Stearns County Arrest, Court, and Public Records

What are Stearns County Public Records?

The Minnesota Data Practices Act defines Stearns County public records as any written or digital information created, stored, and amended by public bodies at the state and local level. Under the Act, public records may exist as books, charts, maps, photographs, audio recordings, videotapes, SMS, or emails. Interested applicants can obtain these public records from the custodian public body in charge of the records. Nonetheless, not all documents are public records. The Minnesota Data Practices Act restricts access to the following records:

Information on domestic abuse records.
An educational record that contains prekindergarten to grade 12 information.
Federal contracts data.
Personal information that may violate the privacy of a record subject.
Information on a prospective law enforcement proceeding.
Records on an individual’s medical records.
Reveals information on a confidential source.

Stearns County Crime Statistics

The Minnesota Department of Safety, through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), publishes reports on all recorded crimes in all the state’s law enforcement agencies. In the BCA crimes report for 2019, Stearns County recorded 4,479 index crimes, including 355 violent crimes and 4,124 property crimes. The listed violent crimes include three murders, 84 sex-related offenses, 55 robberies, and 213 aggravated assaults. On the other hand, the BCA report’s property crimes cover 439 burglaries, 3383 larceny-thefts, and 16 arsons.

Compared with the 2016 Crime Report for Stearns County, reported crimes reduced slightly by 7 percent. Within a two-year gap, violent crimes fell slightly by 8 percent, while property crimes also saw a 7-percent slight decrease in the number of reported cases.

Are Stearns County Criminal Records Public?

Stearns County criminal records are only public records for 15 years after the completion of the record subject's sentence. The Minnesota Data Practices Act enables any interested person to obtain copies of criminal records from county and state custodian agencies. However, criminal records, such as juvenile crime records, are restricted from public access. Although criminal records are public records, the Minnesota Statutes §13.87, subdivision 3(f), prevents requesters from using criminal records for housing, credit, and employment purposes without notifying the applicants.

At the state level, the BCA generates and provides access to criminal records in all the state counties. It allows persons and agencies to obtain copies of criminal records in Stearns County through mail or an in-person visit to the BCA Headquarters. Record subjects can access their criminal records through mail requests by sending a written request with the following details: the full name and aliases (including maiden names), birth date, and the purpose of the request. Written requests must be notarized and sent along with an $8 personal check, cashier check, or money order payable to the BCA at:

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Minnesota Justice Information Services - CHA Unit
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106

In addition to this, record subjects and interested persons can view Stearns County criminal records at the BCA Headquarters from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. To view criminal records at the BCA, requesters must provide valid photo identification, such as a driving license. Record subjects may need to use a fingerprint to verify their identity.

Agencies and interested persons can request another’s criminal records through an online search platform, mail request, and in-person requests. Use the Minnesota Public Criminal History search platform to obtain online copies of Stearns County criminal records. To access another’s criminal records through mail, record seekers must provide a notarized informed consent form from the record subject with the written request. Also, include a check or money order for $8, payable to the BCA. Send in a self-addressed envelope to the BCA at:

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Minnesota Justice Information Services - CHA Unit
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106

How to Obtain Stearns County Police Reports and Arrest Records

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office is the custodian of all police reports and arrest records generated within the county. Therefore, interested residents and non-residents can obtain copies of Stearns County arrest records or police reports from the Records Division of the Stearns County Sheriff's Office. Access police report or arrest records by contacting the Stearns County Sheriff's Office at:

807 Courthouse Square
St Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 259-3700.

Similarly, any interested person can get Stearns County police reports and arrest records through the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search. Search for arrest records and police reports using the offenders’ full names and birth dates.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Stearns County

The Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains and updates Stearns County sex offender information on a central database. Therefore, requesters can search the central database to get information on all sex offenders in Stearn County. Select Stearns County on the central online database to get a complete list of all sex offenders registered and living in the county.

How to Find Stearns County Inmate Information’

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online database of all past and current inmates at the county jail facility. Residents can search for Stearns County inmate information on the online database using inmates’ names, gender, age, bail amount, charge level, and booking dates. In addition to this, the Sheriff’s Office maintains an online database for all past inmates. Input the inmates’ details, such as names, gender, race, and age, to get information on past inmates in Stearns County. Similarly, Stearn County inmate information is also accessible via the Minnesota Department of Corrections’ online search platform. Input an inmate’s name or MNDOC Offender ID to obtain information on all inmates in Stearn County Jail.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Stearns County

Visitors to the Stearns County Jail facility must provide a federal or state-issued ID before visitation. All inmates in Stearns County are incarcerated at the address below.

Stearns County Jail
807 Courthouse Square
St Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 259-3700

Inmates at the Stearns County Jail are eligible for only one visit per week. Furthermore, each visit has a 20-minute time limit, and it is reduced to 15 minutes on busy days. Visitors must dress appropriately. The visitation schedule for Stearns County Jail is as follows:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: visitation is from 6:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Saturdays: visitation is from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m
There is no visitation on Sundays and Fridays.

