How To Find Court Records In North Dakota

Looking for North Dakota court records? CourtCaseFinder makes it easy. We help users bring together records from district, municipal, and trial courts across the state, so you can find what you need without jumping between different sites.

Our platform organizes information from court files created by the courts to document proceedings and outcomes. When available, you may see case numbers, party names, filing details, upcoming hearing dates, and final judgments presented clearly so you can quickly find what matters to you.

Whether you're following a specific case or just learning how court records work in North Dakota, CourtCaseFinder gives you a straightforward way to access this information. With just a few clicks, you can stay informed about legal proceedings and outcomes statewide.

How To Access North Dakota Public Court Records

CourtCaseFinder gives you a fast and convenient way to pull together records from courts across North Dakota. However, if you need to go directly through government sources, there are official channels available. These options are helpful when you need to verify information directly from the courts, though they may require more time or multiple searches.

Online Search

You can search court records online using the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry (NDCRI) system, which taps into the Odyssey case management system for state courts. It lets you look up criminal, traffic, civil, family, and probate case data by case number, party or attorney name, citation, and more.

The court includes a disclaimer noting that the information provided is for public use only and should not be treated as the court's official record. Because the details are offered "as is", they may sometimes be incomplete or contain errors.

The District Court Case Search and Payment Processing portal is also available and provides direct access to case details and dispositions. The North Dakota courts' help page offers guides on civil, criminal, judgment, and calendar searches.

Visiting a Courthouse in Person

North Dakota makes it easy to access public records in person. At every district and municipal courthouse, you can use public terminals to search and review case information. You can ask a court clerk for assistance or request printed copies for a small per-page fee.

The official North Dakota Court System's Court Locations page can help you find the courthouse nearest to you.

Submitting Requests by Mail

You can also submit written requests to the appropriate clerk's office. When doing so, you must provide as much identifying information as possible so they can locate records quickly. Courts typically limit record inspections to 10 files per day unless otherwise arranged.

Audio Recordings and Special Access Cases

Audio recordings of proceedings aren't part of the official record, but you can request access. Parties to the case get free access. Non-parties must submit a written request and may need court permission and payment.

North Dakota Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Under North Dakota's public records laws, court records are generally open to public inspection, thanks to the state constitution and administrative rules supporting transparency.

While the North Dakota Open Records Statute and North Dakota Constitution Article XI, section 6 establish broad accessibility, courts also follow Administrative Rule 40, Rule 41, and Rule 47, all of which reaffirm public access while allowing specific exceptions.

Information typically available in court records includes:

• Case numbers, types, and filing dates
• Names of parties, attorneys, and judges
• Docket entries, orders, judgments, and case outcomes
• Fines, fees, or monetary awards when applicable

Meanwhile, some records are restricted from public view. This includes:

• Warrant applications and supporting documents
• Sexual assault restraining order files
• Juvenile case records
• Juror's personal information
• Materials from private court reviews
• Certain information in criminal or delinquency cases when restricted by the court

Who Oversees the Courts in North Dakota?

The State Court Administrator's Office is the central agency responsible for overseeing the administration of North Dakota's courts, including district and municipal courts. This office functions under the authority of the Chief Justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court, who serves as the head of the state judiciary.

The state court administrator's responsibilities are guided by both the North Dakota Century Code and administrative rules. The law grants the position authority over budget preparation, fiscal management, and personnel policies for the court system.

North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule 1 also directs the administrator to supervise the use of technology and case management systems, oversee accounting practices, and implement personnel structures that support judges and court staff statewide.

Beyond finances and staffing, the administrator coordinates training for judicial employees, assists committees and commissions, and helps with planning and maintaining court facilities. By handling these critical responsibilities, the office helps maintain a fair and transparent judicial system for all of North Dakota.

What Types of Courts Exist in North Dakota?

North Dakota's judicial system is organized into different court levels based on the severity and type of cases they handle. Each court, from municipal courts that handle local violations to the Supreme Court that hears appeals, has a distinct jurisdiction. The table below provides a clear overview of the state's main courts, their authority, and the cases they oversee.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court	The highest court in the state with appellate jurisdiction over lower court decisions. It also oversees law practice and statewide court rules.	Appeals from district courts, rule-making, and attorney discipline
Court of Appeals	A temporary, three-judge appellate panel appointed by the Supreme Court, used when the Supreme Court assigns cases to it.	Select appeals assigned by the Supreme Court to reduce the caseload
District Courts	Courts of general jurisdiction, one in each of North Dakota's 53 counties, organized into eight judicial districts. They handle original cases and some appeals from administrative agencies.	Criminal felonies and misdemeanors, civil disputes, juvenile cases, family law, probate, guardianship, and administrative appeals
Municipal Courts	Limited-jurisdiction courts operating in about 87 cities. Handle only cases involving city ordinance violations.	Traffic infractions, Class B misdemeanors, and minor ordinance violations

What Federal Courts Are In North Dakota?

North Dakota is home to federal courts that operate independently from the state's judicial system. Unlike state courts, which primarily address issues governed by North Dakota statutes, federal courts have authority over cases arising under U.S. law.

Their jurisdiction includes matters related to federal statutes, constitutional law, and disputes between citizens of different states. Bankruptcy cases, which fall under federal jurisdiction, are also managed in these courts.

The following table summarizes the federal courts that serve North Dakota, including their specific jurisdictions and locations.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court - District of North Dakota	Handles federal civil and criminal cases, constitutional issues, and other matters arising under federal law.	Bismarck Phone: (701) 530-2300 Fargo Phone: (701) 297-7000 Unstaffed divisional offices: Grand Forks Minot
U.S. Bankruptcy Court - District of North Dakota	Oversees bankruptcy matters under Title 11 of the U.S. Code, including Chapters 7 and 13, asset liquidation, and debt restructuring.	Fargo Phone: (701) 297-7100

Decisions from these federal courts in North Dakota can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. This court reviews cases from North Dakota as well as federal district courts in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and South Dakota.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in North Dakota Courts?

