North Dakota Background Checks

North Dakota Criminal Records

North Dakota criminal records are supported by the CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Sharing), which is the central repository for criminal information. Only authorized criminal justice individuals and agencies are authorized access, however. CJIS includes criminal history, protection orders, parole and probation information, concealed weapons and DNA. This integrated system offers users system links to reach the necessary information stored.

In order to gain access to the CJIS portal, you must:

Step 1: Fill out and submit an application for either agency or individual use. To download the forms Click Here.
Step 2: Submit all completed forms to the address indicated on the CJIS webpage.

The application for individual access must be accompanied by two sets fingerprint cards taken by your local law enforcement office on blue FBI fingerprint cards. These applications take two weeks to process with notification of acceptance or denial mailed in written form.

For additional information on obtaining North Dakota criminal records, please contact the office at the address below:

CJIS Portal
Criminal Justice Information Sharing
State of ND
600 E Boulevard Ave., Dept. 112
Bismarck, ND 58505

Resource Links
North Dakota Criminal History Records

North Dakota Court Records

You can search for North Dakota court records online with the docket number, involved parties or attorney name. This will return the appropriate case record filed with the North Dakota Supreme Court. You can also search North Dakota Supreme Court opinions, which are available online dating as far back as 1965. You can perform searches based on topic, trial judge, and justice, or view an alphabetical listing. Case calendars are also available for district courts. You can also visit your local district or county court to obtain copies of records kept onsite. Court fees vary, but usually just include a fee if copies are made.

To search for court records online do the following:

Step 1: Visit the North Dakota Docket Search webpage. Click Here.
Step 2: Enter the case docket number.
Step 3: Click “Execute” to run your search.

For additional information on obtaining North Dakota court records, please contact the office at the address or phone number below:

Court Administrator’s Office
Supreme Court
State Capitol
600 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505
(701) 328-4216

Resource Links
North Dakota Docket Search

North Dakota Jail Records

North Dakota jail records are available online through the inmate locator. You simply enter the last name to receive search results. North Dakota jail records will detail where an inmate is incarcerated (unless located in a county jail not associated with this database) and list his or her estimated release date, date of birth and ID number. It will also show a photograph (mug shot) for further identification.

Victims of crimes may contact the Victim Services department and receive updates on inmates’ status and location. Victims can also register with VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) to receive email or telephone updates if any status changes regarding a particular inmate. The toll-free number allows registered users to access accurate and prompt information confidentially concerning offender’s status. There are always live operators on stand-by should you experience any difficulty. Victims will also be notified pending death, escape, sentence commuting or early release or parole.

To search for jail records online do the following:

Step 1: Visit the North Dakota Inmate Search webpage. Click Here.
Step 2: Enter the offender’s last name.
Step 3: Click “Submit” to view all related results.

For additional information on locating North Dakota jail records, please contact the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations at the address or phone number below:

DOCR
3100 Railroad Ave.
P.O. Box 1898
Bismarck, ND 58502
(701) 328-6362

VINE Hotline
(866) 631-8463

Resource Links
North Dakota Inmate Lookup

North Dakota Driving Records

North Dakota driving records are available online with the click of a button. Online driving records are limited, however, and will not include total points, convictions or violations that are over three years old or violations assigned less than three points, accident information, or license status that is greater than three years old.

If you need a complete copy of your own North Dakota driving record, you must mail you request and include your name, driver’s license number and mailing address along with a $3 fee. The complete driving record will include the omissions mentioned above plus personal information, license information, even if it’s older than three years old.

The online service requires you to enter the full name, date of birth and driver ID for any individual whose North Dakota driving record you wish to obtain. Once you verify your selection, you will be charged a fee and given the opportunity to print the record one time only. Also using the online form, you can request up to 10 North Dakota driving records at a time, paying the $3 fee per record.

For additional information on obtaining North Dakota driving records, please contact the office at the address or phone number below:

Driver’s License & Traffic Safety Division
608 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505
(701) 328-2600

Resource Links
North Dakota Driving Record Information

Additional Resources

North Dakota Sexual Offender Registry
North Dakota Attorney General