What are Flathead County Public Records?
In accordance with Section 2-6-1002 of the Montana Public Records Act, Flathead County public records provide information about the activities of the government and its agents. Records may exist as books, maps, audio recordings, video recordings, documents, or electronic files. That said, some records are not open to the public due to confidentiality requirements. Information exempted from public records in Flathead County may include:
- Records that may jeopardize individual or public safety if released
- Restrictions imposed by private record donors in a donation to the Montana historical society within 50 years of the donation.
- Records containing personal information of individuals.
- Information that is not fixed in an accessible medium, such as unrecorded telephone conversations.
- Criminal records that have been expunged or sealed.
- Information that is protected by a privilege, such as attorney-client privilege.
- Medical information that would breach the data subject's privacy if disclosed.
- Records of ongoing investigations by law enforcement agents.
- Trade secrets.
- Investigation methods used to detect crime and find criminals.
- Other records made confidential pursuant to law or a court order.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Flathead County Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains records of crime rates for all counties in Montana, including Flathead County. In the 2019 report, the FBI recorded that Flathead had 1,057 crimes, consisting of 191 violent crimes and 866 property crimes. The violent crimes included two murders, 36 rapes, six robberies, and 147 aggravated assaults, while the property crimes included 141 burglaries, 622 larcenies, 99 motor vehicle thefts, and 4 cases of arson. Compared to the total crimes recorded in 2018, there was a 3% decrease.
Are Flathead County Criminal Records Public?
Flathead County criminal records are largely open to the public. Montana privacy laws restrict access to adult criminal records involving felony and misdemeanor charges. Criminal records that are deferred and later dismissed are not available to the public.
Persons who wish to obtain criminal records on a person living in Flathead County may visit the Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours. Alternatively, use the public records search portal provided by the Montana Department of Justice to perform a name-based search for a person's criminal records. Each search costs $20.
Generally, persons who visit the Sheriff's Office must provide the name and date of birth of the person of interest. Furthermore, social security numbers and aliases can be provided for a more thorough search.
Meanwhile, fingerprint-based checks for criminal records are also possible in person or by mail. Requesters must provide a fingerprint card obtained from local law enforcement offices and mailed to the Division of Criminal Investigation. An acceptable card must contain the following details:
- Signatures of both the requester and the subject.
- The subject's full name.
- The subject's date of birth.
- The subject's social security number.
- Aliases, maiden name, and any other name previously used.
Mail the fingerprint card, along with a check for the $30 search and processing fees, to:
Division of Criminal Investigation
ATTN: Criminal Records
2225 11th Avenue
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 444-3625
Fax: (406) 444-0689
E-mail: dojcriss@mt.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
How to Obtain Flathead County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Flathead County Sheriff maintains Flathead arrest records and police reports. Any person can obtain copies of the record by making a request in person during business hours. These records include traffic incidents and accidents reports. Some records, such as confidential records, may not be open to the public. Visit the Sheriff's Office at:
Flathead County Sheriff
920 South Main Street, Suite 100,
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5585
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Flathead County
The Montana Department of Justice maintains a sexual offender registry for Montana, including Flathead County. Interested persons can search for offenders using either names or locations. Name searches will show all offenders with matching names, while location searches reveal all registered sexual offenders in a selected location. Users can also conduct location searches by street addresses and may choose to search one, two, or three miles within that area. Information provided for each offender includes the offender's name, address, date of birth, photograph, physical description, date of conviction, and crime.
How to Find Flathead County Inmate Records
The Flathead County Sheriff's Office maintains records of inmates in the county. Users can sort the list of inmates either according to name or date. Information provided regarding inmates includes names, ages, dates booked, court dates, photographs, and offenses committed. Interested persons can also additionally check a list of recently released and booked individuals. In-person and mail requests should be made to:
Flathead County Sheriff
920 South Main Street, Suite 100,
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5585
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Flathead County Jail?
Any person can visit an inmate in the Flathead County Detention Center by scheduling a visit. Visitors can schedule a visit with the detention center through calls. Inmates can receive one visitor per day between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, noon and 9:00 pm on Saturdays, and 9:00 am and 9:00 pm on Sundays.