Every year, the North Dakota court system releases an annual report outlining the number of cases filed and resolved statewide. These reports provide a breakdown by category that helps show the overall workload in district and municipal courts.

In the latest reporting year, North Dakota courts handled roughly 168,300 new cases. Below is a breakdown of some of the major case categories and their estimated filing numbers:

Case Type	Approximate Annual Volume
Civil	~33,100
Criminal	~27,000
Small Claims	~2,600
Juvenile	~1,900
Traffic	~103,800

How Do I File a Case in North Dakota Courts?

Filing a case in North Dakota can seem daunting, but the process is straightforward once you know the steps. With both traditional paper filing and the convenient Odyssey electronic filing system, you can start and manage many cases with ease.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through what's required, from preparing your documents to paying the necessary filing fees.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court and Location

Start by deciding which court has authority over your case. District courts handle things like civil lawsuits, family matters, probate, and serious criminal cases. Municipal courts only cover city ordinances and traffic violations. You can look up the right courthouse using the North Dakota court directory.

Step 2: Get Your Paperwork Ready

For civil cases, you typically start with a summons and a complaint (or petition). The complaint lays out your claims in plain, clear statements, while the summons notifies the defendant that they must respond or risk judgment. If you're unsure how to put your paperwork together, the North Dakota Legal Self-Help Center provides checklists to walk you through the process.

The site also has general-use template forms you can look at for guidance. Keep in mind, though, that these are not official court-approved forms, so judges may choose not to accept them. Instead, you can use them as a framework or starting point when preparing your own documents for civil cases in state district courts.

Step 3: Serve the Defendant

Simply filing your case is not enough to begin legal proceedings; the case officially starts only after the defendant has been served with both the summons and the complaint. You can serve these documents in person, by mail (where permitted), or through publication if the court allows it.

Once service is complete, you must file a proof-of-service document (such as an affidavit or declaration) with the court for your case to move forward. The defendant has 21 days to submit a written answer. Missing this deadline can lead to a default judgment in your favor.

Step 4: File Your Documents with the Clerk

After serving the other party and completing your proof of service, your next move is to file everything with the court clerk. This means turning in your summons, complaint, and the proof of service documents.

You can do this in person at the courthouse, or you can take advantage of the Odyssey e-filing system, which lets you upload and submit paperwork online. If you file electronically, be sure to follow the formatting rules and meet the daily 11:59 p.m. cutoff so your documents are counted on time.

At this stage, you'll also need to pay the filing fee. For example, a new civil case in district court costs $160, while small claims cases require only $20. You can find the full North Dakota fee schedule if you want to check all case types and costs.

If paying is difficult, you can request a fee waiver. Once your documents are submitted and your payment (or waiver) is processed, your case is officially entered into the court's system.

Step 5: Determine Your Case Type and Where To File

Once your case is filed, don't just set it aside. You'll want to keep track of what happens next. North Dakota makes this easy with the Public Search tool so you can check for upcoming hearings, new filings, or final judgments when available.

You should also keep an eye out for notices from the court or opposing party, since missing a deadline could affect your case. If you're e-filing, Odyssey will also show updates to your docket as new documents are added.

How Is the North Dakota Court System Unique?

North Dakota's judicial system distinguishes itself through its unified court structure. Instead of a layered trial-court hierarchy, nearly all legal matters are handled by one statewide district court system spread across eight judicial districts. These district courts not only manage broad caseloads but also act as juvenile and appellate courts in administrative matters.

A standout feature is the state's commitment to specialty courts, also known as specialized dockets. These problem-solving courts focus on rehabilitation rather than traditional penalties and include:

• Domestic violence courts, which aim to enhance victim safety and reduce repeat offenses
• Adult hybrid DWI/drug courts, designed for high-risk offenders with substance-related issues
• Juvenile drug courts, which support youth through structured recovery programs, frequent court appearances, and rehabilitation services
• Veterans treatment courts, which provide support to former service members by addressing issues like addiction, mental health concerns, and the challenges of returning to civilian life

These specialty courts are overseen by an Interdisciplinary Committee on Specialized Dockets, comprised of representatives from the judicial, legal, law enforcement, and social service sectors.

North Dakota also integrates tribal courts into its legal landscape. The state treats tribal judgments and orders as equivalent to state court decisions unless specifically contested.

North Dakota Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Adams
• Barnes
• Benson
• Billings
• Bottineau
• Bowman
• Burke
• Burleigh
• Cass
• Cavalier
• Dickey
• Divide
• Dunn
• Eddy
• Emmons
• Foster
• Golden Valley
• Grand Forks
• Grant
• Griggs
• Hettinger
• Kidder
• Lamoure
• Logan
• Mchenry
• Mcintosh
• Mckenzie
• Mclean
• Mercer
• Morton
• Mountrail
• Nelson
• Oliver
• Pembina
• Pierce
• Ramsey
• Ransom
• Renville
• Richland
• Rolette
• Sargent
• Sheridan
• Sioux
• Slope
• Stark
• Steele
• Stutsman
• Towner
• Traill
• Walsh
• Ward
• Wells
• Williams

Where to Find Additional Information About North Dakota Courts?

• North Dakota District Court | PACER: Federal Court Records
• Privacy/Public Access to Court Records State Links
• North Dakota Court Records
• North Dakota Court System
• District Court - North Dakota Court System
• Courts on Odyssey - North Dakota Supreme Court

FAQs