The District Court is a cornerstone of the judicial system, responsible for maintaining accurate court records, processing legal documents, and supporting judges, attorneys, and the public. The Clerk ensures that court operations run smoothly, efficiently, and in accordance with the law.
There is a statutory search fee of $2 per name per year for the first seven years, and $1 per name for each additional year. Yellowstone County only charges for searched 1994 and older.
The statutory fee for photocopies is as follows:
Search and copy fees are required in advance.
If you need to request information from a file or copies of filed documents, you may do so by visiting our office between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our office is located in the Yellowstone County courthouse, on the seventh floor, in Rooms 702, 703, and 704. Please be sure to bring cash with you for the copies or a credit card. Sorry we do not accept personal checks.
Some copies and fees are a flat rate and the fee can be easily determined. However, if you are requesting searches and/or copies with per page or year rates, and are unsure of the amount to send, please give us a call. 256-2869 or email us at DC-RecordSearch@yellowstonecountymt.gov
Search and copy fees must be pre-paid so once you have determined the fee please send a certified check or money order, (no personal checks accepted) made out to the Clerk of District Court OR complete and include the Credit Card Authorization form (There is a 2.5% bank fee for credit card.) Along with your payment please include:
Mail your payment and request to:
Clerk of District Court
P.O. Box 35030
Billings, MT 59107
If you are in Billings you may come to room 704 of the county court house. If you are out of town you may request one by letter or by email (when requesting by email, please call to arrange fee payment).
To mail in your request:
Clerk of Court
Po Box 35030
Billings, MT 59107
On your mailed request please include: