Gallatin County Court Records
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Gallatin County sits in southwestern Montana, with Bozeman serving as both the county seat and the state's most populous city. The county falls within the 18th Judicial District, and its court system includes a District Court with four departments, a Justice Court of Record with two departments, a Municipal Court in Bozeman, and City Courts in Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone. These courts collectively handle felonies, misdemeanors, civil disputes, family law cases, probate proceedings, juvenile matters, traffic violations, and local ordinance infractions. The Clerk of District Court manages records for the District Court, while each court of limited jurisdiction maintains its own case files.
You can search Montana court records through several channels depending on which court handled a particular case. The Montana Judicial Branch maintains public access portals for both District Courts and Courts of Limited Jurisdiction, offering free online access to case registers of action dating back to 2012. Clerk offices accept requests in person, by mail, and by email, and public-access terminals may be available inside courthouse facilities. For statewide court information and links to county-level resources, MontanaCourts.us can help you locate publicly available case data across Montana's judicial districts.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Gallatin County?
Before you start searching, figure out which court handled the case. Felonies, civil claims exceeding $15,000, probate matters, juvenile cases, and family law proceedings are all handled by the District Court. Misdemeanors issued outside Bozeman city limits, protection orders, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims up to $7,000, and civil matters up to $15,000 go through Justice Court. The Bozeman Municipal Court and the city courts in Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone handle municipal ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses within each city's limits.
Online Case Search
The Montana Judicial Branch runs two free online portals:
- District Court Public Access Portal — search by name or case number for District Court cases filed from 2012 to the present. You can see the register of actions, hearing dates, party names, and current case status. Document downloads aren't available through the portal; email the clerk directly to obtain copies.
- Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Portal — covers Justice Court, Municipal Court, and City Court cases filed from 2012 forward.
In-Person and Written Requests
Requests for District Court records can be submitted in person, by mail, or by email. The Clerk of District Court's office is located at:
Gallatin County Clerk of District Court
Address: 515 S. 16th Avenue, Room 1041, Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-2165 | Records Clerk: (406) 582-2170
Fax: (406) 582-2176
Email: GallatinDCRecords@mt.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
For Justice Court records, contact:
Gallatin County Justice Court of Record
Address: 515 S. 16th Avenue, Suite 1100, Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-2191
Email: justice@gallatin.mt.gov
When submitting a request, have the following ready:
- Full name of the party (including maiden or former names if applicable)
- Case number, if known
- Approximate date of filing or disposition
- Type of document needed (e.g., decree, judgment, docket sheet)
- Whether you need a regular or certified copy
- Payment or a blank check with a "not to exceed" amount in the memo line
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests
- A phone number or email address where you can be reached
District Court Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy (first 10 pages) | $1.00 per page |
| Copy (pages 11+) | $0.50 per page |
| Emailed copy | $0.25 per page |
| Search fee (when case details are unknown) | $2.00 per name/year for first 7 years; $1.00 each additional year |
Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
Are Court Records Public in Gallatin County?
Montana's constitution and the Montana Public Records Act (MCA 2-6-1003) establish a broad right of public access to government records, including court files. Every person has the right to inspect and obtain copies of public information held by state agencies and courts, and you don't need to identify yourself or explain why you're making a request.
Courts may restrict access to records or specific information, however, when the demand for individual privacy clearly outweighs the public interest in disclosure. Gallatin County courts follow statewide policies set by the Montana Judicial Branch regarding what information appears on the public portals and what must be redacted or withheld.
Categories of records typically exempt from public access include:
- Sealed records, including expunged criminal files
- Records from child abuse and neglect proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency case files
- Information identifying confidential informants or crime victims
- Personal health, psychological, and medical records
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Personal identifying details such as Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers
- Confidential financial data and business proprietary information
- Adoption records (discussed further in the Family Court Records section)
When a record contains both public and confidential information, the court or clerk redacts the exempt portions before releasing the document. Parties involved in a case, their attorneys, and anyone holding a court order for disclosure may access otherwise restricted files.
Gallatin County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Gallatin County are divided among several courts. The 18th Judicial District Court handles all felony prosecutions and serves as the appellate court for criminal cases originating in courts of limited jurisdiction. Four judges preside over District Court departments:
| Department | Judge | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Department 1 | Hon. Peter Ohman | (406) 582-2160 |
| Department 2 | Hon. Rienne H. McElyea | (406) 582-2140 |
| Department 3 | Hon. John C. Brown | (406) 582-2150 |
| Department 4 | Hon. Andrew Breuner | (406) 582-3611 |
The Justice Court handles misdemeanor citations issued by the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Fish and Game, airport authority, and the Department of Transportation. It also conducts initial appearances on felony charges. The Bozeman Municipal Court processes city ordinance violations and certain criminal offenses within Bozeman city limits.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case records from the District Court (2012–present) are searchable through the District Court Public Access Portal. Justice Court and Municipal Court criminal cases can be found on the Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Portal. To obtain actual document copies from the District Court, email GallatinDCRecords@mt.gov with the case number and a description of what you need.
Arrest Records and Law Enforcement Reports
Arrest records, incident reports, and related law enforcement documents are maintained by the arresting agency rather than the courts. The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office and the Bozeman Police Department share a consolidated records division. You can submit requests through the county's online law enforcement records request portal or in person at:
Gallatin County Sheriff's Office
Address: 677 Laura Louise Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718
Phone: (406) 582-2100
Fax: (406) 582-2126
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office does not perform background checks. Statewide criminal history information is compiled by the Montana Department of Justice. The DOJ offers several options:
- Online name-based check via the CHOPRS portal: $20.00
- Mailed name-based check: $15.00
- Mailed fingerprint-based check (Montana only): $15.00
- Mailed fingerprint-based check (licensing/employment): $35.00
- Volunteer fingerprint check: $30.00
Mail requests, fingerprint cards, fees, and completed forms should be sent to: Montana Criminal Records, P.O. Box 201403, Helena, MT 59620-1403. Phone: (406) 444-3625 Email: dojcriss@mt.gov.
Gallatin County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Gallatin County is split across courts based on the dollar amount and nature of the claim. The District Court handles tort claims exceeding $15,000, large contract disputes, claims against the state, and appeals from lower courts. The Justice Court takes landlord-tenant disputes, protection orders, contract disputes, and tort claims up to $15,000. Small claims cases—limited to $7,000 for recovery of money or personal property—are also adjudicated in Justice Court.
Locating Civil Records
Civil case information from the District Court is available through the District Court Public Access Portal, and Justice Court civil records can be found on the Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Portal. For copies of filed documents, direct your request to the appropriate clerk:
- District Court civil records: Email GallatinDCRecords@mt.gov or visit Room 1041 at the Gallatin County Justice Center, 515 S. 16th Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715.
- Justice Court civil records: Email justice@gallatin.mt.gov or call (406) 582-2191.
Copy fees for District Court documents follow the standard schedule: $1.00 per page for the first ten pages, $0.50 per page thereafter, and $0.25 per page for emailed copies. A search fee of $2.00 per name per year (first seven years) applies when specific case details are unavailable.
Property and Land Records
Real property records—deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and maps—are maintained by the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder's Office rather than the courts. Online searches are available through the county's county records search options page and the document search system. Historical property records can also be accessed via the county's FTP site. The Clerk and Recorder's Office is at 311 W. Main Street, Room 203, Bozeman, MT 59715, Phone: (406) 582-3050 Property assessment and valuation information is available through the Montana Department of Revenue's Bozeman Field Office at 2273 Boot Hill Court, Suite 100, Bozeman, MT 59715, Phone: (406) 582-3400
Gallatin County Family Court Records
The Gallatin County District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over family law proceedings under Montana's Family Law statutes (Title 40, MCA). Cases handled in this division include dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, annulment, paternity, parenting plans (custody and visitation), child support, spousal maintenance, and adoption. Standing Master Diana Copeland, Phone: (406) 582-2097, assists the court with certain family law matters.
Searching and Requesting Family Court Records
Family court cases filed from 2012 onward are searchable on the District Court Public Access Portal. The Clerk of District Court's family and history records page has detailed instructions for requesting copies. Send requests to the Clerk at 515 S. 16th Avenue, Room 1041, Bozeman, MT 59715, or email GallatinDCRecords@mt.gov.
When requesting family records, include the full names of both parties (including maiden names), the date of the marriage or divorce, the type of search, the type of document you need (regular or certified), and payment. If you know the exact year of the event, no search fee is required.
Family Court Record Fees
| Document | Regular Copy | Certified Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage license | $5.00 | $7.00 |
| Dissolution (divorce) decree | $10.00 | $12.00 |
| Other court documents (first 10 pages) | $1.00/page | |
| Other court documents (pages 11+) | $0.50/page | |
| Search fee (if dates unknown) | $2.00/name/year (first 7 years); $1.00 each additional year |
Confidentiality Restrictions
Certain family court records are not open to the public. Filed medical reports, personal identifying information, confidential financial data, and attorney-client communications may be sealed or redacted. Access to restricted records is available to the parties in the case, their attorneys, and individuals who obtain a court order of disclosure.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of District Court. Both parties must appear together and bring proof of age (a valid ID, birth certificate, or passport). The fee is $53.00, payable by cash or card—checks are not accepted. The license is valid for 180 days and may be used anywhere in Montana. Before visiting the clerk's office, applicants must first complete the Marriage License Application Form online. Couples who have already had a ceremony should complete the Declaration of Marriage Application instead.
Birth and Death Certificates
Vital records are maintained by the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder's Office, not the court system. Certified birth certificates cost $8.00 each, and informational copies are $2.00. Certified death certificates cost $7.00, with informational copies at $2.00. You can place orders online through the vital records ordering system, in person, by phone, or by mail.
Birth certificate access is limited under MCA 50-15-121 to the registrant (age 14 or older), spouses, parents, grandparents, children, guardians, caretaker relatives, authorized representatives, and those who can demonstrate a need related to the subject's personal or property rights. Death certificates are available to anyone who submits a completed application and establishes their identity.
Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder
Address: 311 W. Main Street, Room 203, Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: (406) 582-3050
Fax: (406) 582-3196
Email: clerkandrecorder@gallatin.mt.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mail requests should include a completed application form for birth or death records, a copy of a valid photo ID, proof of eligibility (for birth certificates), and the appropriate fee by check or money order payable to the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder.
Gallatin County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Gallatin County are heard by the 18th Judicial District Court. The court oversees the validation of wills, appointment of personal representatives, administration of decedents' estates, distribution of assets, and establishment of trusts. It also adjudicates guardianship and conservatorship petitions for incapacitated adults and minors.
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases filed from 2012 onward can be found through the District Court Public Access Portal by searching the decedent's or ward's name or the case number. The register of actions will show filings, hearing dates, and case status. For older probate files or full document copies, contact the Clerk of District Court directly.
Requesting Probate Documents
Copies of probate filings—wills, inventories, accountings, letters testamentary, guardian reports, and final distribution orders—are available from the Clerk of District Court's office. You can submit a request by visiting Room 1041 at the Gallatin County Justice Center, mailing a written request to 515 S. 16th Avenue, Room 1041, Bozeman, MT 59715, or emailing GallatinDCRecords@mt.gov.
To request probate records, provide:
- Full legal name of the decedent or ward
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date the case was filed
- Description of the specific documents needed
- Whether you need regular or certified copies
- Payment (cash, check, card, or blank check with stated limit)
Standard copy fees apply: $1.00 per page for the first ten pages and $0.50 per page thereafter. If the filing date or case number is unknown, a $2.00 per-name-per-year search fee will be assessed. Certified copies carry no additional flat fee beyond the per-page charge, though marriage and dissolution documents have their own fixed pricing as noted above.
Probate records are generally public in Montana. However, guardianship files may contain medical evaluations, psychological reports, or financial information that the court has ordered sealed or restricted. Adoption decrees processed through the probate division are confidential under Montana law and are not released without a court order. Juvenile Probation matters associated with the District Court can be directed to the Juvenile Probation Officer at (406) 582-2180.