Ramsey County Court Records Search
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Ramsey County, home to Minnesota’s capital city of Saint Paul, operates within the Second Judicial District. The county’s district court system handles an extensive caseload spanning criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law disputes, juvenile matters, probate proceedings, and housing cases. Records produced throughout these proceedings—dockets, motions, orders, judgments, and transcripts—are maintained by the court clerk’s office and various county departments. Whether a person needs to verify a past judgment, review a pending case, or request a certified copy of a court document, Ramsey County provides multiple pathways to access that information.
For those searching for court records in Minnesota, the Minnesota Judicial Branch website serves as a central resource for locating courts, accessing forms, and understanding record request procedures. MinnesotaCourts.us may also be useful for locating publicly available court case information. Ramsey County residents and the general public can search records through online tools operated by the Judicial Branch, by visiting public access terminals at courthouse locations, or by contacting court administration directly by phone or mail.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Ramsey County?
Ramsey County offers online, in-person, and mail-based methods for looking up court cases. The approach that works best depends on the type of record, how current it is, and whether a certified copy is needed.
Online Searches
The primary tool for searching Ramsey County court records online is Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). This platform provides public access to case records from all Minnesota district courts, including the Second Judicial District serving Ramsey County. MCRO allows searches by:
- Person name, business name, or attorney name
- Case number or citation number
- Attorney bar number
In addition to the case search, MCRO provides separate tabs for document searches, hearing searches, and judgment searches. Viewing case registers of action and downloading uncertified copies of available documents is free. Certified copies cost $14 per document.
For appellate case information, the Public Minnesota Appellate Courts Case Management System (P-MACS) allows users to track appeals filed with the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court, including file numbers, party names, and full docket entries.
In-Person Access
The Ramsey County District Court maintains public access terminals at its courthouse locations where visitors can search local and statewide case records. The main records office is at:
District Court Records Center
15 West Kellogg Blvd., Room 72
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 266-8237
Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Older records not available online may only be viewed at this office.
Mail and Phone Requests
Record requests can also be submitted by mail or phone to the Records Center at the address above. Payment for copy fees must be received before copies are released. Accepted payment methods include check or money order (by mail), credit or debit card (by phone), and cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (in person).
Are Court Records Public in Ramsey County?
The Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, adopted by the Minnesota Supreme Court, establish the framework governing who may access court records and under what conditions. The general rule is that court case records are accessible to the public. Any person may make an oral or written request to inspect or obtain copies of records during regular office hours.
However, the rules identify several categories of restricted or non-public records, including:
- Juvenile delinquency, child protection, and adoption case records
- Domestic abuse and harassment records (certain filings)
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records of individuals undergoing sentencing evaluations, psychological evaluations, or counseling
- Medical and genetic information submitted in civil commitment or similar proceedings
- Video recordings of child victims or witnesses
Specific data elements are also shielded from public view regardless of case type. These include Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, and images containing sexual content or nudity.
Non-public documents held by the Ramsey County District Court may require verification of the requester’s identity or a judge’s order before access is granted. Anyone with questions about whether a particular record is accessible should contact the Records Center at (651) 266-8237.
Agencies requesting certified copies of criminal records should send requests by email to 2ndDistrictCourtRecords@courts.state.mn.us and allow up to five business days for processing. The request should include the court file number and the specific documents needed.
Ramsey County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Ramsey County are prosecuted in the Second Judicial District Court. Felony offenses, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors are all adjudicated within this court system. Criminal records encompass complaints, warrants, bail documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and disposition records.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information can be searched through MCRO using a defendant’s name, case number, or citation number. Appellate criminal cases may be tracked through P-MACS. In-person searches are available at the District Court Records Center, and public access terminals at the courthouse allow visitors to review both local and statewide criminal case records.
Criminal History Records Through the BCA
Formal criminal history information—distinct from individual court case files—is maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Several options exist for obtaining these records:
- Personal record request by mail: Submit a signed, dated, and notarized letter containing your full name, date of birth, and any former names, along with an $8.00 fee (check or money order) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
CHA Unit
1430 Maryland Ave. E.
St. Paul, MN 55106 - In-person viewing: Visit the BCA office during lobby hours (Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) with a government-issued photo ID. Viewing is free; a printed copy costs $8.00. Fingerprinting services are available for $10.00 per card.
- Requesting another person’s public record: The Minnesota Public Criminal History Search website provides free online access to public criminal history data. To obtain a complete criminal history including private data, the requester must submit a notarized Informed Consent Form signed by the record subject, along with a $15.00 fee.
Arrest and Incident Reports
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office processes requests for police and incident reports. Public information from reports may be requested, though the release of private, confidential, or non-public data is governed by Minnesota Statute § 13.82. Reports may be withheld when an investigation is ongoing, when safety could be jeopardized, or when investigative techniques would be disclosed. Juvenile information is also restricted.
To request a report:
- In person: Visit the Sheriff’s Patrol Station at 1411 Paul Kirkwold Drive, Arden Hills, MN 55112 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- By mail: Send a written request with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order payable to Ramsey County to the same address
The fee for copies is $0.25 per page. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for these requests.
