Montana Public Records

Montana public records are held by state agencies, courts, counties, cities, and archival institutions. The right starting point depends on the type of record and the office that created it.

Start with the agency that holds the record

For government administrative records, identify the agency, county, city, or other public body most likely to maintain the records. Make a written request that names the records you want, gives a reasonable date range, and asks for electronic copies when available. Keep a copy of your request and any response.

Official Montana resources

• Montana Secretary of State: Managing Public Records — information on how state and local government records are managed and retained.
• Montana Judicial Branch public-access portals — district-court and limited-jurisdiction court access portals, plus a court locator.
• Montana Court Locator — contact information for the appropriate court when an online record is unavailable.
• Montana Secretary of State: Public-record definition — state records-management guidance and related statutory references.

Common record types

• Court records: begin with the Montana Judicial Branch portal or the clerk of the relevant court.
• Property and land records: contact the county clerk and recorder in the county where the property is located.
• State-agency records: contact the agency that created or maintains the records; records-management guidance is available from the Secretary of State.
• Historical records: state and local archives, libraries, and historical institutions may hold older materials.

Before you request

Be specific about the record type, office, names, and date range. Some records may be restricted, redacted, available only from a local office, or subject to copying or research fees. Confirm the current process directly with the responsible public office.

Last researched: August 2026. This independent guide is for general information and is not a government service or legal advice.