Burleigh County Property Records
What Is Burleigh County Property Records
Burleigh County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative source for determining legal ownership of land and buildings located in Burleigh County, North Dakota. Property records establish what is commonly referred to as the "chain of title," documenting the history of ownership transfers from the original land patent to the current owner.
The primary purpose of maintaining property records is to:
- Establish and protect legal ownership rights
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Create a permanent record of real estate transactions
- Facilitate property transfers and real estate commerce
- Support property taxation and assessment functions
Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 47-19-01, all instruments affecting title to or possession of real property must be recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county where such real property is situated. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.
The Burleigh County Recorder's Office serves as the official custodian of property records for the county, maintaining a comprehensive system of documents that collectively define property ownership and interests throughout the jurisdiction.
Are Property Records Public Information In Burleigh County?
Property records in Burleigh County are public information and accessible to all citizens under North Dakota law. The public nature of these records is established by both state public records statutes and specific property recording laws. According to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, all records of public or governmental bodies, boards, bureaus, commissions, or agencies of the state or any political subdivision of the state are public records, open and accessible for inspection during reasonable office hours.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public accessibility to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and commerce
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports the integrity of the real estate market by allowing potential buyers, lenders, and other interested parties to verify ownership claims and identify any encumbrances on a property before completing transactions.
The Burleigh County Recorder maintains these public records and makes them available through both in-person services and online access systems. While the records themselves are public, certain personal information contained within them may be subject to redaction under privacy laws.
How To Search Property Records in Burleigh County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Burleigh County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems to accommodate different research needs and preferences.
To search property records in person:
- Visit the Burleigh County Recorder's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific property information such as owner name, property address, or parcel number
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records
- Review documents on-site or request copies (fees may apply)
Burleigh County Recorder's Office
221 N 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 355-1350
Burleigh County Recorder
For those unable to visit in person, the county offers alternative access methods:
- Submit a written request by mail with specific property information
- Request certified copies of documents by providing document numbers and payment
- Access the county's online property records system for digital searches
- Contact the office by telephone for assistance with complex searches
Standard search fees currently apply as follows:
- Basic record search: $10 per name/transaction
- Certified copies: $5 for first page, $2 for each additional page
- Electronic access: Free for basic searches, subscription fees for advanced features
All requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific property or document being sought. Vague or overly broad requests may require refinement before processing.
How To Find Property Records in Burleigh County Online?
Burleigh County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These systems allow users to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person.
To access property records online, follow these steps:
- Visit the Burleigh County Parcel Viewer on the official county website
- Accept the terms of use agreement to proceed to the search interface
- Search by one of the following criteria:
- Property owner name
- Physical address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access available property information including:
- Current ownership details
- Property characteristics
- Assessment values
- Tax information
- Document references
For more detailed property tax information, users may access the Burleigh County Property Tax Information portal, which provides:
- Current tax statements
- Payment history
- Special assessment details
- Delinquent tax status
Additional property information for properties within Bismarck city limits can be found through the Bismarck Property Information system, which includes assessment data and city-specific property details.
Users should note that while basic property information is freely accessible online, obtaining official copies of recorded documents may require payment of statutory fees. The online systems are updated regularly but may not reflect very recent transactions that are still being processed.
How To Look Up Burleigh County Property Records for Free?
Burleigh County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic property record information. These free resources allow citizens to conduct preliminary research without incurring expenses.
Free property record access options include:
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Public Access Terminals: Available at the Burleigh County Recorder's Office during regular business hours. These dedicated computer stations provide free access to the county's property records database.
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Online Parcel Viewer: The county maintains a free online parcel viewer that provides basic property information including:
- Owner name
- Property address
- Legal description
- Assessed value
- Property tax information
- Parcel maps
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Public Library Resources: The Bismarck Public Library offers free internet access where citizens can utilize the county's online property information systems.
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Tax Assessment Rolls: Published annually and available for public inspection at no cost at the County Auditor's Office.
Burleigh County Auditor/Treasurer's Office
221 N 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 355-1350
Burleigh County Auditor
While basic property information is available at no cost, users should be aware of the following limitations:
- Detailed document images may require payment of statutory fees
- Certified copies always incur standard fees as established by state law
- Complex title searches may require professional assistance
- Historical records may not be fully available through free resources
Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 11-18-05, the county recorder must charge fees for certain services, but basic public inspection of records remains free of charge as required by state public records laws.
What's Included in a Burleigh County Property Record?
Burleigh County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets), with the county maintaining official records primarily for real property.
