What are Gallatin County Public Records?
According to the Montana public records act, public records include all writings of government bodies, including electronic mail, all items in electronic format or other non-print media, including but not limited to videotapes, photographs, microfilm, film, or computer disk. The Act empowers the citizens to request and inspect any public records in Gallatin County and provides county record search options for its residents unless it prohibits its citizens from requesting such records. Restricted public records are closed for the following reasons:
- if the right to individual privacy exceeds the public's right to know
- The Public Records Act exempts private writings from disclosure. However, the term "private records" is not defined. The Montana Constitution states that no one may be denied the right to inspect documents unless the "demand for individual privacy outweighs the merits of public disclosure".
- Legitimate trade secrets
- General public safety
Residents may be charged a fee schedule set by the board of County commissioners for making any requested copies and may be charged a little extra for the time spent by the record custodian to search for the records. Residents of Gallatin county are advised to contact the county administrator at (406) 582-3008 or jim.doar@gallatin.mt.gov if the record searched cannot be found (missing) or unsure of which department is responsible for maintaining the records.
Gallatin County Crime Statistics
Gallatin County sheriff reports crime statistics. In 2017, the sheriff reported a total of 2553 crimes recorded in Gallatin County. The crimes included 130 violent crimes, two murder incidents, 41 rape cases, 11 robberies, 76 aggravated assaults, 1143 property crimes, 81 burglaries, 987 larceny thefts, 75 motor vehicle thefts, 7 cases of arson.
Are Gallatin County Criminal Records Public?
Gallatin county criminal records are public records, interested parties can request from the Montana Department of Justice. The agency makes criminal records available to law enforcement organizations and the general public.
- Law enforcement organizations – can obtain criminal records requested for criminal justice purposes available in Montana and across the nation.
- The general public – can obtain criminal records like arrest and prosecutor/court information on felony charges and misdemeanor charges. However, criminal records that have been dismissed by the court or limited by Montana's privacy laws cannot be obtained by the public.
Record seekers can obtain criminal records using a name-based check by providing the individual's name, date of birth, social security number and can also use a fingerprint check to search, which offers accurate, comprehensive information available to anyone authorized to request the record.
Record seekers can request criminal records using any of the three methods:
- Online Name-Based Requests: general public should visit the websites to search for the record by inputting the individual's complete name, complete date of birth, Social Security numbers, and up to four alias names. Record seekers are to pay a $20.00 fee for each record search.
- Mail-In Name-Based Checks: record seekers should include the name of the person being checked, nicknames, aliases, date of birth, maiden names, social security number placed in a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a paid check of $15 and mail the complete request to Montana Criminal Records.
- In-Person Requests: the criminal record can be obtained in-person by visiting the Montana Department of Justice – Criminal Records and Identification Services Section at the following location:
Montana Criminal Records
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620-1403
Email: dojcriss@mt.gov
Phone: (406) 444-3625
Fax: (406) 444-0689
How to Obtain Gallatin County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Interested parties can obtain police reports from the Law & Justice Center - records department by mailing or faxing a written request. Record seekers are to request copies form and state precisely what is wanted, dates, and responding officer and should contact the address below for further information:
Law & Justice Center
615 S. 16th Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
United States
How to Find Gallatin County Sex Offender Information?
The public can find Gallatin County sex offender information on the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) registry. The registry contains records of registered sex offenders that can be accessible by the public. Megan's Law requires offenders to register with the Gallatin county sheriff, who sends the information to the record custodian's department of justice. The DOJ maintains an updated online searchable database. The database provides 2 search categories which are:
- Offender Basic Search: users can search using offense types, offender's last name, city, county, postal code, sex offender Tier level, non-compliant search.
- Neighborhood Search: provides users with the search option of locating sex offenders by inputting the offense type, city, search distance, and street address
Residents of Gallatin county can register with the Montana SVOR EmailEmail Notification Service to be notified of sex offenders' entry, movements, and location within the county.
Where and How to Find Gallatin County Inmate Information?
Record seekers can find and obtain Gallatin inmate records from the sheriff's office – detention center, the custodian of the record. The sheriff keeps an online roster that public visitors and internal users can view. Record seekers can search for an inmate by name or date search. A date search shows a group of inmates incarcerated on that date. The record seeker can click on the inmate's name to pull specific details. Clicking on search without entering any other information, on the other hand, will display all other inmates in the detention center. Persons seeking information on currently incarcerated inmates may visit the courthouse or call using the following contact details:
Gallatin County Detention Center
605 South 16th Avenue.
Bozeman, MT 59715
United States
Phone: (406) 582-2130
Fax: (406) 582-2479
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Gallatin County Jail?
Friends and families of inmates can visit inmates in the detention center. Inmates are classified into high, medium, and low before visitors can schedule a visit. Inmates in disciplinary segregation are not allowed visitation whatsoever. However, inmates on housing arrangements are called down for a visit, and visitors are to arrive 15 minutes early to check-in. Visitors and packages brought in are subject to being searched at the gate. Some of the rules to be followed include:
- Visitation allowed for inmates is 30mins for a session. Any other session is not allowed unless a special visit has been arranged ahead of time.
- A maximum of two (2) adults is allowed and two (2) children per visit. Children must be with their parents throughout the stay and not wander around.
- A visit is first come, first serve, and a photo I.D. is required for adults aged 18 and above.
- Visitors are to leave once visitation time is over.
- An adult must accompany visitors aged 18 and below.
- Visitors' personal belongings are kept in the public locker and are only allowed to take a pen and paper.
- Modest clothes must be worn when it's time.
- Visitors must be respectful and not ill-mannered or lose visitation privileges.
Court Records
The Gallatin county 18th judicial district court, also known as Courts of general jurisdiction, handles criminal cases (primary felonies), civil matters over $12,000 damages, domestic relations, juvenile, probate, mental health, water cases, and appeals from Justice Court, Municipal Court, and administrative agencies. The court grants the public access to its court records.
Location of Courts in Gallatin County
Law & Justice Center
615 South. 16th Avenue.
Room 168
Bozeman, MT 59715
United States
Phone: (406) 582-2191
Jury Hotline: (406) 582-2190
Fax: (406) 582-2163
Are Gallatin County Court Records Public?
In line with the Montana public records Act, Gallatin county court records are public records, and the public has access to inspect and copy the court records. However, not all court records can be accessible by the public. The Act empowers the record custodian to prohibit public access to court if the disclosure of such records will affect the safety of facility personnel, the public, inmates, or students in a public school while some records have been expunged.
Can You Look Up a Gallatin County Court Case Online?
Record seekers can look up a Gallatin county case online via the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). Users can access case, and docket information using the PACER system users are to register and search for case information required.
How to Obtain Gallatin County Civil Court Case Records?
Record seekers can obtain civil court case court records from the Clerk of District Court, the custodian of civil court records. Requesters can get these records by sending mail requests to the courthouse or visiting in person. Residents should submit requests to
Law and Justice Center
615 South. 16th Avenue.
Bozeman, MT 59715
United States
(406) 582-2165
How to Obtain Gallatin County Criminal Court Records?
Gallatin County Criminal Court Case Records can be obtained by record seekers from the Clerk of District Court. The records can be obtained by mailing a request to the courthouse or visiting in person. Requests from residents should be sent to:
Law and Justice Center
615 South. 16th Avenue.
Bozeman, MT 59715
United States
Phone: (406) 582-2165
What are Gallatin County Vital Records?
Gallatin County, Montana, Vital Records contain information about life events in the County such as marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Vital records in Gallatin County, Montana, are open to the public. On the other hand, access to a record is primarily determined by the type of record, the year the event took place, as well as the requester's statutory right. However, interested public members may be given informational copies of a record. The Montana Vital Statistics Code grants access to certified copies to those who are eligible, such as the registrant, immediate family members, and those who have legal authorization or permission to access the record. The MDPHHS offers an online record request service where interested and eligible individuals can order vital records. Requesting vital records online, the requester must provide all necessary information to process the record search, which includes:
- The full name(s) of the record's subject(s) (including any maiden names).