Court Records

As a part of the Minnesota Seventh Judicial District, Stearns County court records comprise only a District Court. The District Court’s Clerk maintains court records, such as civil, criminal, traffic, small claims, and probate cases. Court records in Stearns County comprise documents like affidavits, party pleadings, motions, and appeals filed. The Stearns County District Court is situated at:

Stearns County District Court
Stearns County Courthouse
725 Courthouse Square
Room 134
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 656-3620
Fax: (320) 656-3626.

Are Stearns County Court Records Public?

Under the state’s Data Practices Act, most court records generated in Stearns County are public records. As a result, public members can access court documents containing the decisions and orders of the court, trial transcripts, docket information, any form of court-related documents.

Nevertheless, court documents containing confidential information, such as child adoption cases and juvenile criminal records, are restricted from public access. All court records are under the jurisdiction of the Stearns County District Court. Hence, interested record persons may obtain copies of court records by contacting the Clerk of the Stearns County District Court at:

705 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56303-4701
Phone: (320) 656-3600

Can You Look Up Stearns County Court Records Online?

Members of the public can look up Stearns County court records online through the Minnesota Public Access Remote platform. On the remote platform, interested persons can access Stearns County court records by choosing Stearns County as the court record’s location and selecting the type of court record.

How to Obtain Stearns County Civil Court Case Records

The Stearns County District Court generates and maintains civil court records from 1946 to the present. Civil court records from 1858 to 1949 are obtainable at the Minnesota Historical Society. To access civil court records before 1949, visit or contact the Minnesota Historical Library at:

345 Kellogg Boulevard West
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 259-3300

On the other hand, obtain copies of Stearns County civil court records from 1946 to the present at the:

County District Court
705 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56303-4701
Phone: (320) 656-3600

Likewise, the Minnesota Public Access Remote Platform maintains an online repository of civil court records generated in Stearns County. Interested persons can access Stearns County civil court records on the remote platform by choosing Stearns County as the court record location and selecting the type of court record. Obtain civil court records by inputting the civil case number, case status, and date filed.

How to Obtain Stearns County Criminal Court Case Records

Stearns County criminal court records are open to the public via the County District Court. The Stearns County District Court is responsible for preserving criminal court records from 1949 to the present. Requesters will need to contact the Stearns County District Court to access criminal court records documented after 1949. Older criminal court records are available at the Minnesota Historical Society Library. Visit or contact the Minnesota Historical Library at the address below to access civil court records before 1949.

345 Kellogg Boulevard West
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 259-3300

Similarly, copies of Stearn County criminal records are accessible online. The Minnesota Public Access Remote Platform handles an online database of all criminal court records generated in Stearns County. Interested persons can access Stearns County criminal court records on the remote platform by choosing Stearns County as the court record location and selecting the criminal court records as the type of court record. Obtain civil court records by inputting the civil case number, case status, and date filed.

What are Stearns County Vital Records?

Stearns County vital records are official recordings of all life events in the county. They include information about birth, life, death, and divorce events documented in the county. As part of the Stearns County public records, interested persons can request vital information from custodian agencies.

However, not all vital records are open to the public. As a result, agencies provide these records only to owners of the files and those that meet the requirements. Consequently, interested parties must apply to the approved caretakers before they can obtain the records.

For instance, the Stearns County District Court is the custodian of all divorce and marriage records. Simultaneously, the Stearns County License Center generates and preserves records of all birth and death events in Stearns County. On the other hand, the Minnesota Department of Health, via the Vital Records Office, maintains all vital records in the state counties and cities.

Where and How to Obtain Stearns County Divorce Records

Stearns County divorce records are open records and are under the Stearns County District Court jurisdiction. Obtain certified copies of divorce records from the Stearns County courthouse in-person at the:

705 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56303-4701
Phone: (320) 656-3600.

Where and How to Get Public Stearns County Marriage Records

Interested persons can obtain copies of marriage records from the Stearns County License Center. Since marriage records in Stearns County are public records, any interested member of the public can access the documents. Visit or send a written request detailing the record subjects’ names, date and place of marriage event, and the purpose of the request to the Stearns County License Center at:

License Center - Administration Center
705 Courthouse Square
Room 130
St. Cloud, MN 56303

The Stearns County License Center processes marriage requests on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Furthermore, it cost $9 to obtain a copy of a marriage record from the Stearns County License Center.

Similarly, the Minnesota Official Marriage System provides online access to all marriage records in Stearns County. Select “Stearns County” as the county where the marriage event occurred. Then, input the record subject’s full names and marriage date to access marriage records online.

Where and How to Find Stearns County Birth Records

The Stearns County License Center is the custodian of all birth records in the county, and it provides access to birth records. In addition to this, the License Center also grants access to birth records generated in other counties in Minnesota. Under Minnesota Statute 144.225, Stearns County birth records are restricted to only persons with a substantial interest. The following persons can access Stearns County birth records:

The record subject (above the legal age);
The parents listed on the birth record;
Legal guardians;
The record subject’s current spouse;
Grandparents;
Grandchildren;
Health care agent for the record subject;
Legal representatives;
and Adoption agency (must provide an Employee ID).

