Burleigh County Recorder: Deeds & Records

Burleigh County, North Dakota · Recorded Land Documents

Burleigh County Recorder: Search Deeds, Mortgages & Land Records

Trying to find the deed for a home in Bismarck, trace an older land transfer, or check whether a mortgage release was recorded? The Burleigh County Recorder maintains these records for property located in Burleigh County, North Dakota.

The county provides two practical ways to research recorded documents: use public-access computers at the Recorder’s Office in Bismarck or access the North Dakota Recorders Information Network (NDRIN) online with a paid subscription or day pass.

This guide explains how to choose the right search, what NDRIN charges, why older documents sometimes need a book-and-page reference, and what to prepare before recording a new deed.

Information reviewed October 25, 2026 · Burleigh County and NDRIN official sources.

Official Search Options

Where Can You Search Burleigh County Deed Records?

The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, easements, leases, plats and other recorded instruments. Most records are public, but public availability does not mean NDRIN offers unrestricted free internet access.

Research at the Recorder’s Office

Burleigh County states that digitized records are available for viewing on computers in the Recorder’s Office. This is a useful alternative when you need only an occasional document and do not want to purchase an online subscription.

Location: 221 N 5th Street, Bismarck.

Search Online Through NDRIN

NDRIN allows registered members to search, preview and print participating counties’ real-estate documents. Users can select Burleigh County after accessing the land-record application.

Important: Online access requires a paid pass or subscription.

Find Older Recorded Instruments

Historical records may require document numbers or book-and-page references rather than modern name searches. NDRIN provides county-specific search guidance to help users identify the correct historical lookup method.

Start with the Burleigh County information resource linked below.

Do not confuse the offices: Burleigh County Recorder maintains recorded deeds and other legal instruments. County Tax Equalization and parcel-mapping services handle different property information, including assessment and geographic details.
Important NDRIN Access Costs

Is Burleigh County Recorder Search Free?

Burleigh County offers public record research at the Recorder’s Office. Its NDRIN online service uses paid account access. NDRIN publishes the following prices for subscribers.

One-Day NDRIN Pass

$7

Access lasts 24 hours from purchase and does not automatically renew.

This is useful if you need to research just one or two properties.

30-Day NDRIN Subscription

$30

Registered users receive a 30-day access period. The subscription automatically renews unless cancelled.

Suitable for continuing land-record research.

Printing Document Pages

$1/page

NDRIN lists a per-page printing cost. Document previews are available without an additional per-preview charge to authorized users.

Printing charges are separate from subscription access.

Practical choice: If you only need to confirm a deed recording and live near Bismarck, ask about using the public research computers. If you need remote access for one day, a day pass may be more economical than a recurring subscription.

Prices are published by NDRIN and may change. Check NDRIN Frequently Asked Questions before purchasing.

Choose the Right Reference

Search by Owner Name, Document Number, Book/Page or Land Description

A useful search begins with the kind of information you already have. Property addresses and recorded land descriptions are not necessarily interchangeable in a Recorder’s index.

What You Know Best Search Approach What to Verify
Seller’s name Search the grantor field when supported. Correct person, deed date, grantee and legal description.
Buyer’s name Search the grantee field when supported. Correct buyer, transfer document and recording reference.
Instrument number Use the document-number lookup. Exact document and image.
Book and page Use the historical recording-reference search. Book, page and document type.
Subdivision name Check Burleigh County’s plat search information. Subdivision spelling and plat reference.
Section, township and range Use land-description fields where available. Correct section, township and range.
Street address only Start with county parcel mapping or assessment information. Parcel identity and legal description before searching deeds.
North Dakota detail: Rural Burleigh County land may be described using section, township and range rather than a street address. Those Public Land Survey System references can be especially useful when researching older land records.
Burleigh County Historical Research

Finding Older Burleigh County Deeds, Plats and Corner Records

Burleigh County’s NDRIN materials provide separate guidance for historical recordings. Older documents may be digitized even when they cannot be located through a modern name search.

Older Deeds and Mortgages

If a historical name search fails, check whether the document can be retrieved using its instrument number or book-and-page reference.

For very old recordings, the Recorder’s office may need to help you identify the original index reference.

Subdivision and Plat Records

Burleigh County’s NDRIN county information provides guidance for locating plats using subdivision information and other recording references.

Use the county’s subdivision list when the recorded subdivision name is unclear.

Survey Corner Records

Corner-record searches can involve section, township and range information. These records serve different purposes from deeds and may be relevant when researching land survey history.

Road Right-of-Way Documents

Road right-of-way plats and easements can affect land use and access. Older right-of-way documents may require a book-and-page reference to locate the correct image.

Official Burleigh County NDRIN Reference Files

NDRIN publishes county-specific information, subdivision lists and document-code resources.

Open Burleigh Resources ↗
  1. Open the NDRIN Burleigh County information page.
  2. Locate the Burleigh County Information PDF.
  3. Check which recording periods are indexed and which require exact references.
  4. Use the Subdivision List or Document Code List when relevant.
  5. If you cannot identify an old instrument number, call the Recorder and explain the available historical names and dates.
Understand Your Search Results

What Types of Records Does the Burleigh County Recorder Maintain?

Warranty and Other Deeds

Deeds are instruments used to convey interests in real property. Examine the grantor, grantee, legal description and the exact terms of the recorded document.

Mortgages and Satisfactions

A mortgage can secure repayment of a loan. A recorded satisfaction may indicate a particular mortgage has been discharged. Check the references to ensure the satisfaction matches the correct original mortgage.

Easements and Right-of-Way

Easements can grant rights to use part of a property for access, utilities or other purposes. The recorded description and supporting plat are important when determining what land is affected.

Plats and Subdivision Documents

Plats document subdivision arrangements, lots and other survey-related information. Search the correct subdivision and compare the plat with a parcel description before relying on it.

Leases and Mineral Interests

Some recorded instruments concern mineral rights, leases or interests separate from surface ownership. Do not assume ownership of the surface necessarily includes every mineral interest.

Liens and Related Filings

Recorded liens and releases may identify claims against property. A search result alone does not prove whether a particular claim remains enforceable or whether title is clear.

Legal limitation: A recorded deed is important evidence, but it is not a complete title opinion. Real-estate purchases, estate transfers, disputed ownership and mineral transactions may require a qualified title professional or North Dakota attorney.
Official County Recording Schedule

Burleigh County Deed Recording Fees

Burleigh County publishes a page-based recording fee schedule under North Dakota Century Code §11-18-05. The main difference from some other counties is that the base fee changes at the seventh page.

Recording Item Published Fee How It Applies
Document with 1–6 pages $20 Standard recording fee for a document in this page range.
Document with 7–25 pages $65 Standard fee for documents falling in this range.
Each page beyond 25 $3/page Additional charge beyond the 25-page threshold.
Insufficient one-inch side margin $10 Margin-related charge under the published schedule.
Related document references beyond ten $3 each Applied to additional related document numbers after the first ten.
Sections listed beyond ten $1 each Additional section references after the first ten.
Missing three-inch first-page top space Extra page charge may result The Recorder may add a page to provide required recording space.

Example: Six-Page Deed

$20

A regular six-page document falls within the county’s 1–6-page recording fee band.

This assumes no additional special charges.

Example: Seven-Page Deed

$65

Adding one page can shift a document into the 7–25-page fee band.

This matters if an extra cover page or recorder-added page increases a six-page document to seven pages.

Fee planning tip: Burleigh County specifically warns that if the Recorder adds a page to a six-page document because the top recording area is missing, the document becomes seven pages and the $65 fee applies instead of $20.
North Dakota Filing Requirements

What to Check Before Recording a Deed in Burleigh County

A properly prepared deed should meet state recording standards and Burleigh County’s published requirements. Recording staff cannot replace professional legal drafting or decide private ownership disputes.

First-Page Recording Space

The county requires at least three inches of blank space across the top of the first page for Recorder information.

If that space is missing, the Recorder may add a page and charge the fee that applies to the resulting document length.

Page Margins and Legibility

The county requires an appropriate one-inch margin on one side of each page, subject to its published margin-fee rule.

Text must be readable. The county’s recording guidance references a minimum 10-point Calibri-equivalent font standard for nongovernment forms.

Statement of Consideration

North Dakota Century Code §11-18-02.2 requires a qualifying statement for covered deeds and certain other instruments.

The county says the instrument must state either the full consideration paid or an applicable statutory exemption from the statement requirement.

Legal Description and Execution

Check that the property description matches the intended parcel and that signatures, acknowledgments and other applicable requirements are complete.

Property descriptions using township, range and section information should be checked particularly carefully.

Important before submitting: Certain instruments affecting property transfers can require a county auditor’s certificate and confirmation about property taxes or special assessments under North Dakota law. Ask the Recorder and Auditor which requirements apply to your specific deed before submitting payment.

Official Burleigh County Recording Requirements

Read the county’s recording rules and fee information before signing or mailing documents.

View Official Rules ↗
  1. Review the correct page-count fee band.
  2. Check the three-inch first-page top margin.
  3. Review the statement-of-consideration requirement.
  4. Confirm all required related document numbers.
  5. Call the Recorder about unusual documents, auditor certification or any special charges.
Electronic Document Submission

Can You Record Burleigh County Deeds Electronically?

Yes. Burleigh County supports electronic recording through approved eRecording vendors. Its official page says the service is used by title companies, abstractors, lenders, mortgage-related businesses, attorneys and other related organizations.

Who Commonly Uses eRecording?

  • Title and settlement companies
  • Abstractors
  • Mortgage lenders
  • Law firms
  • Other qualifying recording businesses

Electronic submission does not remove the obligation to comply with North Dakota’s document requirements.

County-Listed eRecording Providers

Burleigh County identifies these providers on its official Electronic Recording page:

  • Simplifile
  • CSC eRecording Solutions
  • Indecomm Global Services
  • ePN eRecording Partners Network

Vendor processing charges are separate from county recording fees.

Electronic Recording — Official County Instructions

Use the county-published provider contacts rather than assuming every online document service is county approved.

Open eRecording Page ↗
  1. Open the official Burleigh County Electronic Recording page.
  2. Review the list of partner vendors.
  3. Contact the provider to determine eligibility, account setup and service charges.
  4. Prepare the document according to the county’s recording standards.
  5. Retain the recording confirmation and assigned instrument reference.
Obtain the Actual Deed

How to Get a Copy or Certified Burleigh County Deed

A record preview, printed NDRIN image and officially certified copy are not necessarily interchangeable. The type of copy you need depends on where you plan to submit it.

1

Identify the Recording

Find the instrument number or book-and-page reference, recording date, document type and party names.

2

Determine Whether Certification Is Required

If you need the document for personal research, an ordinary copy may be sufficient. A court, lender or another official recipient may require a certified copy issued by the Recorder.

3

Contact the Recorder for the Official Copy

Call (701) 222-6749 or email mshanson@nd.gov. Ask for the current page charges, certification cost, payment method and available delivery options.

Avoid an unnecessary charge: If you already have the complete recording number, provide it when requesting copies. This can reduce confusion when several people have the same name.
Bismarck Recorder Office

Burleigh County Recorder Address, Phone and Mailing Information

Burleigh County Recorder’s Office

Physical address:
221 N 5th Street
Bismarck, ND 58501

Mailing address:
PO Box 5518
Bismarck, ND 58506-5518

Recorder: Missy Hanson
Deputy Recorder: Brandi Chaput

Phone: (701) 222-6749
Fax: (701) 222-6717
Email: mshanson@nd.gov

Get Directions ↗

Plan Your Recorder Visit

The county’s NDRIN office information lists weekday office hours of 8 AM–5 PM, excluding applicable closures. Confirm current counter availability before making a special trip.

  • Bring the document number or book/page if researching a specific record.
  • For a new recording, bring the prepared instrument and required certificates.
  • Confirm payment methods before mailing original documents.
  • Ask about public computer availability when planning an in-office search.
  • Use the Recorder’s mailing address for approved mail requests, not the physical street address by assumption.
View official Recorder contact details ↗

Check the official county contact page for holiday closures, office access and current service availability before traveling.

Who Handles What?

Burleigh County Recorder vs. Tax Equalization vs. Treasurer

A deed, property assessment and tax bill are different kinds of public records. Burleigh County assigns them to different offices.

Your QuestionResponsible OfficeCorrect Action
Where is my recorded deed? County Recorder Search NDRIN or visit the Recorder’s Office.
How do I record a mortgage or deed? County Recorder Follow county recording requirements and submit the prepared document.
What is my property’s taxable or assessed value? Tax Equalization Review assessment services and property information.
How can I locate a parcel on a map? County parcel mapping Search the Parcel Viewer by address, parcel number or land description.
Where do I ask about tax payment? County Treasurer Contact the county’s tax payment office.
How can I fix a title defect? Qualified legal/title professional Review the chain of title and determine the proper corrective action.
Address-only research: The Burleigh County Parcel Viewer supports address, street-name and parcel-number searches, along with subdivision and township/range/section options. This can help identify the parcel before you research recorded instruments.
When a Search Returns Nothing

Why a Burleigh County Deed May Not Appear in NDRIN

No Match for a Person’s Name

  • Try the previous property owner.
  • Review the name format required by the search screen.
  • Use a broader date range.
  • Search a trust or business name if it appears on the deed.
  • Check whether the document requires an exact recording number.

Historical Document Not Found

  • Open the Burleigh County information sheet on NDRIN.
  • Check the relevant historical index coverage.
  • Search by document number or book/page when available.
  • Check the subdivision or land description if appropriate.
  • Contact the Recorder for help locating an older reference.
County boundary caution: Bismarck and Mandan are neighboring communities, but Mandan is in Morton County. Confirm the property county before purchasing online records access or searching a title reference.
Protect Your Property Records

Burleigh County Property Fraud Alert Service

Burleigh County Recorder provides a Property Fraud Alert link on its official page. This service monitors registered names for certain recording activity associated with the Recorder’s records.

How to Get Started

  1. Open the official Burleigh County Recorder page.
  2. Locate the Property Fraud Alert link.
  3. Read the registration instructions and any service terms.
  4. Register the relevant name and notification details.
  5. Review any alert promptly and verify suspicious recordings with the Recorder.
Open Official Fraud Alert Link ↗

What an Alert Does Not Do

Property Fraud Alert does not prevent someone from submitting a fraudulent instrument or guarantee a recorded document’s authenticity.

If an alert concerns an unfamiliar deed, mortgage or lien, obtain the recording information and seek advice from the relevant legal, title or law-enforcement authority as appropriate.

After You Find a Record

What Should You Do Next With Burleigh County Recorder Results?

If You Found the Correct Deed

Save the instrument reference, read the full image and check the legal description. Request an officially certified copy if the recipient requires one.

If You Found a Mortgage

Search for the corresponding satisfaction or other later related instrument. Verify the correct mortgage reference rather than relying on a party-name match alone.

If the Ownership History Seems Incorrect

Compare the instrument with your closing or estate paperwork. Contact the title company or a North Dakota attorney when the issue involves legal rights or corrections to title.

If You Cannot Find an Old Record

Use the county’s historical search instructions, obtain any available book/page reference, and ask Recorder staff whether an older index or in-office research is needed.

Official Resources and Micro-Guides

Burleigh County Recorder Search, Fees and Recording Links

1. Burleigh County Recorder

Official recording office, contact details, document responsibilities and public search guidance.

Open Recorder Office ↗
  1. Find the Recorder contact information.
  2. Review the county’s explanation of public land records.
  3. Open Recording Information or Property Fraud Alert as needed.
  4. Use the posted email or phone for document-specific questions.

2. NDRIN Land Records

Online recorded document access for participating North Dakota counties.

Open NDRIN ↗
  1. Click Member Login if you already have an account.
  2. Otherwise, choose Join Today and review access options.
  3. Select Burleigh County after entering the land-record application.
  4. Find the instrument and review document previews.

3. NDRIN Burleigh County Information

County-specific search instructions, subdivision information and document-code references.

Open County Information ↗
  1. Open the Burleigh County page.
  2. Locate its Burleigh County Information PDF.
  3. Review historical document-search instructions.
  4. Open subdivision or document-code references if needed.

4. Official Real Estate Recording Fees

Page-count charges, margin rules and consideration requirements.

View Fee Schedule ↗
  1. Count the pages of the document.
  2. Check whether it falls in the $20 or $65 fee band.
  3. Review the first-page three-inch margin rule.
  4. Verify any extra charges or consideration-statement requirements.

5. Burleigh County Parcel Viewer

County geographic lookup by address, parcel number, subdivision and land survey reference.

Open Parcel Viewer ↗
  1. Enter the address, street name or parcel number in the search field.
  2. Alternatively, use subdivision or township/range/section options.
  3. Locate the matching parcel on the map.
  4. Use the parcel details to help identify the correct recorded land description.
Frequently Asked Questions

Burleigh County Recorder FAQs

Where is the Burleigh County Recorder located?

The Burleigh County Recorder is located at 221 N 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501. Its mailing address is PO Box 5518, Bismarck, ND 58506-5518. Call (701) 222-6749 for Recorder services.

Can I search Burleigh County deeds online?

Yes. Burleigh County makes recorded documents available through the North Dakota Recorders Information Network (NDRIN). Online access requires registration and a paid subscription or day pass. In-office research computers are another option.

How much does NDRIN cost?

NDRIN lists a $7 day pass, a $30 recurring 30-day subscription and $1 per printed document page. The day pass does not automatically renew, while the subscription continues until cancelled. Verify current terms before purchasing.

What are Burleigh County deed recording fees?

Burleigh County lists $20 for documents containing one through six pages, $65 for documents with seven through twenty-five pages, and $3 for each additional page beyond twenty-five. Other fees may apply to nonconforming documents or extra references.

What is the three-inch margin rule?

The county requires at least three inches of space across the top of the first page for recording information. If that space is missing, the Recorder may add a page and assess the fee applicable to the resulting document length.

Does Burleigh County accept electronic recording?

Yes. The Recorder accepts electronic recording through partner vendors for qualifying title companies, abstractors, lenders, attorneys and related businesses. The official Electronic Recording page lists the available providers.

Can I search old Burleigh County land records?

Historical recordings may be available through NDRIN, but older records may require an exact instrument number or book-and-page reference. NDRIN provides county-specific information about historical searching.

Who is the Burleigh County Recorder?

Burleigh County’s official department page identifies Missy Hanson as County Recorder and Brandi Chaput as Deputy Recorder. The office telephone number is (701) 222-6749.

Official Sources and Independent Editorial Notice

Information reviewed: October 25, 2026.

This guide is based on the official Burleigh County Recorder, Real Estate Recording Fees and Electronic Recording pages, the North Dakota Recorders Information Network’s county information, and Burleigh County parcel-mapping resources.

Primary resources: Burleigh County Recorder, NDRIN Land Records, Burleigh NDRIN Information, Recording Fees, Electronic Recording.

This is an independent educational article. It is not the official website of Burleigh County, the North Dakota Recorders Information Network or any government organization. It does not issue certified records, determine title ownership, or provide legal advice.

Search coverage, subscription prices, fees, recording procedures and public counter services can change. Verify time-sensitive or transaction-specific information directly with the relevant official provider.

Public records should not be used as an unauthorized substitute for regulated employment, tenant, credit or insurance screening.

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