Getting a Copy of Your North Dakota Criminal Record
Which North Dakota agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The North Dakota Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) keeps state criminal history records. North Dakota Attorney General, Requesting a Criminal History Record Check
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The North Dakota Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) keeps state criminal history records. Mail the original signed Request for Criminal History Record Information (SFN 50744) with a $15 check or money order payable to "ND Attorney General" (no cash by mail), or drop it off at the BCI office in Bismarck (check, money order or exact cash). Give full name including former names and aliases, date of birth, and a Social Security number, or fingerprints taken by local law enforcement for a fingerprint-based search. Processing takes about 7-10 business days. The request returns North Dakota records only; a national FBI check must generally be requested directly from the FBI. BCI, 600 E. Boulevard Ave Dept. 125, Bismarck ND 58505, (701) 328-2210. |
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| What relief the state offers | North Dakota mainly offers "sealing" of criminal records. Sealed court and prosecution records are not deleted or destroyed, but their existence and contents may not be disclosed without a court order. Court records in cases that ended with dismissal or acquittal can be "closed." True expungement (destruction) is available only in limited situations, such as records of human-trafficking victims, certain juvenile court records, DNA profiles, and unconstitutional arrests. Separate rules allow sealing of a first DUI record. The Governor, advised by the Pardon Advisory Board, can grant pardons. |
Where to get help in North Dakota
More North Dakota expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in North Dakota
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in North Dakota
- How to File for Expungement in North Dakota
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in North Dakota
- All North Dakota expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) keeps state criminal history records. Mail the original signed Request for Criminal History Record Information (SFN 50744) with a $15 check or money order payable to "ND Attorney General" (no cash by mail), or drop it off at the BCI office in Bismarck (check, money order or exact cash). Give full name including former names and aliases, date of birth, and a Social Security number, or fingerprints taken by local law enforcement for a fingerprint-based search. Processing takes about 7-10 business days. The request returns North Dakota records only; a national FBI check must generally be requested directly from the FBI.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in North Dakota?
North Dakota mainly offers "sealing" of criminal records. Sealed court and prosecution records are not deleted or destroyed, but their existence and contents may not be disclosed without a court order. Court records in cases that ended with dismissal or acquittal can be "closed." True expungement (destruction) is available only in limited situations, such as records of human-trafficking victims, certain juvenile court records, DNA profiles, and unconstitutional arrests. Separate rules allow sealing of a first DUI record. The Governor, advised by the Pardon Advisory Board, can grant pardons.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.