About Renville County
Renville County is located in north-central North Dakota, bordered by Canada to the north and positioned along the Souris River valley. Established in 1910 and organized in 1911, Renville County was named after Gabriel Renville, a prominent Native American leader and scout. Renville County Seat is Mohall, a small agricultural community located approximately 90 miles north of Minot. Renville County includes approximately 876 square miles of gently rolling prairie scene characterized by rich agricultural lands and scattered wetlands.
- The Souris River provides recreational opportunities and is an important water resource for Renville County.
According to recent census data, Renville County has a population of approximately 2,300 residents, making it one of North Dakota's smaller counties by population. The economy is predominantly agricultural, with wheat, barley, canola, and cattle production serving as the primary economic drivers. Renville County Courthouse in Mohall, houses the County Recorder, Clerk of Court, and County Director of Tax Equalization offices.
Major communities include Mohall, Sherwood, Tolley, and Glenburn. Renville County is notable for its proximity to the Canadian border and its position within the historic fur-trading region of the Red River Valley. Historical landmarks include several early 20th-century grain elevators and the Mohall Community Museum, which preserves Renville County's pioneering heritage.
The scene features typical northern Great Plains topography with vast agricultural fields, seasonal wetlands, and scattered tree groves.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Renville County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Renville County. It provides law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas and assists municipal police departments when needed. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and has divisions dedicated to investigations, patrol, and emergency response.
Police Departments
In addition to Renville County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Renville County includes municipal police departments such as the Mohall Police Department. These agencies are responsible for enforcing laws within their respective jurisdictions. Each department has its own set of responsibilities, with the Sheriff's Office focusing on countywide issues and the municipal departments handling city-specific matters.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Renville County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Renville County Courthouse at 205 Main Street East, Mohall, ND 58761, is the primary law enforcement agency for Renville County. non-emergency matters. The office provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates Renville County jail facility.
- Fees for copies are established by county policy and typically range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though requesters should specify this need when submitting records requests.
- Response times for public records requests typically range from 3-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information for Renville County Jail can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Renville County does not maintain a dedicated online inmate roster due to its small detention facility capacity. Municipal law enforcement is provided by local police departments in incorporated cities, with the City of Mohall contracting services through Renville County. Arrest records in Renville County are public information under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, which governs access to public records.
Renville County does not currently publish booking photos online.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Renville County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the respective police department.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Renville County are maintained by Renville County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records are subject to the North Dakota Open Records Statute, which governs the accessibility of public records. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency, providing a summary of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Renville County Jail, located in Mohall, is the primary detention facility for Renville County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Renville County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require prior scheduling.
- The bond and bail process in North Dakota allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail staff.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Renville County are taken and retained by Renville County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request to view. North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the arrest record.
Courts & Case Records
Renville County is served by the Northwest Judicial District of North Dakota, with Renville County District Court located in Renville County Courthouse at 205 Main Street East, Mohall, ND 58761. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Renville County Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, major civil disputes, divorces, estate proceedings, and juvenile cases. North Dakota operates a unified court system, so there are no separate circuit or superior courts. District Court judges travel on circuit to serve multiple counties in the Northwest Judicial District.
- Renville County Clerk of Court maintains all court records and provides public access under North Dakota Court Administrative Rule 41, which governs access to court records.
- Some documents may require in-person or mail requests to obtain certified copies.
- Filing fees vary by case type, with civil filing fees typically ranging from $60 to $250 and certified copy fees at $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
Most case records are public unless sealed by court order or involving confidential matters such as juvenile proceedings or certain family law cases. Court records can be searched in person at the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. North Dakota participates in the statewide eCourts system, accessible at www.ndcourts.gov, where users can search case information by party name, case number, or attorney.
The Clerk of Court also handles marriage license applications, passport services, and notary public commissions for Renville County.
Property & Public Records
Renville County Recorder's Office, located in Renville County Courthouse at 205 Main Street East, Mohall, ND 58761, maintains all land and property records for Renville County. The Recorder can be contacted for The office is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, mechanic's liens, UCC filings, easements, plat maps, and mineral rights documents. All recorded documents are public records under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18 and may be accessed by any member of the public.
- While Renville County does not currently offer a full online property records search system, recorded document information can be requested by phone or in-person visit.
- The office charges fees for document recording based on page count, typically $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- Certified copies are available for $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
The Recorder's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Property tax assessment information is maintained by Renville County Director of Tax Equalization's Office, also located in the courthouse, reachable for The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, and legal descriptions. Property tax payment records are handled by Renville County Treasurer.
North Dakota participates in some regional GIS mapping initiatives, though Renville County's participation in online parcel viewing systems is limited. For full property research, interested parties should contact the Recorder's Office directly to schedule an appointment to review the grantor/grantee indices and recorded documents in person.
Vital Records
Vital records for Renville County are handled through both Renville County Clerk of Court and the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Vital Records. Birth and death certificates occurring in Renville County can be requested from Renville County Clerk of Court at Renville County Courthouse, 205 Main Street East, Mohall, ND 58761 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 $2 for additional copies.
