Grand Forks County Property Records
What Is Grand Forks County Property Records
Grand Forks County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative source for determining legal ownership and interests in real estate throughout Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Property records are maintained pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 47-19-01, which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
The primary purposes of Grand Forks County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Creating a permanent historical record of property ownership
The Grand Forks County Recorder's Office serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive system of documents dating back to the county's establishment.
Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
151 S 4th St, Suite 71
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 780-8262
Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
Are Property Records Public Information In Grand Forks County?
Property records in Grand Forks County are public information and accessible to all citizens under North Dakota law. This public access is mandated by both the North Dakota Open Records Law § 44-04-18 and specific property recording statutes found in North Dakota Century Code § 47-19.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require transparency to establish clear chains of title
- Public access protects property rights by providing notice of ownership claims
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by preventing fraud
- Economic development and real estate markets depend on reliable property information
Any member of the public may access Grand Forks County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy applies to all recorded documents, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property.
The North Dakota Attorney General has consistently affirmed that "all records of public or governmental bodies, boards, bureaus, commissions or agencies of the state or any political subdivision of the state, or organizations or agencies supported in whole or in part by public funds, or expending public funds, shall be public records, open and accessible for inspection during reasonable office hours."
How To Search Property Records in Grand Forks County in 2026
Grand Forks County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Grand Forks County Recorder's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form available at the public counter
- Provide specific information about the property (address, legal description, or owner name)
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include specific property information and search parameters
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for anticipated fees
- Mail the request to:
Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
151 S 4th St, Suite 71
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 780-8262
Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
Phone Requests:
- Call the Recorder's Office at (701) 780-8262
- Provide specific property information to staff
- Arrange for payment of applicable fees
- Specify delivery method (mail, email, or pickup)
For complex searches or research spanning multiple years, the Recorder's Office recommends scheduling an appointment with staff to ensure efficient service. Certified copies of documents are available for an additional fee of $5.00 per document.
How To Find Property Records in Grand Forks County Online?
Grand Forks County provides comprehensive online access to property records through its official web portal. The digital system allows users to search, view, and print documents remotely. To access property records online:
- Visit the Grand Forks County Land Records Portal
- Create a free user account (required for access)
- Select the appropriate search method:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Document number
- Legal description
- Enter search criteria and execute the search
- Review search results and select documents to view
- Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)
The online system provides access to:
- Property deeds and transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and releases
- Easements and restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Tax assessment information
For property tax information, users should visit the Grand Forks County Tax Director's Office website, which maintains a separate database of property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies.
Grand Forks County Tax Director's Office
151 S 4th St, Suite 126
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 780-8282
Grand Forks County Tax Director's Office
The online system is updated daily with new recordings, though there may be a 24-48 hour processing delay for the most recent transactions.
How To Look Up Grand Forks County Property Records for Free?
Grand Forks County offers several options for accessing property records at no cost:
Free Public Access Terminals:
The Recorder's Office maintains public computer terminals that provide free access to the county's property records database. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
151 S 4th St, Suite 71
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 780-8262
Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
Grand Forks Public Library:
Free public access computers with internet access are available at:
Grand Forks Public Library
2110 Library Circle
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 772-8116
Grand Forks Public Library
Basic Online Searches:
The county's online property records portal offers limited free searches:
- Visit the Grand Forks County Property Information Portal
- Use the basic search function (no account required)
- View limited property information at no cost
- Note that document downloads may incur fees
GIS Map Viewer:
The county's Geographic Information System (GIS) provides free access to property boundaries, ownership information, and basic property characteristics:
- Access the Grand Forks County GIS Portal
- Navigate the interactive map to locate properties
- Click on parcels to view basic ownership information
- Access links to related property records
While basic property information is available at no cost, fees may apply for document copies, certified records, or extensive research assistance.
What's Included in a Grand Forks County Property Record?
Grand Forks County property records encompass a wide range of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Recorder's Office, Assessor's Office, and Tax Director's Office.
Property records typically include:
Ownership Documents:
- Warranty deeds
- Quitclaim deeds
- Trustee's deeds
- Personal representative's deeds
- Transfer on death deeds
- Contracts for deed
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Satisfaction/release of mortgages
- Mechanic's liens
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Child support liens
Property Descriptions:
- Legal descriptions
- Plat maps and surveys
- Subdivision information
- Lot and block numbers
- Section, township, and range identifiers
- Metes and bounds descriptions
Additional Information:
- Property tax assessments
- Building permits and improvements
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Homestead declarations
- Property tax exemptions
Each property record contains specific details as required by North Dakota Century Code § 47-19-03, including:
- Names of all parties to the transaction
- Complete legal description of the property
- Date of the transaction
- Consideration (purchase price or value)
- Notarized signatures
- Recording information (date, time, document number)
It is important to note that Grand Forks County distinguishes between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets) in its record-keeping systems. While real property records are maintained by the county, personal property records are typically not recorded at the county level.
