About Sheridan County
Sheridan County is located in the northeastern corner of Montana, bordered by North Dakota to the east and Canada (Saskatchewan) to the north. Sheridan County Seat is Plentywood, a community of approximately 1,700 residents that is the governmental and commercial hub. Sheridan County was established in 1913 from portions of Valley County and includes approximately 1,677 square miles of rolling prairie and agricultural land. Sheridan County's total population is around 3,400 residents, making it one of Montana's smaller counties by population.
The scene is characterized by open grasslands, scattered coulees, and productive farmland that supports Sheridan County's agricultural economy. Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located in the southern portion of Sheridan County, is a major landmark and important migratory bird habitat that attracts wildlife enthusiasts from across Sheridan County. Sheridan County's history is rooted in homesteading, with a significant influx of Scandinavian and other Northern European settlers in the early 20th century.
Sheridan County Courthouse, located at 100 West Laurel Avenue in Plentywood, houses key county offices including the County Clerk and Recorder at the same address Sheridan Montana Department of Revenue's Office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessment, is also located in the courthouse and can be contacted through the office’s website. Outlot, Westby, and Medicine Lake are other small communities within Sheridan County. Sheridan County's unique character stems from its northern border location, harsh continental climate, and the resilience of its agricultural community.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Sheridan County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Sheridan County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees Sheridan County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety across Sheridan County.
Police Departments
Sheridan County is served by Sheridan County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Plentywood. The Plentywood Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and resource sharing.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Sheridan County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 100 West Laurel Avenue in Plentywood, Montana 59254, is the primary law enforcement agency for Sheridan County. Sheridan County Jail, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or by visiting in person.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public information and can be requested through the same process, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for copies.
- Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information and jail rosters can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Sheridan County does not currently maintain a real-time online inmate search system. The City of Plentywood has a municipal police department that handles law enforcement within city limits, working in coordination with the Sheriff's Office. Arrest records and booking information are public records in Montana under the Montana Public Records Act (Mont.
Code Ann. § 2-6-1001 et seq.). There are no tribal law enforcement agencies within Sheridan County, as there are no federally recognized reservations in Sheridan County.
For urgent law enforcement matters, citizens should dial 911; for non-emergency matters, contact the Sheriff's Office dispatch at.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Sheridan County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as entries in the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Montana Department of Justice offers additional resources for accessing criminal records, so that Sheridan County residents have access to full background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Sheridan County are maintained by Sheridan County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Montana Public Records Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, arrest date, charges, and any bail conditions.
Jail & Inmate Records
Sheridan County Detention Center, located in Plentywood, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within Sheridan County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainees, and their information is entered into Sheridan County's records system. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- The bond or bail process follows Montana state guidelines, allowing for release pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Sheridan County are taken and retained by Sheridan County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While there is no specific Montana law governing the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals may seek legal advice if they wish to pursue removal. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although the accuracy and currency of such sources can vary.
Courts & Case Records
Sheridan County is served by the Fourth Judicial District Court of Montana, with Sheridan County Courthouse located at 100 West Laurel Avenue, Plentywood, Montana 59254. Sheridan County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, domestic relations, probate, guardianships, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of District Court can be reached at and maintains case files, dockets, and court records. Montana law requires most court records to be open to public inspection pursuant to Mont. Code Ann.
- Sheridan County also has a Justice Court that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Montana statute and typically range from $2 to $5 per document plus certification fees.
- Requests for copies can be made in person, by mail, or by phone with payment arrangements.
Property & Public Records
Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 100 West Laurel Avenue, Plentywood, Montana 59254, maintains land and property records for Sheridan County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. Public records available include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mortgage releases, liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment), easements, right-of-way documents, subdivision plats, and surveys. The Recorder's office indexes these documents by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Montana law (Mont. Code Ann.
- While Sheridan County does not currently offer a full online document search portal, interested parties can contact the office to request searches or schedule in-person visits to examine records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, typically $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Requests for records can be made in person, by mail, or by telephone with appropriate identification and payment.
§ 7-4-2615) requires the Clerk and Recorder to maintain and preserve these records and make them available for public inspection. Property tax records are maintained by Sheridan Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located in the courthouse. The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, tax classifications, and exemptions.
Property tax payment information and account status can be obtained from Sheridan County Treasurer's Office for Some property tax information may be available through the Montana Department of Revenue's Cadastral Mapping Project, which provides GIS parcel data for participating counties.
Vital Records
Vital records for Sheridan County, Montana, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and marriage certificates, are maintained by multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Sheridan County can be requested through Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 100 West Laurel Avenue, Plentywood, Montana 59254
- Birth certificates require proof of relationship and valid photo identification; fees are typically $15 for a certified copy with additional copies at reduced rates.
- Death certificates are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, and other authorized parties for $15 per certified copy.
- Processing time is generally 2-4 weeks by mail, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder, and couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay the required fee (typically around $53).
- VitalChek, a third-party vendor, offers online ordering for Montana vital records with additional service fees, though direct application to the state or county office is usually more economical.
However, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics in Helena is the central repository for all Montana vital records and is often the most reliable source. The state office can be reached at or via their website at dphhs.mt.gov. There is no waiting period in Montana, and the license is valid for 180 days.
Divorce decrees are obtained through the District Court Clerk's Office at the same courthouse location. Montana vital records law (Mont. Code Ann.
§ 50-15-101 et seq.) governs access, confidentiality, and procedures for obtaining vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Sheridan County are maintained by several offices depending on the type of business activity. Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder at 100 West Laurel Avenue, Plentywood, Montana 59254, phone, maintains records of fictitious business names (Doing Business As or DBA registrations) filed at Sheridan County level. Montana business entities including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal structures must register with the Montana Secretary of State's Office in Helena.
- This database is updated regularly and provides full information about businesses registered to operate in Montana.
The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online Business Entity Search database at sosmt.gov where the public can look up business registrations, corporate filings, officers, registered agents, and status information at no charge. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry's Board of Professional and Occupational Licensing, not at Sheridan County level. Sales tax is not imposed in Montana, so there are no county sales tax permits.
Building permits, zoning applications, and land use permits are handled by Sheridan County Planning and Zoning Office, which can be reached through Sheridan County courthouse. Local business licenses may be required by the City of Plentywood for businesses operating within city limits; inquiries should be directed to Plentywood City Hall for The Plentywood Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached through local business networks, provides support and information for businesses operating in Sheridan County, though it does not maintain official licensing records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Sheridan County, Montana, are administered by Sheridan County Clerk and Recorder, who is the Election Administrator. The office is located at 100 West Laurel Avenue, Plentywood, Montana 59254, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office is responsible for voter registration, conducting elections, maintaining voter rolls, and certifying election results. Montana residents may register to vote online through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at my.mt.gov/voter, by mail, or in person at Sheridan County election office.
- Registered voters in Sheridan County can verify their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots through the My Voter Page system.
- The 2024 general election saw typical rural Montana turnout in Sheridan County, generally in the range of 70-75% of registered voters, reflecting high civic engagement common in small Montana counties.
- Montana law allows all registered voters to request an absentee ballot without requiring an excuse; voters can request absentee ballots by contacting the County Election Office by mail, phone, or in person.
Voter registration in Montana is available up to and including Election Day, though registering before the close of regular registration (typically 30 days before an election) ensures voters receive advance ballots and polling place information by mail. Election records that are public under Montana law (Mont. Code Ann.
§ 13-1-101 et seq.) include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filings and declarations, precinct-level election results, and ballot issue materials. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Montana statewide offices including potentially the Governor's race depending on the cycle, state legislative seats, and local county offices.
Montana has implemented a permanent absentee voter list for voters who wish to automatically receive mail ballots for all elections. Sheridan County maintains transparency in elections by making results available promptly after Election Day, posting information at the courthouse, and responding to public records requests under Montana's constitutional right-to-know provisions.
Economy & Demographics
Sheridan County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with wheat, barley, canola, and pulse crops forming the backbone of local production. Cattle ranching and livestock operations are also significant contributors. The agricultural sector directly employs a large portion of Sheridan County's workforce and supports related businesses including grain elevators, equipment dealers, and agricultural services.
- The median household income in Sheridan County is estimated at approximately $55,000 to $60,000, somewhat below the Montana state average but reflective of the rural agricultural economy.
- Tourism related to hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing at Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides seasonal economic activity.
Major employers include local school districts, Sheridan County government, healthcare facilities such as Sheridan Memorial Hospital in Plentywood, agricultural cooperatives, and retail businesses serving the local population. The oil and gas industry has historically played a role in Sheridan County's economy, with exploration and production activities in the Williston Basin contributing tax revenue and employment, though activity levels fluctuate with commodity prices. Sheridan County has minimal manufacturing or technology sector presence due to its remote location and small population.
Unemployment rates in Sheridan County tend to track closely with state averages, typically ranging from 3% to 5%, with seasonal variations related to agricultural cycles. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural businesses, attracting value-added agriculture processing, improving telecommunications infrastructure, and maintaining quality of life amenities to retain population. Sheridan County faces demographic challenges common to rural Montana, including outmigration of younger residents and an aging population, which impact workforce availability and economic growth prospects.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Limited Online | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: State Online Tools | Overall Score: 5/10, Sheridan County provides basic public records access primarily through in-person and telephone requests, with limited online access; most digital services are available through state-level Montana systems rather than county-specific portals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Sheridan County, Montana?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Sheridan County, Montana?
How do I get a criminal background check in Sheridan County, Montana?
How can I look up sex offenders in Sheridan County, Montana?
How do I register to vote in Sheridan County, Montana?
How do I look up property records in Sheridan County, Montana?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Sheridan County, Montana?
How do I find business license records in Sheridan County, Montana?
Cities & Towns in Sheridan County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Sheridan County, Montana.