Surrey Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Surrey, North Dakota government websites.
About Surrey City Government
Government Type
City Council
The city government of Surrey, North Dakota, operates under a governing body known as the Surrey City Council. This council consists of five elected members, each serving a term length of four years. Council members are elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire city rather than specific districts. Council meeting schedules are available through the local government office. Residents are welcome to attend public meetings.
About Surrey, North Dakota
Key landmarks in Surrey include the Surrey Public Library, which is an important resource for residents, and the Surrey Community Park, a recreational area that features playgrounds and sports facilities. The city is home to the historic Surrey Depot, which reflects the area’s rich railroad history and is a reminder of the city’s development in the early 20th century. Economically, Surrey has seen growth in recent years, largely due to its proximity to the oil boom in the Bakken formation.This growth has contributed to Surrey's evolving identity as a suburban community while maintaining its rural charm.
Surrey, North Dakota Public Records & Government Resources
Surrey North Dakota Vital Records
North Dakota Department of Health vital records for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota USA.gov Public Records Guide
USA.gov guide to government public records and information for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota US Bankruptcy Court Case Locator
PACER bankruptcy case locator - find bankruptcy filings from Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota Unclaimed Property Search
Search for unclaimed property and money belonging to Surrey residents.
Surrey North Dakota Social Security Death Records
Social Security Administration death records and survivor benefits for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota National Sex Offender Registry
National Sex Offender Public Website - search sex offenders near Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota FBI Most Wanted Criminals
FBI national most wanted criminals - search for Surrey area subjects.
Surrey North Dakota Voter Registration Records
Find voter registration information and public records for Surrey residents.
Surrey North Dakota PACER Federal Court Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records - search federal court cases for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota Archives and Genealogy
North Dakota State Archives genealogy and historical records for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of North Dakota for Surrey.
North Dakota Courts – Surrey Case Search
North Dakota Courts case search for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota Inmate Search
North Dakota Department of Corrections inmate locator for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota Missing Persons
North Dakota missing persons for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota Sex Offender Registry
North Dakota Sex Offender Registry for Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Surrey.
City of Surrey
Directory of Surrey city records and information.
Surrey Police
Find Surrey police contact information.
Surrey Public Schools
Elementary, high school and administration information for Surrey.
Surrey U.S. Census Information
Find total and household population for the city of Surrey.
Surrey North Dakota Official Criminal History Background Check
State Capitol 600 E. Boulevard Ave. Dept. 125 Bismarck, ND 58505 701 328-2210 TTY: 800 366-6888
Surrey Upcoming Criminal and Civil Cases
Search Divorce records and other Civil matters State Capitol 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 180 Bismarck, ND 58505-0530
Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Surrey Inmate Search
North Dakota Department of Correction 3100 Railroad Avenue Bismarck, ND 58501 Phone 701.328.6390
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Surrey, Ward County relies on a network of agencies working across jurisdictional lines. The Ward County Sheriff's Office handles unincorporated areas throughout the county, while municipal departments—including the Minot Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, and Surrey's own force—focus on their respective cities. When major crimes or emergencies arise, these agencies coordinate closely, sharing resources and information to strengthen public safety across the entire county.
Jail & Inmate Records
Anyone arrested in Ward County typically ends up at the Ward County Detention Center in Minot, the primary holding facility for the area. The booking process follows standard procedure: detainees are photographed and fingerprinted, then held until they post bail or appear before a judge. Family members and attorneys can locate detainees through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system. Visitation at the facility requires advance scheduling and strict adherence to posted guidelines.
Arrest Records
The Ward County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, including Surrey. Each record documents the arrest details, charges filed, and identifying information about the individual taken into custody. Residents and legal counsel can request these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Dakota Open Records Law, arrest records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions exist to protect privacy and security interests. A typical record includes the arrest date, specific charges, and which agency made the arrest.
Court Records
The Ward County Clerk of Court oversees court records for Surrey, North Dakota, maintaining files on civil disputes, criminal prosecutions, and probate matters. Anyone seeking access can search the North Dakota Unified Judicial System's online portal at https://www.ndcourts.gov/. For those who prefer in-person service or need certified copies, the Ward County Courthouse in Minot handles requests for court documents during regular business hours.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Ward County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Ward County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the North Dakota Open Records Law. Background checks can be conducted through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides criminal history reports for residents. The Bureau also manages the state's sex offender registry, providing an essential resource for community safety and awareness.
Public Records Access
Public records for Surrey, North Dakota flow through multiple state channels depending on the type of information needed. Business registrations, professional licenses, and similar government filings are accessible through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://sos.nd.gov/. Vital records—birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses—require a different route entirely, available through the North Dakota Department of Health at https://www.ndhealth.gov/vital/.
