Ramsey County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Ramsey County?

Public records in Ramsey County are defined as government data created, collected, stored, or maintained by public agencies that are accessible to the public according to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), specifically under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. This comprehensive law establishes the presumption that government data are public and accessible to citizens unless otherwise classified by state or federal law.

Ramsey County maintains numerous types of public records across various departments and offices:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Ramsey County District Court
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property tax assessments maintained by the Ramsey County Recorder's Office
• Vital Records: Birth and death certificates (limited to those occurring in Ramsey County) maintained by the Vital Records Office
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and registrations maintained by various county departments
• Tax Records: Property tax statements, payment records, and assessment information maintained by the Property Tax Services department
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results maintained by the Elections Office
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of county board meetings, commissions, and advisory committees
• Budget and Financial Documents: County financial reports, budgets, and expenditure records
• Law Enforcement Records: Certain sheriff's office records, jail rosters, and incident reports as permitted by law
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, permits, and zoning decisions

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments with designated responsibilities under Minnesota law. The Ramsey County Records department serves as the central hub for many public records requests, though specialized requests may be directed to the appropriate department.

Is Ramsey County an Open Records County?

Ramsey County fully adheres to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, which establishes the framework for public access to government records. Under § 13.01, subdivision 3, the law explicitly states: "The government data in government entities are public and are accessible by the public for both inspection and copying unless there is federal law, a state statute, or a temporary classification of data that provides that certain data are not public."

This presumption of openness aligns with Minnesota's strong commitment to government transparency. Ramsey County has implemented specific policies to ensure compliance with these state requirements, including the designation of a Responsible Authority and Compliance Official as required by § 13.05, subdivision 13.

The county maintains an open government portal that provides information about data practices requests and procedures. Additionally, Ramsey County has adopted Administrative Policies that govern records management and public access, ensuring consistent application of state transparency laws across all county departments.

Ramsey County's commitment to open records is further demonstrated through its participation in the Minnesota Open Data Initiative, making certain datasets available online through its open data portal. This proactive approach to transparency exceeds the basic requirements of the MGDPA and reflects the county's dedication to accessible government.

How to Find Public Records in Ramsey County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Ramsey County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need. The county currently provides multiple access points for public records:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through dedicated online portals:

   • Court records can be searched through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
   • Property records are accessible via the RecordEASE system through the Recorder's Office online portal
   • The Ramsey County Open Data Portal provides access to various datasets including the Adult Detention Center Roster

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office:

   • For court records: Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
   • For property records: Property Records and Revenue Department, 90 Plato Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN 55107
   • For vital records: Vital Records Office, 90 Plato Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN 55107

3. Written Requests: Submit a formal data practices request using the county's Data Practices Request Form. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, the county must respond to requests in a timely manner.

4. Telephone Inquiries: Initial inquiries about record availability may be made by telephone to the appropriate department, though formal requests typically require written documentation.

For specialized records, requestors should contact the specific department that maintains those records. The county's website provides a directory of departments and their contact information to facilitate this process.

When making a request, individuals should provide as much specific information as possible about the records sought, including names, dates, and record types. This specificity helps county staff locate the requested information efficiently.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Ramsey County?

Ramsey County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, which permits government entities to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public data. The current fee structure includes:

• Standard Paper Copies: $0.25 per page for letter or legal-sized black and white copies
• Electronic Copies: Actual costs of providing electronic copies, which may include staff time for retrieval and preparation
• Certified Copies: Additional fees apply for certified documents (varies by document type)
• Search and Retrieval Fees: For requests requiring extensive staff time, fees may be assessed based on the actual cost of employee time

Specific record types have established fee schedules:

• Court Records: $10.00 for uncertified copies of court documents; $16.00 for certified copies
• Property Records: $10.00 for the first page of each document; $3.00 for each additional page
• Vital Records: $26.00 for a birth certificate; $13.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
• Marriage Certificates: $15.00 for a certified copy

The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit card (in person and online). Some departments may have limitations on accepted payment methods.

Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3(c), inspection of public records is free of charge, and individuals may use their own equipment to photograph or scan records during inspection without incurring copying fees, provided this does not disrupt county operations.

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances where the request is determined to be in the public interest or where the requestor demonstrates financial hardship, though such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the Responsible Authority.

Does Ramsey County Have Free Public Records?

Ramsey County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Minnesota law. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, all government entities must allow for the inspection of public records without charge. Residents and non-residents alike may inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost.

The following free public record resources are currently available:

• Online Resources:

  • The Ramsey County Open Data Portal provides free access to numerous datasets including budget information, GIS data, and certain public safety information
  • Basic property information can be viewed without charge through the county's property information search
  • County Board meeting minutes and agendas are freely available on the county website
  • The Adult Detention Center Roster is accessible at no cost

• In-Person Inspection:

  • Public terminals are available at the Ramsey County Courthouse for viewing court records
  • The Property Records and Revenue Department provides public access computers for researching property records
  • County Board records may be inspected at the County Manager's Office

While inspection is free, fees may apply if copies are requested. Additionally, some specialized databases or subscription services may require payment for access beyond basic inspection capabilities.

The county's commitment to transparency is demonstrated through these free access points, which allow citizens to exercise their right to government information without financial barriers to basic inspection.

Who Can Request Public Records in Ramsey County?

Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, specifically Minnesota Statutes § 13.02, subdivision 15, any person may request public records from Ramsey County regardless of citizenship or residency status. The term "person" is broadly defined to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and public or private organizations of any character.

Key eligibility considerations include:

• No Residency Requirement: Non-residents of Ramsey County and Minnesota have the same rights to access public records as residents
• No Purpose Statement Required: For most public records, requestors are not required to explain why they want the records or how they will use them
• Identification Requirements: While basic identification may be required to process certain requests, anonymous requests for public data are generally permitted
• Special Provisions for Data Subjects: Individuals have enhanced rights to access government data about themselves under § 13.04, including the right to contest the accuracy or completeness of that data

Certain record types have specific eligibility restrictions:

• Vital Records: Access to birth and death certificates is limited to the subject of the record, immediate family members, or those with a tangible legal interest as defined in Minnesota Statutes § 144.225
• Private Personnel Data: Employee records contain protected private data with limited accessibility
• Confidential Law Enforcement Data: Active criminal investigative data is classified as confidential under § 13.82

Authorized representatives may make requests on behalf of individuals or organizations with proper documentation of their authority to act as an agent. Government agencies may also request records from one another through official channels, sometimes with broader access rights than the general public depending on their statutory authority.

What Records Are Confidential in Ramsey County?

Ramsey County maintains certain records that are classified as confidential or private under Minnesota law and are therefore not accessible to the general public. These classifications are primarily established by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) in Chapter 13 of Minnesota Statutes, with additional protections in other state and federal laws.

The following record types are generally not publicly accessible:

• Private Personnel Data: Employee personnel records, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and medical information are protected under § 13.43
• Active Criminal Investigative Data: Information related to ongoing investigations is classified as confidential under § 13.82, subdivision 7
• Juvenile Records: Court and law enforcement records involving minors receive special protection under § 260B.171
• Social Services Data: Information about recipients of social services is classified as private under § 13.46
• Health Records: Medical and health information is protected under both MGDPA and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
• Educational Records: Student records are protected under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and § 13.32
• Child Protection Records: Reports and investigations regarding child abuse or neglect are confidential under § 626.556
• Adoption Records: Information regarding adoptions is sealed and confidential under § 259.79
• Certain Financial Data: Trade secrets, competitive business information, and certain financial details submitted to the county may be classified as nonpublic
• Security Information: Data that would jeopardize security measures or emergency response plans is protected under § 13.37
• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and strategy discussions between county officials and their attorneys

Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 6 requires government entities to apply a balancing test when determining whether to release data that is not clearly public or clearly protected. This test weighs the public's right to know against privacy interests and potential harm from disclosure.

The county's Responsible Authority makes determinations about data classification in accordance with these statutory provisions, and such determinations may be appealed through administrative or judicial processes.

Ramsey County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Ramsey County Recorder's Office
90 Plato Boulevard West, 2nd Floor
Saint Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 266-2050
Ramsey County Recorder's Office

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Ramsey County Recorder's Office serves as the official custodian of real estate records for properties within Ramsey County. This office is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing access to vital land records including deeds, mortgages, certificates of release, easements, and other property-related documents as required by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507.

The office consists of two divisions:

1. Recorder Division: Responsible for recording and maintaining documents affecting real property under the Abstract system
2. Registrar of Titles Division: Handles property registered under the Torrens system according to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 508

Services provided include:

• Recording of real estate documents
• Issuance of certificates of title
• Maintenance of tract indexes
• Processing of plats and surveys
• Providing certified copies of recorded documents
• Administering the Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) program

For research purposes, the office maintains public access terminals at the Property Records Resource Center located at the same address. Staff members are available to assist with navigating records but cannot provide legal advice regarding property matters.

Lookup Public Records in Ramsey County

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)

Access to Recorded Documents

Ramsey County Recorder's Office

Ramsey County Adult Detention Center Roster

Ramsey County Records

Ramsey County District Court Records

Data Practices Request Form