How Long Does Grand Forks County Keep Property Records?
Grand Forks County maintains property records permanently, in accordance with North Dakota's records retention requirements. The permanent preservation of property records is mandated by North Dakota Century Code § 11-18-01, which establishes the duties of the county recorder regarding the maintenance of real property records.
The retention schedule for various property-related documents includes:
- Deeds and transfers of title: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Liens and releases: Permanent retention
- Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
- Easements and restrictions: Permanent retention
- Property tax records: Minimum 10-year retention
- Building permits: Minimum 7-year retention after completion
- Property assessments: Permanent retention of final values
The Grand Forks County Recorder's Office has implemented a comprehensive digital archiving system to ensure the long-term preservation of historical property records. This system includes:
- Digital scanning of all new documents
- Ongoing digitization of historical records
- Secure backup systems with redundant storage
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Disaster recovery protocols
For historical research purposes, the county maintains property records dating back to the county's establishment in 1873. These historical records provide valuable information about the development of land ownership patterns, property values, and community growth throughout the county's history.
How To Find Liens on Property In Grand Forks County?
Liens on property in Grand Forks County can be identified through several official channels. A lien search is an essential step in real estate due diligence, as liens represent legal claims against property that may affect ownership rights or transfer of title.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
County Recorder's Office Search:
- Visit or contact the Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
- Provide the property's legal description or address
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Staff will search for recorded liens including:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Tax liens
- Child support liens
- Special assessment liens
Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
151 S 4th St, Suite 71
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 780-8262
Grand Forks County Recorder's Office
Online Lien Search:
- Access the Grand Forks County Land Records Portal
- Search by property owner name or property description
- Filter results to display only liens
- Review documents to determine lien status (active or released)
Tax Lien Search:
For property tax liens and special assessments:
- Contact the Grand Forks County Treasurer's Office
- Provide the property address or parcel number
- Request information on any delinquent taxes or assessments
Grand Forks County Treasurer's Office
151 S 4th St, Suite 126
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone: (701) 780-8280
Grand Forks County Treasurer's Office
Federal Tax Lien Search:
Federal tax liens are recorded at the county level:
- Search the county records under the property owner's name
- Look specifically for IRS liens or notices of federal tax lien
- Check for releases of federal tax liens
For the most comprehensive results, property owners or interested parties may wish to engage a professional title company to conduct a thorough title search, which will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting the property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Grand Forks County?
The Property Owner Rule in Grand Forks County refers to the set of regulations governing property ownership, recording requirements, and the legal principles that establish ownership rights. These rules are primarily derived from North Dakota state law and implemented at the county level.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
Under North Dakota Century Code § 47-19-07, all instruments affecting real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to third parties. The statute establishes that:
- Unrecorded conveyances are valid between the parties but void against subsequent purchasers in good faith
- Priority of interests is generally determined by order of recording
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be accepted for recording
Ownership Verification:
Grand Forks County follows North Dakota's requirements for verifying property ownership:
- All deeds must include a complete legal description
- Signatures must be acknowledged by a notary public
- Grantors must have a recorded interest in the property
- Transfer documents must include a Statement of Full Consideration
- Deeds must include the preparer's name and address
Tax Parcel Requirements:
The county requires:
- Each legally described parcel must have a unique parcel identification number
- Property tax assessments are linked to these parcel numbers
- Property splits or combinations must be approved by the county
Homestead Rights:
North Dakota law provides special protections for homestead property:
- Homeowners may file a Declaration of Homestead
- Homestead property receives certain protections from creditors
- Spousal consent is required for conveyance of homestead property
- Homestead tax exemptions may be available to qualifying owners
Foreign Ownership Restrictions:
Under North Dakota law, certain restrictions apply to foreign ownership of agricultural land:
- Non-U.S. citizens face limitations on agricultural land ownership
- Corporate ownership of farmland is restricted
- Reporting requirements apply to foreign investments in real property
Property owners in Grand Forks County should consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable ownership rules and recording requirements. The county recorder can provide information about procedural requirements but cannot offer legal advice regarding property rights or ownership issues.