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1. What is the main function of the Assessor's Office?

The Assessor's main function is to appraise and place a value and classification upon all property within the county. Equalization of value is the most important aspect of the assessment function.

2. What does the county Assessor do?

The law specifically requires that assessors view each parcel of real estate to appraise its market value. Property values change continuously with changing market conditions. In addition to market changes, numerous physical changes affect the value of land and buildings. Such changes may include draining and clearing the land, improving the adjacent public streets and installing utilities, and adding to or remodeling buildings.

All factors are considered in estimating the value of property. This requires physical inspection of all property subject to assessment.

The Assessor also determines the classification, or use, of each parcel. For instance, property may be residential homestead (owner-occupied), residential non-homestead, agricultural, commercial, etc. Each classification is taxed at a different percentage of taxable market value.

3. How often are properties viewed by the Assessor's Office?

Under state law, properties are to be viewed at least once every 5 years. Values can be changed on an annual basis (based upon changing market conditions); however, an inspection and appraisal review should be conducted every 5th year. In addition, all new construction or alterations are viewed in the current year.

4. Will my property value increase if I keep the condition up and improve it?

The Minnesota property tax system is based upon the Ad Valorem system. Ad Valorem utilizes the premise that taxation should be based upon value. Well maintained property will be commanding more value from buyers, and hence will experience a higher value than properties that are not maintained.

5. Should I be expecting to receive and sign a Homestead Application every year?

Annual Homestead Applications are no longer required. The 1993 Homestead Application serves as our base homestead application year, and changes in ownership and changes in occupancy would require a new Homestead Application.

6. Can manufactured homes receive homestead classification?

Yes. The owner / occupant must also apply, and meet the requirements.

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1. What do I do if I received a ticket for no proof of insurance and I had insurance?

View the Proof of Insurance webpage for full details.

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1. How do I register to vote?

You must complete a voter registration card and return it to the Auditor's Office no later than 20 days before the next election. These voter registration cards are available in the Auditor's Office, with your driver's license application, in your state income tax booklet, or in most state offices.

The questions are simple, such as: name, address, birthday, and last address where you were registered.

For additional information, view the Voter Registration and Information webpage.

2. Do I have to register each time I vote?

No. Your registration is permanent unless you move, change your name or fail to vote for the last 4 years. If you move or change your name you must complete a new voter registration card, so we can update our records. This is true even if you just move to a new apartment in the same building.

All voters who have not voted in the last 4 years are purged from our files, so then you would need to re-register, as well.

3. Who is eligible to vote?

You must be 18 years old by election day, a citizen of the United States and have resided in Minnesota for at least 20 days before the election.

4. I failed to register 20 days before the election. Can I still vote?

Yes. You can register at the polls on election day. However, you do need proof of residence for an election day registration. View the Election Day Voter Registration webpage for more details.

5. How do I find out my polling place?

Polling places are listed on the card you received from the Secretary of State verifying your address when you registered. If that polling place is changed for any reason, you will receive a new card. If you cannot locate this card or if you have any other questions regarding elections, call the Auditor's Office at 218-299-5006.

For more information, view the Polling Places webpage.

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1. How do I schedule visitation to see an inmate?

Log in to an account at www.reliancetelephone.com to register.

2. How do I purchase a phone and texting time for an inmate?

Visit www.reliancetelephone.com.

3. How do I put money on an inmate's account?

Visit www.team3.inmatecanteen.com or visit the Correctional Facility to drop off money in the Public Lobby Kiosk.

4. What are the hours of visitation?

Visitation is offered Monday through Friday, starting at 8:00 a.m.  The last visit begins at 8:30 p.m.  Each visit is 20 minutes in length.

5. How do I leave a message for an inmate?

Call the inmate message line at 218-233-3914.

6. How do I schedule an appointment for Public Fingerprints?

This service is available by appointment only. You can contact Anna at 218-299-7267 or by email
The fee is $10.00 cash and you must bring exact change.

7. Where do I report to the Correctional Facility?

The Correctional Facility is located at 800 9th St. N,, Moorhead, Minnesota.  Report to door number 1, located on the north entrance of the building. A phone is available inside the lobby to notify jail staff you are reporting.

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1. What tests do I need on my water sample?

The 2 tests that have the most health significance are coliform bacteria, an indicator of bacterial pollution, and nitrate nitrogen, an indicator of a failing septic system, fertilizers or natural occurrence.  If you have questions, call 218-846-1465.

2. Is my water safe to drink?

The lab can only tell the consumer their water is safe to drink based on the results of the test provided; this does not guarantee that something else isn't in the water.

3. My water has a smell to it. What is it and how can I get rid of it?

When water smells like rotten eggs it usually means hydrogen sulfide is in the water supply. This can be eliminated by chlorinating the well and the distribution system.

