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St. Ark County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Stark County in 2026

StArkRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Stark County, North Dakota. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, tax information, recorded deeds, liens, and encumbrance data. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.

Members of the public may search Stark County property records through the following official resources:

Stark County, ND Website — Open Records Request portal and property tax payment tools
Auditor & Treasurer – Stark County — Property tax records, elections, budgeting, and archived documents
Tax Information – Stark County — Real estate tax cycle, payment history, and delinquent tax data
ND Court Records — Stark County court filings, including judgment liens and lis pendens

Online Search Methods:

1. Stark County Auditor & Treasurer Website

The Stark County Auditor & Treasurer serves as the primary resource for property tax and assessment information. Members of the public may access the following at no charge:

Property owner name and mailing address
Parcel identification number
Assessed and taxable values
Tax payment history and outstanding balances
Delinquent tax information
Exemption data

How to Search:

Navigate to the Stark County Auditor & Treasurer page
Select "Lookup & Pay Property Taxes Online"
Enter the property address, owner name, or parcel number
Review the results list and select the appropriate parcel
View the full property card, tax history, and payment options
Print or save the information as needed

2. Stark County Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds maintains all recorded instruments affecting real property title in Stark County. Recorded documents available for public inspection include:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
Easements and restrictive covenants
Plats and subdivision documents
Powers of attorney affecting real property
Lis pendens filings

How to Search:

Visit the Stark County Courthouse in person at the Register of Deeds office
Request access to the grantor/grantee index
Search by seller (grantor) name, buyer (grantee) name, or document type
Note the book and page number or instrument number
Request document images or certified copies as needed

3. Tax Information Portal

The Stark County tax information portal provides the following at no charge:

Current tax bill amounts
Payment history and due dates
Outstanding balances and delinquency status
Exemption information
Millage and mill levy rates

In-Person Searches:

Stark County Auditor & Treasurer Office

Stark County Auditor & Treasurer
51 3rd St E, Suite 201
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 456-7630
Auditor & Treasurer – Stark County

Stark County Register of Deeds

Stark County Register of Deeds
51 3rd St E
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 456-7630
Stark County, ND Website

By Mail Requests:

Members of the public may submit written requests for property records by mail to the Stark County Auditor & Treasurer or Register of Deeds at 51 3rd St E, Dickinson, ND 58601. Requests should specify the property address, parcel number, or legal description, the type of document sought, and the applicable time period. Payment for copying fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon written request with appropriate payment.

Through Professionals:

Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors operating in North Dakota conduct comprehensive title searches and prepare abstracts of title. These professionals access the full chain of recorded instruments and provide title insurance commitments. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.

What Is Stark County Property Records

Property records in Stark County are official documents maintained by county government that establish legal ownership, encumbrances, and characteristics of real property located within the county. These records constitute the legal foundation for all real estate transactions and are essential for establishing a clear chain of title.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Chain of title documents
Life estate deeds and trust instruments
Transfer-on-death deeds

Encumbrance Records

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
Easements and restrictive covenants
Homeowner association documents
Lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and delinquency records
Exemption applications (homestead, veteran, disability)
Special assessments

Legal Descriptions

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
Lot and block information

Building and Permit Records

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Zoning designations and land use codes
Code violation records

Who Maintains Property Records:

The Stark County Auditor & Treasurer maintains property tax assessments, payment records, and exemption data. The Register of Deeds records and indexes all instruments affecting real property title. The Southwest District Health Unit and local planning departments maintain zoning and permit records.

Legal Framework:

Under North Dakota Century Code § 11-18-01, county auditors are charged with maintaining official property assessment rolls. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 47-19-01, every conveyance of real property must be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. The recording statutes establish the priority of interests in real property and protect bona fide purchasers for value.

Are Property Records Public Information in Stark County?

Property records in Stark County are public information. Under North Dakota's open records law, N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, all records of public entities are presumed open unless a specific statutory exemption applies. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

North Dakota's recording statutes and open records law together establish the public nature of property records. The centuries-old common law tradition of public land records underpins the modern statutory framework. As the North Dakota State Auditor's Office has noted in connection with its oversight of county operations, transparency in property taxation and assessment is a core function of county government. The State Auditor's audit of Stark County identified opportunities for improvement in property tax administration, underscoring the public interest in accurate and accessible property records.

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
Sale prices and transfer dates
Recorded mortgage amounts
Liens and encumbrances
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, year built, building type)
Deeds and recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to state and federal law. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may request address confidentiality protections under applicable North Dakota statutes. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Stark County Auditor & Treasurer for specific policies.

Who May Access Property Records:

Any member of the public — regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose — may inspect and obtain copies of property records. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and journalists.

Commercial Use:

Commercial aggregation of public property records is legally permissible. Title insurance companies, appraisal firms, and data services such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records for subscription-based platforms. Anti-harassment laws and fair housing statutes continue to apply to all uses of property information.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Stark County?

Members of the public may inspect property records at the Stark County Courthouse at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges:

Service	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy of recorded instrument	$10.00 per document
Recording a new document (first page)	$20.00
Recording (each additional page)	$3.00 per page
Online property tax record viewing	Free
Online tax payment	Free (may vary by payment method)

Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 11-18-05, county auditors are authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Fees for recorded instruments are governed by the Register of Deeds fee schedule established under state statute.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person)
Check payable to Stark County
Credit or debit card (in-person; online payments available through the tax portal)

What Is Available at No Charge:

In-person inspection of all public property records
Online viewing of tax assessment and payment data through the Stark County tax information portal
Online access to court records through ND Court Records

Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established for property record requests in North Dakota; however, members of the public who are indigent or who represent a public interest purpose may inquire with the Auditor & Treasurer's office regarding applicable policies.

What's Included in a Stark County Property Record?

A complete Stark County property record contains the following categories of information:

Ownership Information

Current owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
Ownership type (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, corporation)
Acquisition date and deed instrument reference
Mailing address for tax billing purposes
Chain of title with previous owner names and transfer dates

Property Identification

Site address and mailing address
Parcel identification number
Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range)
Tax account number

Physical Characteristics

Lot size in acres or square feet
Lot dimensions and frontage
Zoning classification and land use designation
Total living area (square feet)
Year built and effective year
Number of stories, bedrooms, and bathrooms
Construction type and exterior wall material
Roof type, foundation type
Garage, pool, porch, and additional structures
Condition and quality ratings

Valuation Information

Land value and building value (assessed)
Total assessed value and market value estimate
Historical assessed values for prior years
Agricultural classification (if applicable)

Tax Information

Current year tax amount and taxable value
Exemptions applied (homestead, veteran, disability, senior)
Mill levy breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
Payment status, due dates, and discount information
Delinquency history

Sales History

Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
Qualified/unqualified sale designation
Documentary stamp or transfer tax amounts

Encumbrances and Liens

Recorded mortgages (lender name, original amount, recording date)
Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
Easements, restrictions, and covenants
Lis pendens notices

Legal and Regulatory Information

Current zoning classification and permitted uses
School district, fire district, water district, and special taxing district assignments
FEMA flood zone designation
Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants

Maps and Images

GIS map with property boundaries
Aerial photograph
Plat map
Property sketch or floor plan (where available)

What Is NOT Typically Included:

Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
Interior photographs
Confidential exemption application details
Social Security numbers (redacted)
Private agreements not recorded with the Register of Deeds
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Stark County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Stark County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting real property title — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention is both a legal requirement and a practical necessity for maintaining an unbroken chain of title.

Legal Basis for Retention:

Under North Dakota's records retention schedules and the recording statutes codified at N.D.C.C. § 47-19-01 et seq., all recorded instruments must be preserved as permanent public records. The Register of Deeds is required by law to maintain indexes and images of all recorded documents from the date of county formation to the present.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, sheriff's)
All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
All recorded liens and lien releases
Plats, subdivision plats, and re-plats
Easements, restrictions, and covenants
Court documents affecting title
Powers of attorney affecting real property

Format and Storage:

Historical records dating to Stark County's formation in 1879 exist in handwritten ledger books, typed record books, and microfilm. Records from recent decades are maintained in electronic document management systems with scanned images. The Register of Deeds maintains climate-controlled storage for original books and microfilm, with digital backups for electronic records.

Online Availability by Time Period:

Time Period	Availability
Recent (last 20+ years)	Online in most cases
Moderate age (20–50 years)	Microfilm or digital; staff retrieval
Historical (50+ years)	In-person at courthouse; books or microfilm
Very old (100+ years)	Archive storage; advance notice may be required

Property Appraiser / Auditor Assessment Records:

Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently. Online access through the Stark County Auditor & Treasurer portal covers recent assessment years; historical assessments are available in person at the courthouse.

Tax Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard state retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained until resolved or until the applicable retention period expires.

Contact for Historical Records:

Stark County Register of Deeds / Auditor & Treasurer
51 3rd St E
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 456-7630
Stark County, ND Website

How To Find Liens on Property in Stark County?

Members of the public may identify liens recorded against a Stark County property through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be satisfied before clear title can be conveyed. Common lien types include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens.

Step-by-Step Search Methods:

1. Stark County Register of Deeds (Recorded Liens)

Visit the Register of Deeds at 51 3rd St E, Dickinson, ND 58601
Request a search of the grantor/grantee index under the property owner's name
Review all recorded instruments for lien filings, including mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Note the instrument number, recording date, and lienholder for each result

2. Stark County Auditor & Treasurer (Tax Liens)

Access the Stark County Auditor & Treasurer portal
Search by parcel number or owner name
Review delinquent tax information and any outstanding tax lien balances
The tax information page provides the real estate tax cycle and delinquency status

3. North Dakota Court Records (Judgment Liens)

Access ND Court Records and select Stark County from the jurisdiction menu
Search by party name to identify civil judgments that may have been docketed as liens against real property
A judgment docketed in the district court of the county where the property is located constitutes a lien on all real property owned by the judgment debtor in that county under N.D.C.C. § 28-20-13

4. IRS and State Tax Liens (Federal and State)

Federal tax liens are recorded with the Stark County Register of Deeds and are searchable through the grantor/grantee index
North Dakota state tax liens are similarly recorded at the county level

5. Title Search Through a Licensed Abstractor

A licensed North Dakota abstractor or title company will conduct a comprehensive lien search as part of a title commitment
This method is the most thorough and is standard practice in real estate transactions

Stark County Register of Deeds
51 3rd St E
Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 456-7630
Stark County, ND Website

What Is Property Owner Rule in Stark County?

The property owner rule in Stark County refers to the body of North Dakota statutes and common law principles that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county.

Ownership Rights Under North Dakota Law:

Any individual, corporation, limited liability company, trust, or other legal entity may own real property in Stark County. North Dakota does not impose residency requirements on property ownership. Foreign nationals and out-of-state entities may hold title to real property subject to applicable federal and state regulations.

How Ownership Is Established:

Ownership of real property in Stark County is established by a recorded deed. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 47-19-01, every conveyance of real property is void as against any subsequent purchaser in good faith and for valuable consideration whose conveyance is first duly recorded. This "race-notice" recording system means that a buyer who records first and has no notice of a prior unrecorded transfer takes clear title. Members of the public may verify recorded ownership through the Stark County Auditor & Treasurer.

Forms of Ownership:

Sole ownership — A single individual holds title in their name alone
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon death of one, the survivor(s) take the decedent's interest automatically
Tenancy in common — Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal and are freely transferable; no right of survivorship
Tenancy by the entirety — Available to married couples in some states; North Dakota does not recognize this form
Trust ownership — A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of beneficiaries
Entity ownership — LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title; the entity's governing documents control transfer authority

Property Tax Obligations:

Every property owner of record as of mid-November receives a property tax statement in December, as described on the Stark County tax information page. Property taxes are assessed annually by the Stark County Auditor & Treasurer. The State Auditor's Office has identified that property taxes were over-assessed in certain instances, as documented in the audit of Stark County, reinforcing the importance of owners reviewing their annual assessments.

Homestead Exemption:

North Dakota law provides a homestead exemption for owner-occupied primary residences. Eligible property owners may apply through the Stark County Auditor & Treasurer to reduce the taxable value of their homestead property. Additional exemptions are available for qualifying veterans, disabled persons, and senior citizens under North Dakota Century Code provisions.

Adverse Possession:

Under North Dakota law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and hostilely possesses real property for a period of twenty years may acquire title by adverse possession. Claims must be established through a court action in the Southwest Judicial District.

Transfer of Ownership:

Real property in Stark County is transferred by recorded deed. The deed must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Register of Deeds to be effective against third parties. North Dakota does not impose a state real estate transfer tax, though documentary fees may apply.