Current booking reports and active warrant information are searchable online through the Sheriff’s Office website.
Ramsey County Civil Court Records
The Ramsey County District Court adjudicates a broad range of civil matters, including general civil disputes, Conciliation Court (small claims) cases, housing matters, and tax court proceedings. Civil records include complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials, court orders, and judgments.
Searching and Obtaining Civil Records
Civil case records are accessible through MCRO and at the public access terminals in the courthouse. Copies can be requested from the Records Center by mail, phone, or in person at:
Civil Records Division
15 West Kellogg Blvd., Room 170
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 266-8253
Key Filing Fees for Civil Matters
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| First paper filed (plaintiff or defendant) | $310.00 |
| Motion or response to a motion | $100.00 |
| Jury trial request (at time of first filing) | $410.00 |
| Conciliation Court (first paper) | $65.00 |
| Conciliation Court removal to District Court | $310.00 |
| Subpoena (per name) | $16.00 |
| Certified copy of any document | $14.00 |
| Uncertified copy | Free |
| Name change petition | $310.00 |
A complete schedule of district court fees is published on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website, broken down by case type and with statutory authority cited for each fee.
Conciliation Court
Conciliation Court, Minnesota’s small claims court, is part of the district court system. Filing fees are $65.00 for the first paper. Removal to District Court by an aggrieved party costs $310.00, or $410.00 if a jury trial is requested.
Historical Records
The Minnesota Historical Society preserves Ramsey County civil case files from 1858 to 1902 (file numbers 1 through 78,050). Researchers can contact the State Archives staff at (651) 259-3300 for assistance with these historical records.
Ramsey County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Ramsey County are overseen by the Juvenile and Family Court, a division of the district court. This division handles dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody, parenting time disputes, child support establishment and modification, paternity actions, and protection orders. It operates from the Juvenile and Family Justice Center:
Juvenile and Family Justice Center
25 West 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
Key contacts within this facility:
- Family Court Administration: (651) 266-2842
- Juvenile Court: (651) 266-5115
- Protection and Restraining Order Office: Room B122, (651) 266-5130
Family Law Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of marriage (with or without children) | $390.00 |
| Custody, paternity, parenting time, registrations | $310.00 |
| Legal separation or annulment | $360.00 |
| Child support modification motion | $50.00 |
| Other family law motion | $100.00 |
| Forms packet (dissolution) | $10.00 |
| Harassment Restraining Order (first paper) | $310.00 |
| Order for Protection (petitioner filing) | Free |
Divorce Records
All Ramsey County divorce records are maintained at the District Court Records Center inside the Saint Paul City Hall – Ramsey County Courthouse. Requests should be directed to:
District Court Records Center
15 West Kellogg Blvd., Room 72
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 266-8237
Marriage Records
Marriage records for Ramsey County are held by the Vital Records Office, now located in the Plato Building. Records dating from approximately 1850 are available. Copies cost $10 each and can be requested in person or by mail. The office accepts cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card for in-person requests; mail requests require a check or money order payable to Ramsey County.
Vital Records Office
90 Plato Blvd. West
Saint Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 266-1333
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A Marriage Record Request Application form is available for download. Requesters must provide valid photo identification. Historical marriage records require a manual search by staff and cannot be processed same-day.
Birth and Death Records
The Vital Records Office also maintains birth records (Ramsey County from approximately 1870; statewide certified from 1935) and death records (Ramsey County from approximately 1870; statewide from 1997). Certified copies require the requester to demonstrate tangible interest in the record subject. Noncertified copies are available to anyone.
| Record Type | Certified (1st copy) | Additional Certified | Noncertified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | $26.00 | $19.00 | $13.00 |
| Death | $13.00 | $6.00 | $13.00 |
Ramsey County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Ramsey County are handled by the Civil Division of the District Court. The probate court has jurisdiction over the distribution of a decedent’s property, the administration of estates and trusts, the establishment of guardianships and conservatorships for minors and incapacitated adults, and civil commitment proceedings.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records filed on or after July 1, 2015, can be searched through MCRO. Appellate-level probate matters may be tracked through P-MACS. For records filed before July 2015 or those not available online, requesters should visit the District Court Records Center in person, where public access terminals and staff assistance are available.
Filing Fees for Probate Matters
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships (first paper) | $310.00 |
| Deposit of will for safekeeping | $27.00 |
| Trust accounts (partial, final, or annual) | $55.00 |
| Certified copy of any probate document | $14.00 |
Requests for probate records should be directed to:
District Court Records Center
15 West Kellogg Blvd., Room 72
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 266-8237
Payment must be received before copies are provided. When requesting by mail, enclose a check or money order. Phone requests may be paid by credit or debit card.
Guardianship and conservatorship background checks require a separate process through the BCA, including a $32.00 fee, a completed fingerprint card, and a consent form mailed to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Records Retention
The District Court Record Retention Schedule sets minimum retention periods for probate and all other court records. Some older files may have been destroyed in accordance with state retention schedules. Electronic records may remain even when paper documents have been disposed of. Contact the Records Center to confirm whether a particular probate file is still available.