West Fargo Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official West Fargo, North Dakota government websites.
About West Fargo City Government
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of West Fargo, North Dakota, is the West Fargo City Commission, which consists of five elected members. Each commissioner serves a term of four years, with elections held in odd-numbered years. The commission is responsible for making decisions regarding city policies, budgets, and ordinances. The city continues to focus on growth and sustainability as part of its long-term planning. The local council holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
About West Fargo, North Dakota
Notable landmarks in West Fargo include the West Fargo Sports Arena, which hosts various sporting events and community activities, and the Bonanzaville USA, a historical village that showcases the region's pioneer history through preserved buildings and artifacts. The city also features several neighborhoods, such as the Eagle Run and the Oak Ridge communities, which are known for their family-friendly environments and access to amenities. Economically, West Fargo has seen a surge in development, particularly in the retail and service sectors.
West Fargo, North Dakota Public Records & Government Resources
West Fargo North Dakota Archives and Genealogy
North Dakota State Archives genealogy and historical records for West Fargo.
West Fargo North Dakota Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of North Dakota for West Fargo.
North Dakota Courts – West Fargo Case Search
North Dakota Courts case search for West Fargo.
West Fargo North Dakota Vital Records
North Dakota Department of Health vital records for West Fargo.
West Fargo North Dakota Inmate Search
North Dakota Department of Corrections inmate locator for West Fargo.
West Fargo North Dakota Missing Persons
North Dakota missing persons for West Fargo.
West Fargo North Dakota Sex Offender Registry
North Dakota Sex Offender Registry for West Fargo.
West Fargo North Dakota Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for West Fargo.
City of West Fargo
Directory of West Fargo city records and departmenrt information.
West Fargo City Administrator
Chief executive officer for the city of West Fargo.
West Fargo Fire Department
City and rural fire services in West Fargo.
West Fargo Police Department
Request police reports for West Fargo.
West Fargo Public Library
Library services for West Fargo.
West Fargo Property Search
Search for West Fargo properties by parcel or address number.
Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce
Search West Fargo business directory.
West Fargo U.S. Census Information
Total, male and female population in West Fargo.
West Fargo 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
Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
West Fargo Inmate Search
North Dakota Department of Correction 3100 Railroad Avenue Bismarck, ND 58501 Phone 701.328.6390
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement coverage across Cass County involves coordination between several agencies. The Cass County Sheriff's Office handles unincorporated areas throughout the county, while individual municipalities maintain their own departments. The Fargo Police Department operates as the largest municipal force within its city limits. West Fargo and Horace each run their own police departments with jurisdiction over their respective communities.
When major crimes or emergencies occur, these agencies work together, pooling resources and sharing intelligence to strengthen public safety across the entire county. This layered approach ensures that whether an incident happens within city boundaries or in the broader county area, law enforcement can respond effectively.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Cass County Jail in Fargo is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within county boundaries. When someone is booked, staff collect fingerprints, photographs, and personal information as part of the intake process. Those looking for information about current inmates can use the online lookup service maintained by the facility. Visitation at the jail follows specific protocols—visitors typically need to schedule appointments ahead of time and follow strict facility guidelines.
North Dakota's bond and bail procedures allow inmates to post bail for release, with exact requirements determined by the court. Anyone trying to locate a recently arrested individual can either contact the jail directly or search through the online inmate database provided by the sheriff's office.
Arrest Records
Both the Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Fargo Police Department keep detailed arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. These documents contain the circumstances of each arrest, charges filed, and identifying information about the person arrested. Residents and attorneys seeking copies of arrest records need to submit requests to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. The North Dakota Open Records Statute generally allows public access to this information, though some details may be withheld when they could compromise active investigations or involve sensitive material.
Court Records
The North Dakota state court system maintains court records for West Fargo and all of Cass County. Residents looking for case information, dockets, or other court documents can access them through the North Dakota Court System's website at https://www.ndcourts.gov/. For local-level matters, the West Fargo Municipal Court handles its own cases and keeps a separate set of records covering city ordinance violations and other municipal matters.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Cass County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Cass County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the North Dakota Open Records Statute. To run a background check, individuals can contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Public Records Access
Public records for West Fargo, North Dakota, fall under the management of the City of West Fargo. Those wanting to review city council meeting minutes, municipal codes, or other official documents can find them on the city's website at https://www.westfargond.gov/. The West Fargo City Administrator's office serves as another access point for records concerning city operations and the delivery of public services throughout the community.