Vital Records
Vital records for Surrey, North Dakota, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the North Dakota Department of Health. Requests for these records can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the department's office in Bismarck. Fees may apply for copies of vital records.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for Surrey, North Dakota are accessible through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://sos.nd.gov/, which houses information on registered businesses, corporations, and limited liability companies operating in the community. For local business licensing and permitting requirements specific to the city, the City of Surrey's website at http://www.surreynd.org/ provides relevant information and guidance on compliance with municipal regulations.
Economy & Demographics
Economic and employment data for Surrey, North Dakota can be found through the U.S. Census Bureau's American FactFinder tool (https://data.census.gov/). This includes information on the city's top industries, largest employers, and median household income. The North Dakota Job Service also maintains a database of job openings and labor market information for the state, including the Surrey area.
Elections & Voter Records
Surrey voters cast their ballots under the administration of the Ward County Elections Office, housed in the Ward County Administration Building at 315 3rd Street SE, Minot, ND 58701. Residents can reach the office at 701-857-6450 or visit https://www.wardcountygov.com/departments/auditor-treasurer. The Ward County Auditor-Treasurer serves as chief election official for all federal, state, county, and municipal contests, including Surrey's local races. North Dakota stands alone among states in not requiring voter registration.
Eligible residents simply show up on Election Day with proof of residency and identification. Acceptable IDs include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal ID, or other documents displaying name, date of birth, and current residential address. Voters without ID showing their current address can bring a recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or other government document, or have a registered voter from the precinct vouch for their residency. This streamlined process operates under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 16.1. Municipal elections for mayor and city council seats in Surrey typically follow a staggered schedule, with the next election expected in June 2026. Candidate filing opens in early spring 2026, and specific dates, candidate lists, and local ballot measures are posted at Surrey City Hall and available through the Ward County elections office. Polling place assignments depend on precinct boundaries. Residents can confirm their voting location by contacting the Ward County Elections Office or checking https://vip.sos.nd.gov, the North Dakota Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal, which offers polling place lookup, sample ballots, and election dates. Ward County reported approximately 55-60% voter turnout in the November 2024 general election, with solid participation across Surrey precincts and the broader county. The November 3, 2026 general election will bring several significant races to Surrey and Ward County voters. North Dakota will elect a U.S. Senator—the Class III seat currently held by John Hoeven is up in 2026—along with all statewide offices including Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and other constitutional officers, since North Dakota elects these on presidential midterm cycles. State legislative races will fill all 94 House seats and roughly half of the 47 Senate seats. At the Ward County level, voters will decide Ward County Commission seats, Sheriff, State's Attorney, and other county positions. Surrey will hold municipal elections for city offices either aligned with the general election or separately in June 2026, depending on the schedule. Absentee voting in North Dakota is available to any eligible voter. Since the state doesn't require registration, residents can request an absentee ballot by contacting the Ward County Elections Office by mail, phone, or in person. Absentee ballot request forms are available at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Requests must arrive by 5:00 p.m. The day before the election, though earlier applications are recommended to ensure timely delivery. Voted absentee ballots must reach the Ward County elections office by the close of polls on Election Day. Early voting in person begins 15 days before Election Day at the Ward County Auditor-Treasurer's office. Election records available to the public in North Dakota include precinct-level results showing vote totals by candidate and ballot measure, published by the Secretary of State at https://results.sos.nd.gov and by the Ward County Elections Office. Candidate filing information and campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are searchable at https://www.sos.nd.gov. Voter history is limited since North Dakota doesn't maintain a voter registration database. Individual ballot secrecy remains strictly protected—no information revealing how any specific person voted is ever made public.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Ward County and North Dakota provide excellent free online access to most public records including court cases, property data, jail rosters, business filings, and election information, with vital records requiring state-level requests but available via online ordering for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota?
Public schools in Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Ward County school administration or the North Dakota Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota?
Crime data for Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Ward County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Surrey police department or the Ward County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota Library?
The Surrey Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Ward County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4 Where is the Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The Surrey Public Library serves residents of Surrey and the surrounding Ward County area in North Dakota. Contact the library directly or visit the Ward County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for Surrey, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Ward County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Surrey Police Department or the Ward County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The North Dakota Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Surrey, Ward County, North Dakota including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the North Dakota Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Ward County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7 How do I register to vote in Surrey, North Dakota?
To register to vote in Surrey, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Ward County elections office. North Dakota requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the North Dakota Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Surrey, contact the Ward County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Surrey, North Dakota?
Property records for Surrey, North Dakota are maintained by the Ward County Assessor's Office and the Ward County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Ward County, including parcels in Surrey. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Ward County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many North Dakota counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Ward County offices at the county courthouse. The Ward County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Surrey, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Surrey, North Dakota residents are available through both county and state offices. The North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Bismarck, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in North Dakota. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Ward County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Ward County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in Surrey, North Dakota?
Business licensing for Surrey, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Surrey town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Surrey limits. Ward County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all North Dakota businesses must register with the North Dakota Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the North Dakota Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant North Dakota licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Surrey, contact the Surrey clerk's office and the Ward County economic development office.