The staff of the detention facility searches all visitors before entry, and visitors are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before their visitation time. Visitors should also provide a photo ID. All visitors should follow the rules of the jail, including:
- Electronic devices should not be brought into the detention facility.
- Purses and bags should not be brought into the detention facility.
- Alcohol and guns should not be brought
- Former inmates of any correctional facility, individuals under parole or probation, and victims of an inmate cannot visit the jail.
Any person that wishes to make a visit should contact:
Flathead County Jail & Detention Center
800 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5585
Fax: (406) 758-5862
Flathead County Court Records
Flathead County's court system consists of a District Court, a Justice Court, a City Court, and municipal courts. These different courts handle various kinds of cases falling within their individual jurisdiction. For example, municipal courts determine city and town ordinance violations. There are also clerks to maintain records of cases the courts determine.
Location of Courts in Flathead County
Flathead County District Court
Flathead County Justice Center
920 South Main Street, Suite 300,
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5870
Fax: (406) 758-5857
Flathead County Justice Court
Flathead County Justice Center
(Attn: Justice Court)
920 South Main Street, Suite 210,
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5643
Fax: (406) 758-5842
Columbia Falls City Court
Columbia Falls City Hall
130 6th Street West, P.O. Box 2735,
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Phone: (406) 892-4340
Fax: (406) 892-4351
Kalispell Municipal Court
312 1st Avenue East,
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7705
Fax: (406) 758-7773
Whitefish Municipal Court
275 Flathead Avenue,
P.O. Box 158,
Whitefish, MT 59937
Phone: (406) 863-2440
Fax: (406) 863-1259
Are Flathead County Court Records Public?
Yes. Flathead County court records are generally public, in accordance with Montana public records law. However, records that are confidential, such as juvenile, adoption, and sealed records, are closed to the public. Any person interested in obtaining Flathead court records would need to make a request to the Flathead County Clerk of Court. Court records may also be available at the Clerk's Office in the courthouse where the case was filed and adjudicated.
How to Obtain Flathead County Civil Court Case Records
Any person can obtain Flathead County civil court case records by making a request to the Flathead County Clerk. Requests should be made in writing and can be made in person, by mail, or online. The Clerk may also require the requester to pay any applicable fees. Requests should be made to:
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865
The first page of the record costs 50 cents, while each subsequent page of the same document costs 25 cents. There is an additional $2 charge to have the document certified. Flathead County civil court case records are also available at the courthouse that determined the case. The requester would need to provide information about the case, such as the case number and the names of the parties.
How to Obtain Flathead County Criminal Court Records
The Flathead County Clerk provides public access to Flathead County criminal records. Any person interested in obtaining a copy should send a written request to the clerk. Requests can be in person, by mail, or online. The first page of the record costs 50 cents, with each subsequent page of the same record attracting a 25 cents fee. There is an additional $2 charge to certify a copy of Flathead criminal court records. Requests can be made at:
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865
A request can also be made at the courthouse that presided over the criminal case. Meanwhile, any person can use the Montana Supreme Court cases database to find Supreme Court criminal cases for free. There is an online database of cases determined by different courts, although users may need to pay. Online searches are carried out with names of parties to the cases and case numbers.
What are Flathead County Vital Records?
Flathead County vital records are documents of certain significant life events that take place within the County, such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. These records are available at both the state and the county level. The County Clerk and Recorder is the record custodian for Flathead marriage, divorce, birth, and death records. Marriage and divorce records are also available at the Flathead District Court. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services also maintains vital records for Flathead County. However, not all Flathead vital records are publicly available. Some records are confidential to protect the privacy of individuals.