Vital Records
Vital records for West Fargo residents, such as birth and death certificates, are managed by the Cass County Recorder's Office. These records can be requested online through Cass County's website at https://www.casscountynd.gov/our-county/recorder. Marriage licenses and other vital documents are also available through the Recorder's Office.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of West Fargo's Economic Development Department handles business-related public records for the community. This covers information on business licenses, permits, and various economic development initiatives supports local commerce. Both residents and business owners can review these records by visiting the city's website at https://www.westfargond.gov/183/Economic-Development, where documentation about the city's business climate and regulatory requirements is maintained.
Economy & Demographics
Economic and demographic data for West Fargo is collected and published by the City of West Fargo's Economic Development Department. This information includes employment statistics, major employers, and economic development initiatives. Residents can access this data through the city's website at https://www.westfargond.gov/183/Economic-Development.
Elections & Voter Records
The Cass County Auditor-Treasurer's Office administers all elections for West Fargo voters. Located at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103, the office can be reached at 701-241-5600 or through www.casscountynd.gov/government/departments-offices-a-e/auditor-treasurer. North Dakota stands alone among states by not requiring voter registration—any eligible resident with proper identification can simply show up on election day at their assigned polling place.
Acceptable ID must display the voter's name, current residential address, and date of birth, such as a North Dakota driver's license or ID card, tribal government ID, or long-term care facility certificate. Those who have recently moved can update their address directly at the polls. While this eliminates registration deadlines, valid identification remains mandatory. The city conducts municipal elections for mayor and city commission seats under its commission form of government, with a mayor and four commissioners serving four-year staggered terms. These municipal elections typically take place in June of odd-numbered years like 2025 and 2027. Information about local candidates, ballot measures, and campaign finance reports is available through the City of West Fargo's website at www.westfargond.gov and the Secretary of State's campaign finance portal. Voters can find their assigned precinct and polling location using the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/PortalList.aspx by entering their residential address. Cass County demonstrated strong civic engagement in the November 2024 general election, with turnout exceeding 62% and more than 87,000 ballots cast in the presidential race. The November 3, 2026 general election will bring several consequential races to West Fargo and Cass County voters. North Dakota will elect a U.S. Senator for the seat up in 2026, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to succeed Kevin Burgum who became U.S. Interior Secretary, and other statewide constitutional officers including Secretary of State and Attorney General. State legislative seats for the North Dakota House and Senate will be decided, with District 46 representing most of the city. County-level races include County Commission seats, Sheriff, State's Attorney, and other county positions. Any qualified elector can vote absentee in North Dakota. Applications for mail ballots are available through the Cass County Auditor or at https://vip.sos.nd.gov/pdfs/Portals/absentee-ballot-application.pdf. Requests must reach the office by 5:00 p.m. The day before the election, and completed ballots must arrive at the Cass County Auditor by the time polls close on election day. In-person early voting begins 15 days before any election at the Cass County Auditor's office. Election records such as precinct-level results, turnout statistics, and candidate filings are public records accessible through the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.nd.gov/elections and the Cass County Auditor's office. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates can be searched online through the Secretary of State's campaign finance portal.
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: 8.7/10 — Cass County and North Dakota provide excellent online access to most public records with free court case search, property data, jail rosters, business entity searches, and election information, though vital records require state-level processing and some recorder documents require paid subscriptions for images.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota?
Public schools in West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Cass 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 West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota?
Crime data for West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Cass 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 West Fargo police department or the Cass County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota Library?
The West Fargo 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 Cass 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 West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota Public Library located?
The West Fargo Public Library serves residents of West Fargo and the surrounding Cass County area in North Dakota. Contact the library directly or visit the Cass 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 West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota?
Fingerprinting services for West Fargo, North Dakota residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Cass County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the West Fargo Police Department or the Cass 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 West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for West Fargo, Cass 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 Cass 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 West Fargo, North Dakota?
To register to vote in West Fargo, North Dakota, residents can register online through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Cass 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 West Fargo, contact the Cass County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in West Fargo, North Dakota?
Property records for West Fargo, North Dakota are maintained by the Cass County Assessor's Office and the Cass County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Cass County, including parcels in West Fargo. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Cass 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 Cass County offices at the county courthouse. The Cass County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in West Fargo, North Dakota?
Birth, death, and marriage records for West Fargo, 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 Cass County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Cass 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 West Fargo, North Dakota?
Business licensing for West Fargo, North Dakota operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The West Fargo town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within West Fargo limits. Cass 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 West Fargo, contact the West Fargo clerk's office and the Cass County economic development office.