- Processing time for vital records requests at Renville County level is typically 3-7 business days.
- The state office charges $10 for birth certificates and $7 for death certificates.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.ndhealth.gov/vital for state-held records with additional processing fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Renville County Clerk of Court with a fee of $65 and no waiting period.
Certified copies are required for legal purposes and contain the raised seal. Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified copies under North Dakota Century Code § 23-02.1-18 through § 23-02.1-26, which govern vital records confidentiality and access. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship to the registrant.
For expedited service or if county records are unavailable, requests can be directed to the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Vital Records, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200 Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Court as part of district court case files and are generally public unless sealed by court order.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Renville County operates through multiple jurisdictions depending on the business type and activity. Local business name registrations (DBAs or fictitious names) can be filed with Renville County Clerk of Court at Renville County Courthouse, 205 Main Street East, Mohall, ND 58761 Renville County maintains records of these filings which are public information.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other statutory entities, filings must be made with the North Dakota Secretary of State. The Secretary of State maintains the Business Information Lookup system at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov, which provides free online searching of all registered business entities, including corporation names, LLC names, registered agents, formation dates, and current status. This database is full and updated regularly.
Professional licenses including contractors, health professionals, and occupational licenses are generally issued by state-level boards and agencies rather than at Renville County level. The North Dakota Tax Commissioner handles sales tax permits and tax clearance certificates for businesses. Building permits and zoning compliance are managed by individual municipalities within Renville County or, for unincorporated areas, by Renville County Planning and Zoning Commission.
Contact Renville County Auditor's office for information on zoning regulations, building permits, and land use applications. While Renville County does not have a dedicated Chamber of Commerce website, regional economic development information is available through the Mohall Community Development Corporation. Agricultural business operators should also contact Renville County Extension Office for resources and regulatory information specific to farming operations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Renville County are administered by Renville County Auditor, who serves as Renville County's election official. The Auditor's Office is located in Renville County Courthouse at 205 Main Street East, Mohall, ND 58761, and can be contacted through the office’s website. North Dakota is unique among U.S. States in that it does not require voter registration. Eligible residents may vote by simply appearing at their polling place on election day with valid identification proving residency and age. Acceptable IDs include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, or tribal ID.
- Absentee voting is available for any qualified elector who requests a ballot from the County Auditor.
- North Dakota law provides for early voting at the County Auditor's office beginning 15 days before an election.
- Citizens may observe vote counting and request copies of election results and documentation from the County Auditor.
Voters without ID showing current address may vote by signing an affidavit. To find your polling place in Renville County, contact the Auditor's Office or visit www.vote.nd.gov, the North Dakota Secretary of State's voter information portal. Renville County typically operates polling locations in Mohall, Sherwood, Tolley, and Glenburn for general elections.
Election records that are public information include precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and ballot question results, all maintained by the County Auditor and available upon request under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18. Campaign finance reports for local candidates are filed with the Secretary of State and searchable at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Voter turnout in Renville County typically exceeds 60% in presidential election years, consistent with North Dakota's high civic participation rates.
In the 2024 general election, Renville County reported approximately 64% voter turnout. The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will feature U.S. House and Senate races, North Dakota state legislative elections, and various county offices.
Absentee ballot applications can be submitted by mail, email, or in person, and must be received by 5:00 PM on the day before the election. Voted absentee ballots must be received by Renville County by the poll closing time on election day. Military and overseas voters receive special accommodations under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Election transparency is strong in North Dakota, with all ballots counted publicly and results reported promptly.
Economy & Demographics
Renville County's economy is fundamentally agricultural, with crop production and livestock raising serving as the dominant economic sectors. Renville County lies within North Dakota's primary spring wheat belt, and wheat farming represents the largest agricultural activity, supplemented by barley, canola, soybeans, and sunflower production. According to USDA Census of Agriculture data, Renville County has approximately 300 farms covering over 500,000 acres of agricultural land.
- Cattle ranching, particularly cow-calf operations, provides important supplemental income for many farming families.
- The median household income in Renville County is estimated at approximately $55,000, somewhat below the state average, reflecting the challenges facing rural agricultural communities.
Major employers include the Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood School District, Renville County government, agricultural cooperatives, and local healthcare facilities. Renville County has not experienced the oil boom that transformed western North Dakota counties, maintaining its traditional agricultural economic base. Grain elevators and agricultural service providers constitute important local businesses.
The unemployment rate typically ranges from 2-4%, consistent with North Dakota's generally low unemployment, though seasonal agricultural employment creates fluctuations. Recent economic development efforts have focused on value-added agriculture, broadband expansion to support remote work opportunities, and attracting new residents to address population decline. Renville County's proximity to the Canadian border historically supported cross-border agricultural trade, though modern trade patterns have shifted.
Retail and service businesses in Mohall serve Renville County's population, while residents often travel to Minot for specialty shopping and services. Wind energy development has emerged as a potential economic diversification opportunity, with several wind farms proposed or under development in Renville County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (eCourts) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Accessible | Overall Score: 6/10, Renville County provides access to public records primarily through in-person and phone requests, with limited online systems, though state resources enhance business and court record accessibility.