- The event's location and approximate date.
- The record's license number, court docket number, or case file number (if applicable).
- The subject's parents or legal guardians' full names (if applicable).
- The name(s) of the involved legal representative(s) or their state bar identity number.
Where and How to Obtain Gallatin County Divorce Records?
Record seekers can obtain information on a marriage dissolution by submitting a written request to the District Court Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Alternatively, the requester can request in-person at the Clerk of the Court's Office. An index of the divorce records can also be obtained from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Office of Vital Statistics. The public has access to the divorce records. However, only divorce parties and their legal representatives have access to complete divorce records. Interested parties who make record requests are only eligible to obtain information that verifies the legal status of the divorce. Parties making requests for copies of divorce records must provide an acceptable form of I.Ds and the following information:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Date of the divorce
- Location of the divorce
- Court case number
Requestors are to submit completed written requests or requests in person to the following address:
Office of Vital Statistics
Department of Public Health and Human Services
111 North Sanders
Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604-4210
In Montana, the district Court Clerks typically charge $10 for a plain copy of a divorce decree and an additional $2 for a certified copy. These fees may differ from county to county, so it is best to check with the appropriate Clerk's Office ahead of time.
Where and How to Obtain Gallatin County Marriage Records?
Residents can find marriage records at the Office of the District Court Clerk in the county where the marriage license was obtained. Gallatin County, Montana Office of Vital Statistics maintains an index of marriage certificates issued from July 1943 to the present. The requester may visit the following address to obtain a verified copy.
Office of Vital Statistics
111 North Sanders, Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-4226
Fax: (406) 444-1803
A requester may receive the records via mail or in-person. To obtain a marriage record in person, the requester must submit a completed Application Form and a copy of valid government-issued identification to the completed form to the Clerk of Court office, which is located at the given address:
District Court Clerk Office
615 South 16th Avenue #302,
Bozeman, MT 59715,
United States.
Phone: (406) 582-2165
Where and How to Obtain Gallatin County Birth Records?
Birth Records in Gallatin County, Montana, can be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Service Office of Vital Records. Records above 30 years are public records and can be accessed by the general public. However, in accordance with 50-15-121 MCA and 37.8.126 ARM, birth records that are less than 30 years old are only available to the person(s) named on the certificate and related individuals, such as:
- The person name appears on the birth certificate (must be at least 14 years old)
- The person named on the record's spouse or children (with evidence of relationship)
- The grandparents or parents (with evidence of relationship)
- The legal guardian or a relative of the person whose name appears on the certificate (with proof of guardianship)
Interested parties can show a direct and genuine interest in the record by providing appropriate documentation. To obtain a birth record in person, requesters must submit a completed Application Form along with a copy of valid government-issued identification to the DPHHS Vital Records office, which is located at the given address:
Office of Vital Statistics
111 North Sanders, Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-4226
Fax: (406) 444-1803
The cost of obtaining a birth-certified copy cost $12 for each copy. and $5 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Fees for mail or in-person requests are payable by check, cash, or money order to the office of vital records.
The record seeker may also contact the Clerk and recorder's office in the county where the birth happened to obtain birth records at the given address in person or by mail.
District Court Clerk Office
615 South 16th Avenue #302,
Bozeman, MT 59715,
United States.
Phone: (406) 582-2165
Where and How to Obtain Gallatin County Death Records?
Gallatin County, Montana, death records can be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Service Office of Vital Records. Gallatin County does not accept in-person or walk-in requests. To get a birth record by mail, the requester must submit a completed Application Form along with a copy of valid government-issued identification to the DPHHS Vital Records office, which is located at the given address:
Office of Vital Statistics
111 North Sanders, Room 6
P.O. Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: (406) 444-4226
Fax: (406) 444-1803
Death records can also be obtained online via a third party website. The cost of obtaining a birth-certified copy costs $15 for each copy. and $12 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Fees for mail or in-person requests are payable by check, cash, or money order to the office of vital records.