A complete property record typically includes:
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Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Certificates of real estate value
- Transfer on death deeds
- Trustee's deeds
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Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfaction of mortgage documents
- Mechanic's liens
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
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Legal Instruments:
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Subdivision plats
- Survey documents
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Property Characteristics:
- Legal description
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building specifications
- Improvement details
- Zoning classification
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Assessment and Taxation Information:
- Assessed value
- Tax classification
- Payment history
- Special assessments
- Exemption status
These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Recorder's Office, Assessor's Office, and Treasurer's Office, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation. The information contained in these records is governed by North Dakota Century Code § 47-19, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
How Long Does Burleigh County Keep Property Records?
Burleigh County maintains property records permanently in accordance with North Dakota state law and records retention schedules. The permanent retention of property records ensures the continuous chain of title and protects property rights across generations.
The retention periods for various property-related documents are as follows:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Easements and Rights-of-Way: Permanent retention
- Liens and Releases: Permanent retention
- Tax Assessment Records: Minimum 10 years, with permanent retention of summary information
- Building Permits: Minimum 10 years after structure demolition
- Zoning Decisions: Permanent retention
These retention periods are established by the North Dakota Records Management Program under authority granted by North Dakota Century Code § 54-46-07, which mandates the development of records retention schedules for all government agencies.
While the original documents are retained permanently, the format of storage may change over time. Historically, records were maintained in bound books and paper files. Currently, the county employs a dual system:
- Preservation of original documents in secure, climate-controlled facilities
- Digital conversion of records for electronic access and disaster recovery purposes
The county's records management system ensures that even if the physical format changes, the legal validity and accessibility of property records remain intact indefinitely. This permanent retention policy supports property rights, facilitates real estate transactions, and preserves the historical record of land ownership in Burleigh County.
How To Find Liens on Property In Burleigh County?
Identifying liens and encumbrances on property in Burleigh County requires searching multiple record systems, as different types of liens may be recorded with various government offices. Members of the public seeking lien information should conduct a thorough search using the following methods:
To search for liens at the County Recorder's Office:
- Visit the Burleigh County Recorder's Office in person or access their online records system
- Search by property owner name, property address, or legal description
- Review the following lien categories:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Special assessment liens
Burleigh County Recorder's Office
221 N 5th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 355-1350
Burleigh County Recorder
For tax liens and special assessments:
- Access the Burleigh County Property Tax Information portal
- Enter the property identification number or address
- Review current tax status and any delinquent taxes or special assessments
For judgment liens:
- Contact the Burleigh County Clerk of District Court
- Request a judgment lien search against the property owner's name
- Verify if any judgments have been recorded against the property
Burleigh County Clerk of District Court
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 355-1350
North Dakota Courts
For federal tax liens:
- Search the county records for federal tax lien notices
- Contact the Internal Revenue Service for verification of current status
A comprehensive lien search may require checking multiple sources, as liens may be filed at different times and with different agencies. Property owners and potential buyers are advised to conduct thorough due diligence, as undiscovered liens can significantly impact property rights and values. Professional title companies often provide lien search services for a fee to ensure all encumbrances are identified.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Burleigh County?
The Property Owner Rule in Burleigh County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the jurisdiction. These rules are derived from North Dakota state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements: Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 47-19-03, all instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to third parties. Unrecorded instruments are valid between the parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers or creditors without notice.
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Priority Determination: North Dakota follows the "first in time, first in right" principle for determining priority among competing interests in the same property. The date and time of recording generally establish priority, with earlier recorded documents taking precedence over later ones.
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Ownership Verification: Property owners must be able to demonstrate their ownership through properly recorded deeds or other instruments. The county maintains the official record of ownership through its recording system.
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Tax Responsibility: Property owners are legally responsible for payment of all property taxes and special assessments levied against their property. Failure to pay these obligations can result in tax liens and eventually tax foreclosure.
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Disclosure Requirements: When transferring property, owners must comply with state disclosure requirements regarding property conditions and known defects.
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Boundary Disputes: Property boundaries are determined by legal descriptions in recorded documents, with survey monuments and physical markers serving as evidence of boundaries. Disputes are resolved through established legal procedures.
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Adverse Possession: Under North Dakota law, a person who openly occupies another's property for at least 20 years may gain title through adverse possession if specific legal requirements are met.
These rules are administered primarily through the Burleigh County Recorder's Office and enforced through the civil court system when disputes arise. Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations to protect their interests and fulfill their legal obligations.
Lookup Property Records in Burleigh County
Property Tax Information Portal
Bismarck Property Assessment Database