Ward County, ND Public Records
Ward County has an estimated population of 68,427 (2024) across 2,013 square miles of land. In North Dakota, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Recorder. Court cases are handled by the North Dakota Court System; use the official links below to find the courthouse and clerk for Ward County.
📍 Ward County at a Glance
| Population (2024 est.) | 68,427 Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Land area | 2,013 sq mi Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Largest community | MinotPopulation 47,440 (2024 est.) |
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🏛️ Courthouse & Records Offices in Ward County, ND
These are the main offices to visit in person in Ward County: the District Court clerk for court case files. Details come from official state and court directories; hours and services can change, so call or check the official website before you go. Anything the official source does not list is marked “Not stated”.
⚖️ Ward County Clerk of District Court
| Address | 315 3rd St SE, Minot, ND 58701 |
| Directions | Get directions ↗ |
| Phone | (701) 857-6600 |
| Hours | 8:00am-4:30pm |
| Records available | North Dakota District Court case records for the county (civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, small claims) |
| Official website | ndcourts.gov |
| Sources | ndcourts.gov/…/ward-county ↗ |
| Last verified | October 17, 2026 |
⚖️ Criminal Records in Ward County, ND
Criminal case records for Ward County are kept by the court that heard each case. In North Dakota, all state criminal cases, felonies and misdemeanors alike, are heard by the District Court; city municipal courts hear city ordinance and traffic cases. Many court records are public and can be viewed or copied at the clerk's office of the court that heard the case. Source: ndcourts.gov ↗
⚖️ Where to get criminal records for Ward County
| State court system | North Dakota Court System |
🔍 Background Check in Ward County, ND
A people search for Ward County pulls together public records such as court cases, property records and address history. It is for personal use only: under the FCRA it may not be used to screen tenants, employees, or for credit or insurance decisions. The official record sources for Ward County are listed below.
🔍 Where to get background check for Ward County
| Sex offender registry | North Dakota Sex Offender Registry (Attorney General) Source: sexoffender.nd.gov ↗ |
| State court system | North Dakota Court System |
📋 Arrest Records in Ward County, ND
Arrest and booking records for Ward County are created by the arresting agency — usually the local police department, the county sheriff's office or the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Once someone is charged, the case becomes a court record at the court that handles criminal cases for the area.
📋 Where to get arrest records for Ward County
| State court system | North Dakota Court System |
🏛️ Court Records in Ward County, ND
Court records for Ward County include civil suits, small claims, landlord-tenant cases, criminal cases, family matters and probate (estates). Below are the courts that serve Ward County, with addresses from the official North Dakota Court System directory.
🏛️ Where to get court records for Ward County
| State court system | North Dakota Court System |
🏠 Property Records in Ward County, ND
In North Dakota, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Recorder. Property tax assessments are kept by the city, township or county assessor (county director of tax equalization).
🏠 Where to get property records for Ward County
| Land records | In North Dakota, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the County Recorder. |
📜 Vital Records in Ward County, ND
Certified birth and death certificates for North Dakota are issued by the state vital records office; in some places a county or local office can also issue copies. Statewide records can also be ordered from the North Dakota Health and Human Services – Vital Records.
📜 Where to get vital records for Ward County
| State vital records office | North Dakota Health and Human Services – Vital Records Source: hhs.nd.gov ↗ |
🔒 Sex Offender Registry in Ward County, ND
The official sex offender registry for Ward County is maintained by the state. Search it directly — it is free and updated by law enforcement. Registry information may not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass anyone.
🔒 Where to get sex offender registry for Ward County
| Official registry | North Dakota Sex Offender Registry (Attorney General) Source: sexoffender.nd.gov ↗ |
📄 Divorce Records in Ward County, ND
Divorce cases in North Dakota are heard by the District Court in each county. The full divorce case file, including the final decree, is kept by the clerk of that court. Some state vital records offices also issue divorce certificates or verifications; check with the North Dakota Health and Human Services – Vital Records.
📄 Where to get divorce records for Ward County
| Divorce court | Divorce cases in North Dakota are heard by the District Court in each county. |
| State vital records office | North Dakota Health and Human Services – Vital Records Source: hhs.nd.gov ↗ |
| State court system | North Dakota Court System |
Largest Communities in Ward County
Minot (47,440), Surrey (1,434), Burlington (1,334), Kenmare (919), Berthold (468), Sawyer (308), Des Lacs (178), Makoti (146), Carpio (139), Ryder (104), Douglas (91), Donnybrook (73) 2024 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau.