St. Ark County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in St. Ark County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents, court filings, property data, or official administrative records in Stark County, North Dakota may access a range of publicly available information through StArkRecords.us as well as through official county and state government channels. This resource provides data that may include court case information, property records, vital records, and other documents maintained by county offices. The availability and completeness of any particular record depends on the maintaining agency, the nature of the record, and applicable state law.
Records that may be accessible through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Online Access: Members of the public may search district court case information through the North Dakota Courts public access portal, which provides access to criminal, traffic, and civil case types statewide, including Stark County. Property records and related searches are available through the Stark County Recorder's Office via the Stark County official website. Certain records are available without registration; others may require account creation or identity verification depending on the record type.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Stark County Auditor/Recorder's Office at 51 3rd St E, Dickinson, ND 58601. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mountain Time), and Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and be prepared to describe the record sought with sufficient specificity to allow staff to locate it.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Stark County Auditor/Recorder's Office at 51 3rd St E, Dickinson, ND 58601. Requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the record sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, government entities are required to respond to open records requests within a reasonable time.
Phone/Email: The Stark County main office may be reached at (701) 264-7600. Requestors may also submit open records requests through the county's online open records request form.
What Are Public Records in St. Ark County?
Public records in Stark County are defined under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18 as all records, regardless of physical form, that are made or received pursuant to law or in connection with the transaction of official business by any public entity. The following record types are currently maintained by various county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Stark County District Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Stark County Recorder's Office |
| Property tax and assessment records | Stark County Assessor's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | ND Department of Health / County Recorder |
| Business licenses and permits | Stark County Auditor |
| Voting and election records | Stark County Auditor |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Stark County Auditor |
| Budget and financial documents | Stark County Auditor |
| Law enforcement records | Stark County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Stark County Planning & Zoning |
Court records for Stark County, including criminal, civil, and traffic cases, are searchable through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system. Property records and searches are accessible through the Recorder's Office via the Stark County government portal.
Is St. Ark County an Open Records County?
Stark County operates in full compliance with North Dakota's open records laws. Under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, all records of public entities are presumed open and accessible to the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The North Dakota Attorney General has stated: "The open records law reflects a legislative policy that the public is entitled to know what its government is doing." This presumption of openness applies to all county offices, boards, and commissions operating within Stark County.
The county currently maintains an open records request process accessible through the Stark County open records request page, where members of the public may submit formal requests for documents. North Dakota's open records framework does not require requestors to state a reason for seeking records, and no special status or residency is required to submit a request.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in St. Ark County?
The fee structure for public records in Stark County is governed by state law and individual office policies. Under current law, agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of providing records, including duplication and, in some cases, staff time for extensive searches.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies (vital records) | Varies by record type |
| Electronic copies | Varies; some records provided at no charge |
| Search fees | May apply for extensive research requests |
| Certification fee | Set by individual office |
- Inspection of records at a public office is provided at no charge.
- Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit or debit cards.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the maintaining office.
- Fees for certified copies of vital records are set by the North Dakota Department of Health and may differ from standard copy fees.
Does St. Ark County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Stark County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may examine records in person without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. The following resources are currently available at no cost:
- Online court case searches through the North Dakota district court case search portal, which provides free access to criminal, civil, and traffic case information for Stark County.
- Property record searches through the Stark County Recorder's Office, accessible via the Stark County website.
- In-person inspection at the Stark County Auditor/Recorder's Office, 51 3rd St E, Dickinson, ND 58601, during regular office hours.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records at a public counter carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the applicable fee schedule. Certain records, such as basic property ownership data, are available through online portals without charge.
Who Can Request Public Records in St. Ark County?
Any person may request public records in Stark County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. North Dakota's open records law does not restrict access based on the identity of the requestor. Specifically:
- Requestors are not required to be North Dakota residents.
- Requestors are not required to provide identification for most public records requests, though identification may be required for certain sensitive record types.
- Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request.
- Non-residents retain the same rights of access as residents under state law.
Restrictions apply to certain categories of records, such as sealed court files, juvenile records, and records containing protected personal information. Individuals requesting their own records (e.g., personal criminal history or vital records) may be required to provide proof of identity. Third-party requests for records containing personal information are subject to applicable privacy exemptions under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18.1.
What Records Are Confidential in St. Ark County?
Not all government records in Stark County are open to public inspection. North Dakota law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from disclosure. The following records are currently treated as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records — records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the public.
- Juvenile records — records pertaining to minors involved in delinquency or child welfare proceedings.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records — law enforcement records that, if disclosed, could compromise an active investigation.
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from public records.
- Medical and health records — protected under both state law and federal HIPAA regulations.
- Adoption records — sealed by statute and accessible only under specific court order.
- Child welfare and protective services records — confidential under state and federal child protection laws.
- Personnel records — employee records are exempt except for basic employment information such as name, title, and salary.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information — submitted to government agencies under confidentiality agreements.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details — exempt to protect public safety.
As the North Dakota Attorney General's office has noted: "The fact that a record is in the possession of a public entity does not necessarily mean it is an open record." Exemptions are set forth in § 44-04-18.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, which enumerates categories of records that public entities are required or permitted to withhold from disclosure.
St. Ark County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Stark County Auditor/Recorder's Office
51 3rd St E
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 264-7600
Stark County, ND Website
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mountain Time)
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Closed on legal holidays
Stark County District Court
51 3rd St E
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 227-3184
Fax: (701) 227-3185
Stark County – North Dakota Court System
Court Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mountain Time)
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Closed on legal holidays
Stark County Sheriff's Office
3101 Village Dr
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 456-7980