Minnesota, county records

Steele County, Minnesota Public Records

Find the right office in Steele County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

Official sources first Free directory Links checked Sep. 13, 2026 Mobile friendly

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Most requested Steele County records

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About public records in Steele County

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County profile

Steele County at a glance

State
Minnesota
County seat
Owatonna
Population
36,576
Area
432 sq mi
Founded
1855
Cities and towns
5

Steele County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Steele County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Steele County.

Police Departments. Steele County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Steele County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Owatonna, Blooming Prairie, and Medford. The Owatonna Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Owatonna, coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Law enforcement in Steele County is primarily provided by Steele County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 111 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060. Arrest records in Steele County are considered public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), specifically Minnesota Statutes § 13.82 which governs access to criminal justice data.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Steele County are maintained by Steele County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, either in person or via written request.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Steele County are taken and retained by Steele County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

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Steele County public-records FAQs

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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Steele County, Minnesota?

Mugshots or booking photos in Steele County, Minnesota, are typically managed by the Steele County Sheriff's Office. You can request these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or by visiting their official website. The office may provide an online portal where you can view or request copies of booking photos. It's important to note that access to these records may be subject to privacy laws and regulations.

How do I get a criminal background check in Steele County, Minnesota?

To obtain a criminal background check in Steele County, Minnesota, you can contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA provides statewide criminal history checks, which can be requested online through their website. You may visit the Steele County Sheriff's Office for local procedures on obtaining background checks. Ensure you have the necessary identification and any required fees when making your request.

How can I look up sex offenders in Steele County, Minnesota?

To look up sex offenders in Steele County, Minnesota, you can use the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and provides information on registered sex offenders throughout the state. You can access the registry online to search for offenders by name, location, or other criteria. The registry is a valuable resource for staying informed about sex offenders in your area.

How do I register to vote in Steele County, Minnesota?

You can register to vote in Steele County through the Minnesota Secretary of State's online registration system at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, which is available until 21 days before any election. After that deadline, you can register in person at the Steele County Auditor-Treasurer's Office at 111 East Main Street in Owatonna, or at your polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Minnesota offers Election Day registration, making it easy for eligible residents to participate. You can also request an absentee ballot online starting 46 days before any election.

How do I look up property records in Steele County, Minnesota?

Property records in Steele County can be accessed through the Steele County Recorder's Office website at www.co.steele.mn.us/recorder, where you can search for recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens by name, legal description, or document number. For property tax information and assessment records, contact the Steele Assessor's Office at (507) 444-7470 or search their online property tax database. The county also offers a GIS mapping tool that displays parcel boundaries, ownership, and property characteristics. Some online services may require subscription fees for document downloads.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Steele County, Minnesota?

Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Steele County can be requested through the Steele County Public Health Department at 630 Florence Avenue, Owatonna, or by calling (507) 444-7550. The fee is $26 for a birth certificate and $13 for a death certificate, with processing typically taking 5-10 business days. You can also order vital records from the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records online at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords through VitalChek for an additional convenience fee. Valid photo identification and proof of eligibility are required for non-public records.

How do I find business license records in Steele County, Minnesota?

Business entity information for corporations and LLCs can be searched through the Minnesota Secretary of State's free online database at www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens. For assumed name certificates (DBAs) filed in Steele County, contact the Steele County Recorder's Office at (507) 444-7490. Local business licenses and permits for unincorporated areas are handled by the Steele County Auditor-Treasurer's Office at (507) 444-7420, while cities like Owatonna issue their own business licenses. Building permits and zoning information can be obtained from the Steele County Planning and Zoning Department at (507) 444-7520.

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Cities, towns and neighboring counties

Use the city page when a record was created by a municipal police department or city office; use the county page for courts, deeds, vital records and jail custody.