Ramsey County

Ramsey County, Minnesota, is located in the east-central part of the state and serves as one of the core counties of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Ramsey County seat is Saint Paul, which is also the state capital of Minnesota. Ramsey County was established in 1849 and named after Alexander Ramsey, the first governor of the Minnesota Territory and second governor of the state. Ramsey County covers approximately 170 square miles, making it one of the smallest counties in Minnesota by land area, yet it is among the most densely populated with an estimated population exceeding 550,000 residents. Major landmarks include the Minnesota State Capitol, the Saint Paul Cathedral, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, and the historic Summit Avenue, known for its Victorian mansions. Ramsey County is home to diverse neighborhoods and communities including Saint Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, White Bear Lake, Shoreview, North Saint Paul, Vadnais Heights, Little Canada, and portions of Arden Hills. Ramsey County government operates from several locations, with the main Government Center located at 15 West Kellogg Boulevard in downtown Saint Paul. Ramsey County Recorder's Office, County Clerk's Office, and County Assessor's Office all serve residents from this central location and various satellite facilities. Ramsey County is distinguished by its role as the state capital location, its rich cultural diversity, and its position as a major economic and governmental hub for Minnesota.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the online inmate roster or by submitting a formal data practices request to the Sheriff's Office.
• Processing times vary, and some records may be classified as private or confidential under Minnesota law depending on the status of the case.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.

• Conciliation Court, Minnesota's small claims court, handles civil disputes up to $15,000 and is also located at Ramsey County Courthouse.
• The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online case lookup through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records.
• There is no fee to search court records online, though certified copies and detailed documents require payment.
• Fees for certified copies are typically $14 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
• Remote hearings have become more common, and the court provides electronic filing through the Minnesota Judicial Branch eFiling system for registered attorneys and self-represented litigants.

• Documents can be viewed online at no cost, and copies can be printed or downloaded.
• For certified copies, the fee is $46 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, payable by cash, check, or credit card.
• The county court system provides access to current and prior year property tax statements, assessed values, property characteristics, and sales history.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Processing time is typically 5-10 business days for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests if records are available.
• Photo identification is required when requesting vital records.
• The marriage license fee is $115, and there is no waiting period in Minnesota.
• Marriage certificates can be obtained from the same office for $9 per copy.
• Divorce records are court records maintained by Ramsey County District Court at 15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, and must be requested through Court Administration.

Business licensing and registration in Ramsey County, MN is handled at multiple levels: state-level entity registration through the Secretary of State, county-level fictitious business names (DBAs), and city-level business operating licenses.

• Business search and registration information: Business Licensing | Ramsey, MN.
• Fictitious Business Name (DBA) statements are typically filed with the Ramsey County Clerk-Recorder.
• State-level professional licenses and corporate registrations are accessible through the state's Secretary of State business search portal.