Where and How to Obtain Flathead County Divorce Records
The Flathead County Clerk of Court maintains divorce records for divorces determined by the Flathead District Court. Any person can make a request for these records in person or by mail. Requesters may make requests at:
Flathead County Clerk of Court
920 South Main, Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5870
Email: flatheadclerkofcourt@flathead.mt.gov
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Flathead County Clerk also maintains Flathead divorce decrees and accepts written requests for these decrees. Any person interested in obtaining a Flathead County divorce decree may send a written request to the Clerk. Requests may be by mail or in person. Each copy of a divorce decree costs $8. Requesters should make their request at:
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865
The Vital Records Office of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services also provides information regarding divorces. Any interested person can contact the Office at:
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Office of Vital Records
Phone: (406) 444-2685
Email: HHSVitalRecords@mt.gov
Where and How to Get Public Flathead County Marriage Records
The Flathead County Clerk of Court maintains Flathead County marriage records. Parties to the marriage can receive both the marriage certificate and license when they make a request, while individuals that are not parties can only receive the marriage certificate and not the marriage license for marriages conducted within the previous 30 years. Requesters will need the name of the parties to the marriage, with the maiden name of the bride. The date of marriage is also necessary.
A photocopy of a Flathead County marriage certificate costs $5, while a certified copy costs $7. Requesters need to provide their names and contact information, such as a home address, telephone number, and email address. Parties to the marriage who wish to obtain a confidential copy will additionally need to provide a photo ID. There is a $2 search fee for marriage records within the previous seven years. There is an additional $1 search fee for each year extending beyond seven years. There is also a $1 postage fee, although the requester may include a self-addressed, stamped envelope in their request and avoid the fee. Requests can be made in person or by mail to:
Flathead County Clerk of Court
920 South Main, Suite 300
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5870
Email: flatheadclerkofcourt@flathead.mt.gov
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Flathead County Clerk also maintains Flathead marriage records and accepts written requests for the records. Requests may be made by mail or in person at:
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901-5420
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865
The Vital Records Office of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services also provides information regarding divorces. Any interested person can contact the Office at:
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Office of Vital Records
Phone: (406) 444-2685
Email: HHSVitalRecords@mt.gov
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Flathead County
All marriages in Flathead County are considered public.
Where and How to Find Flathead County Birth Records
The Flathead County Clerk and Recorder and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services maintain Flathead County birth records. Any requester would have to provide a valid photo ID. Additionally, certified Flathead County birth certificates are confidential and so are only available to qualified persons. Individuals that can successfully make requests for certified copies include:
- The registrant, if they are above thirteen years old.
- The registrant's spouse.
- The registrant's wife.
- Parents.
- Guardians.
- Grandparents.
- A caretaker relative.
All other persons can make requests for informational copies that cannot be used for official purposes.
The Flathead County Clerk and Recorder provides certified copies of Flathead County birth certificates for $8, while informational copies cost 50 cents. There is a $0.50 search fee for each year searched. Requesters need to provide information about the birth, such as the registrant's full name, any previous name, date of birth, place of birth, and parent's name. The requester would also have to provide their contact information, such as full name, home address, email, and telephone number. Interested persons may complete the birth certificate application form and make a request by mail or in person to:
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main Stree, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services accepts mail, online, and phone requests for Flathead birth records. Phone requests can be made by calling (888) 877-1946. For mail requests, requesters should complete the birth certificate application form and send the request to:
Office of Vital Records
Department of Public Health and Human Services
111 North Sanders, Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Where and How to Find Flathead County Death Records
Any person can find a Flathead County death record through a request to the Flathead County Clerk and Recorder or the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Requesters need to provide a photo ID with their requests. The Flathead County Clerk and Recorder provides Flathead County death certificates for $7. Any person making a request would need to provide information about the death, such as the decedent's name, date of death, place of death, date of birth, and place of birth. Requesters will also need to provide their contact information to allow the Clerk to deliver the record when it is ready. Any person interested in making a request should use the death certificate application form and make a mail or in-person request to:
Flathead County Clerk and Recorder
800 South Main Stree, Room 114
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5526
Fax: (406) 758-5865
Requests can also be made to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services by mail, online, or by phone. Phone requests can be made by calling (888) 877-1946. Mail requests usually take between two and three weeks to process and can be made by completing the death certificate application form and sending the request to:
Office of Vital Records
Department of Public Health and Human Services
111 North Sanders, Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
