Information on Recorder:

The County Recorder’s office is one of the county offices formally organized by the Constitutional Convention of 1889, and in some counties existed as part of the territorial offices. 

County Recorders are elected to four-year terms which begin the first day of January. A few counties appoint their recorders. Elections are the predominant method for citizens to select a county recorder. Some of the counties have the recorder combined with another office.

The county recorders are active members of the ND Association of Counties and have representatives on the Board of Directors. When special problems arise, the recorders assist the county commission in resolving real estate problems and recording issues. 

The County Recorders Association was organized in 1928 to assist North Dakota’s 53 recorders (formerly register of deeds until 2001) in keeping abreast of changes within their offices germane to statute and methods of doing business. The County Recorders Association also monitors and proposes legislation to better serve the county, state, and citizenry. An annual summer convention is held along with the training and quad meetings in the spring and fall. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to discuss and resolve issues affecting the recorder’s office. 

The filed and recorded information processed by the county recorder is used by the auditor, treasurer, commissioners, and other county officials, along with landowners, general public, and business enterprises. All information in the recorder’s office, except filed wills and military discharge papers are public record. The real estate record is the basis for the auditor’s assessment rolls and the tax collection process of the treasurer.