Certified and non-certified copies of Stearn County birth records are obtainable through an online platform, mail, and in-person requests. Requesters can register with the Virtual License Center to get copies of birth records online. Alternatively, residents can complete the birth record application form to get copies of Stearn County through mail requests. Requests must include the record subject’s full name, birth date, and birth city and county. Send the completed birth record alongside a money order or check payable to Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer to the:

Stearns County License Center
705 Courthouse Square
Room 130
Saint Cloud, MN 56303

The Stearns License Center does not accept cash payments for mail requests. Birth records cost $26, and additional copies cost $19. Record seekers can obtain birth records in-person by visiting the Stearns County License Center at the address above. Provide a copy of a photo ID at the License Center to access birth records. Likewise, eligible persons can access certified copies of birth records from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Vital Records Office. Obtain birth records through mail or in-person request. Fill out the birth record request form and send it to any of the addresses below.

Minnesota Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 64499
St. Paul, MN 55164-0499

License Center - Administration Building
705 Courthouse Square
Room 130
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 656-6540
www.stearnscountymn.gov

License Center – Service Center
3301 County Road 138
Waite Park, MN 56387
Phone: (320) 656-6540
www.stearnscountymn.gov

Where and How to Get Stearns County Death Records

Stearns County death records are not public records. Only the following eligible persons can access death records from the Stearns County License Center:

The record subject’s immediate family members (parents, children, grandparents, siblings, the spouse listed on the record, and the grandchildren);
Persons responsible for filling out the death record;
The record subject’s successor or personal representative;
Beneficiaries of a trust, will, or insurance policy;
Legal representatives;
Adoption agency (must provide an Employee ID);

These eligible requesters can access Stearns County death records through online, mail, or in-person visits to the County License Office. To access copies of death records through mail, requesters must fill out the death record application form. Make a personal check or money order payable to the Stearns County Auditor-Treasurer, and send to the:

Stearns County License Center
705 Courthouse Square
Room 130
Saint Cloud, MN 56303

The Stearns License Center does not accept cash payments for mail requests. It costs $13 to obtain Stearn County death records, while additional copies cost $6.

To obtain death records in-person, requesters may visit the Stearns County License Center at any of the addresses below.

License Center - Administration Center
705 Courthouse Square
Room 130
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 656-6540

License Center - Service Center
3301 County Road 138
Waite Park, MN 56387
Phone: (320) 656-6540

Both License Centers attend in-person requests from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Submit a photo ID at the service lobby to access death records. Online copies of Stearns County death records are obtainable through the Virtual License Center website. Log in or register an account on the online platform to get death records. Likewise, eligible persons can access certified copies of death records from any Minnesota Department of Health’s Vital Records Office. Obtain death records through mail or in-person request. Fill out the death record request form and send it to any of the addresses below.

Minnesota Department of Health
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 64499
St. Paul, MN 55164-0499

License Center - Administration Building
705 Courthouse Square
Room 130
Saint Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 656-6540

License Center – Service Center
3301 County Road 138
Waite Park, MN 56387
Phone: (320) 656-6540

In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained 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. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.

Are Property Records Open to the Public in Stearns County?

The Minnesota Data Practices Act provides public access to property records in Stearns County. All interested persons may obtain Stearns County property records by submitting requests to the county's custodian office. Requestors may be charged per-page fees to obtain copies.

Where and How to Find Property Records in Stearns County

Property records are obtainable from the Stearns County Assessor's Office. The office creates records from appraisals and assessments carried out on county properties, and issues copies to interested requestors. Parties may submit applications for documents on all properties in Stearns County, excluding properties within St. Cloud City. Requests are entertained at the:

Stearns County Assessor's Office
3301 County Road 138
Waite Park, MN 56387
Phone: (320) 656-3680
Fax: (320) 229-7032
Email: property.assessment@co.stearns.mn.us
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

For property records in St. Cloud City, record seekers should send requests to the following address:

St. Cloud City Assessor's Office
400 2nd Street S.
St. Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: (320) 255-7203
Email: assessor@ci.stcloud.mn.us
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Interested persons may also access records from the Stearns County Recorder's Office. The office records property documents +and archives them in compliance with statutory laws. Property records, including historical real estate records dating back to 1855, are available. Requests should be submitted to the:

Stearns County Recorder's Office
3301 County Road 138
Room 2203
Waite Park, MN 56387
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays

How to Look Up Stearns County Property Records

Members of the general public can find online property records using the LandShark online research system. Users must register accounts and provide credit or debit card information. The platform charges $1 for each page viewed and/or printed. There is also a remote access fee of $5. The credit card entry page stipulates that there is a $50 pre-authorization hold on cards.

However, the $50 hold will adjust to the exact purchase amount within 24 hours. Searches are also possible using the Beacon and ArcaSearch platforms as provided on the Recorder's Office's website.

The Beacon platform offers property, plat, and map searches which cost varying access fees. Users may opt for a one-time access fee of $5 for 24 hours, a $30 monthly access fee, and an annual subscription of $300.

Location of Stearns County Property Assessors

St. Cloud City Assessor's Office
400 2nd Street S.
St. Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: (320) 255-7203
Email: assessor@ci.stcloud.mn.us
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday