-level candidates are filed with the County Auditor and are public records. In the November 2024 general election, Pembina County reported voter turnout of approximately 64%, consistent with rural North Dakota county participation rates.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring North Dakota's U.S. House seat, state legislative races, county offices, and potentially statewide ballot measures. Absentee voting in North Dakota is available to any qualified voter without requiring an excuse.
Applications for absentee ballots can be submitted to Pembina County Auditor beginning 40 days before an election and must be received by the Monday before Election Day. Voted absentee ballots must be received by Pembina County by the close of polls on Election Day. Pembina County maintains transparency by posting unofficial election results on election night and making official canvass results available as public records.
Special elections may be called as needed for local issues, school bond measures, or to fill vacancies in county offices.
Economy & Demographics
Pembina County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming and ranching comprising the largest economic sector. Pembina County's fertile Red River Valley soils support production of wheat, soybeans, corn, sugar beets, canola, and other crops, while livestock operations include cattle and hog production. According to recent economic data, median household income in Pembina County is approximately $61,000, slightly below the state median.
Pembina County's unemployment rate typically tracks close to North Dakota's low state average, generally ranging between 2.5% and 4.0%. Major employers include agricultural cooperatives, grain elevators, farm equipment dealers, Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier, school districts, and county government. The Pembina Port of Entry is a significant economic driver, representing one of the busiest commercial border crossings between the United States and Canada on the northern border.
This port handles substantial truck traffic transporting agricultural products, manufactured goods, and other commodities between the two nations. The International Peace Garden, which straddles the international border, contributes to tourism revenue and seasonal employment. Retail trade, healthcare services, and education round out the employment sectors.
Pembina County has experienced gradual population decline consistent with rural Great Plains trends, though agricultural productivity remains strong through mechanization and consolidation. Economic development efforts focus on retaining agricultural businesses, supporting value-added agriculture, enhancing border infrastructure, and promoting tourism. Oil and gas development, which transformed western North Dakota, has minimal presence in Pembina County.
Wind energy development has emerged as a growing sector with several wind farms established in recent years, providing lease income to landowners and property tax revenue to Pembina County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Request | Vital Records: Yes: State Online Option | Business: Yes: Online (State Database) | Elections: Yes: Phone/In-Person | Overall Score: 6/10 — Pembina County provides standard access to public records primarily through in-person and telephone requests, with online access available mainly through state-level portals for court and business records.