Open Public Record Act:

The Montana Open Records Law grants citizens the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records of the state with certain exemptions. For example, records that will infringe on an individual’s right to privacy will be closed to the public. Other exemptions to “public information” include information that relates to individual or public safety such as information regarding the security of a correctional facility.

Birth Records:

Certified copies of birth certificates can be obtained from the Office of Vital Records which is part of the Department of Public Health and Human Services. To obtain a copy from this office, you will need to place an order by mail. Complete an application form and submit it along with a check or money order made payable to the Office of Vital Records. You will also need to provide a copy of your picture ID with a signature such as a driver’s license or passport. If you do not have a picture ID with a signature, you can provide two forms of ID, one of which must have a signature such as a fishing license and a pay stub. Make sure that the photocopy is of both sides of the ID. The processing time for mailed in requests is typically 2 to 3 weeks after receipt.

You can also order a copy of a birth certificate through a third party vendor, VitalChek, with your credit card either online or over the phone by calling (888) 877-1946. An additional fee will be charged by VitalChek for their services.

If you wish to learn more about obtaining a birth certificate, you can contact the Office of Vital Records via email at [email protected].

Death Records:

Certified copies of death certificates can be obtained from the Office of Vital Records which is part of the Department of Public Health and Human Services. To obtain a copy from this office, you will need to place an order by mail. Complete an application form and submit it along with a check or money order made payable to the Office of Vital Records. You will also need to provide a copy of your picture ID with a signature such as a driver’s license or passport. If you do not have a picture ID with a signature, you can provide two forms of ID, one of which must have a signature such as a fishing license and a pay stub. Make sure that the photocopy is of both sides of the ID. The processing time for mailed in requests is typically 2 to 3 weeks after receipt.

You can also order a copy of a death certificate through a third party vendor, VitalChek, with your credit card either online or over the phone by calling (888) 877-1946. An additional fee will be charged by VitalChek for their services.

If you wish to learn more about obtaining a death certificate, you can contact the Office of Vital Records via email at [email protected].

Missing People:

The Montana Department of Justice maintains a database of all persons reported missing in the state. You can search for a person by entering his or her last name in the Quick Search box. You can also perform an Advanced Search by inputting the person’s age, gender, county, and/or city. Each case file shows the person’s photo, name, gender, aliases, date of birth, date of last contact, physical description, incident information, and investigating agency.

Elected Officials:

The list of Montana’s statewide elected officials can be found on the official state website. Links to the officials’ webpages are posted on the site to enable you to get more information. For example, the website has a link for the governor’s profile within the state website. It shows the current governor, Steve Bullock, links to articles related to him as well as links to his social media account.

Court Records

no links in this area

Recorder