Montana Public Records

The Montana Open Records Act (MORA; Title 2, Chapter 6)  provides definitions and exemptions for public record and access to view, copy and/ or retrieve them.  The law defines 'public record' as any documentation generated, kept and/ or maintained by any public agency; written or otherwise recorded documentation of functions, operations, proceedings or  communications by, for or between public agencies, that are not otherwise protected from disclosure.  This includes all all forms of documentation past and present.

Types of records that are generally considered 'public' include:

  • Divorce records
  • Docket calendars
  • Estate records
  • Legal Documents
  • Property records
  • Environmental Regulations
  • Public Notices
  • Records of mining and drilling.
  • Biographies
  • Cemetery Records
  • Census Records
  • Court Records
  • Military Records
  • Newspaper Articles
  • Obituaries
  • Vital Records

As with all other states, the Records NOT INCLUDED in this are those that are protected by Federal or other State laws, usually having to do with the protection of personal privacy, the integrity of the Public Office or open investigations or pertaining the general safety of the public.

Requests for pubic records should be made to the appropriate agency in writing.  The Office of the Secretary Of State of Montana also has the responsibility of maintaining records and/ or copies of records as well as overseeing the enforcement and proper records management practices of the state and it's agencies.

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Montana Government Info

State Agencies Directory

Attorney General's Office
ATTN: Attorney General, Department of Justice
P.O. Box 201401, Helena, MT 59620-1401
(406) 444-2026 | Fax: (406) 444-3549

Commerce, Department of:

Corrections, Department of:
The Montana Department of Corrections, 1539 11th Avenue, P.O. Box 201301 Helena, MT 59620-1301|  406-444-3930 | Fax:  406-444-4920  

Environmental Quality, Department of
(Main Office), 1520 E. Sixth Avenue, P.O. Box 200901, Helena, MT 59620-0901 | 406-444-2544 | Fax:  406-444-4386

Governor's Office
Office of the Governor, Montana State Capitol Bldg.
P.O. Box 200801, Helena MT 59620-0801 |  (406) 444-3111|  Fax:  (406) 444-5529

Office of the Lt. Governor, Montana State Capitol Bldg.
PO Box 200801, Helena, MT 59620-1901 |  (406) 444-3111| Fax (406) 444-4648

State Archives
Historical Society, Montana
Montana Historical Society, P.O. Box 20120, 225 North Roberts, Helena, MT 59620-1201 | (406) 444- 2694

Judicial Branch

Justice Department

Legislature, Montana State

Library, Montana State
MONTANA STATE LIBRARY, P.O. Box 201800, 1515 East 6th Avenue, Helena MT 59620-1800 | 406-444-3115

Natural Resources & Conservation, Department of

Pardons and Parole, Board of
1002 Hollenbeck Road, Deer Lodge, MT 59722
406.846.1404 | Fax:406.846.3512

Secretary of State
Montana Secretary of State, State Capitol Building, 1301 E. 6th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Mailing: P.O. Box 202801, Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-2034 | Fax: (406) 444-3976

Other Resources:

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