4. Am I responsible for having my sewer system updated if I sell my home?

The county ordinance requires that the on-site septic system be inspected and certified by the county upon transfer of ownership. It is the responsibility of the selling party to submit a request for a compliance inspection. The cost of updating a system can be a bargaining tool for the seller and buyer. It is important to have the system looked at before any papers are signed.

5. What needs to be done with my sewer if I sell my home?

The Clay County Sewer Ordinance requires that, upon transfer of ownership, the on-site sewer be inspected and certified by the county. If the system does not meet code, it will need to be updated.

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1. I'd like to start a Bed and Breakfast. Is a license required?

Yes it is. Anytime you offer lodging to more than 1 person, a license is necessary.

2. I'd like to offer dinner at my Bed and Breakfast. What do I need to do?

A Bed and Breakfast is only allowed to serve breakfast, unless there is a commercial kitchen and zoning approval.

3. We're going to open a resort for a limited number of people and eventually expand it. Do we need a license?

If your resort is going to be offering lodging for 5 or more, a license is needed. If it's going to offer for less than 5, no license is needed. Make sure local zoning rules allow you to have this sort of business before doing so. Local laws may be more restrictive than state rules or statutes.

4. My parents don't need full nursing service yet. Is there a lodging business that can meet some of their needs without having the expense of a boarding care or nursing home type setting?

A Board and Lodge with Special Services might meet your needs. These types of facilities can provide help with making medical appointments, special diets, monitoring and reminding resident to take their medications, help with dressing and so on.

5. A local motel is up for sale. I'd like to buy it. Is the license transferable or will I have to apply for my own?

The license isn't transferable; you'll have to get your own. However, if it has been licensed in the year that you buy it, you only have to pay half of the required fees.

6. How much does the license cost each year?

The cost depends on the number of bedrooms you offer. Each licensee pays a base fee along with an amount per lodging room. If you offer a swimming pool, spa pool, food, beverages or have a public water supply or septic system there is an extra charge.

7. I would like to expand my lodging business but I don't know where to begin. Where do I start?

View the Plan Review link below and fill out an application for plan review. Follow the directions for developing your plans, getting zoning approvals and so on. Once the plans have been submitted, approved and returned, construction may begin. Contact your sanitarian for a final inspection and pay the required annual license fee. Plan Review

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1. When is the best time to prune deciduous shrubs?

A good rule of thumb is shrubs that bloom in late spring (old wood) should be pruned right after flowering. Shrubs that bloom on the current season’s growth (new wood) should be pruned in late winter or early spring before growth begins. Pruning should be avoided in fall because pruning wounds will remain open over winter which could cause drying and dieback at the pruning site. As with any good rule of thumb there are always exceptions; to learn more please view the pruning trees and shrubs.

2. When should I prune my hydrangeas?

Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) can be pruned to the first set of buds above ground. Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) can also be pruned in spring to retain form, generally by removing lateral branches.

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1. What is GIS?

In the strictest sense, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information, i.e. data identified according to their locations.

2. What does GIS do?

View the Geographic Information System webpage for information.

3. How do I get GIS information?

View the maps online webpage.

4. What coordinate system is our data in?

All data is in Clay County coordinates of feet.

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1. What is the process to request silt cleanout of a county highway ditch?

The landowner must contact the Highway Department and they will view the ditch, and make an engineering survey if necessary. The Highway Department will stake the project, if necessary, and the landowner will remove the silt at their expense.

2. Do I need a permit to construct a driveway or field approach that connects to a county highway?

Yes. Any request for an access connection (new, changed, modified, altered, re-constructed, etc.) onto a county highway or public right-of-way, which includes any field entrance, driveway or public / private roadway, requires a permit. This includes any type of access such as permanent, temporary or field opening.

See the Clay County Access Management Policy section of the county Highway Department's website for details and a permit application.

3. What is the process to obtain an overload, over height, over length or over width permit for hauling on a county highway?

Contact the Highway Department by calling 218-299-5099 and they will investigate and issue a moving permit if the department feels the highway will not be damaged.

4. How do I obtain a post for my mailbox?

Mailbox posts can be purchased from the Highway Department, but must be installed by the mailbox owner. The cost is currently $72. Mounting instructions and an assembly sheet is provided with each mailbox post.

Please see the Clay County Mailbox Placement and Maintenance Policy for detailed information regarding mailboxes.

5. Who do I contact if I need to do some work or adjusting to utilities within the highway right-of-way (ROW)?

Before any work is done on any utilities within a Clay County right-of-way, the persons involved must call the Highway Department to get a utility permit. The permit details location and the work to be done. This permit is reviewed by the County Engineer and recommendations are provided for the completion of the work.

Anytime there is to be any digging, a call must be made to Gopher 1 State Call. Gopher 1 is responsible for utility locates and can be reached at 800-252-1166.

6. How are speed limits on our roadways determined?

For detailed information, see speed limits in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) website.

7. How do you navigate a roundabout?

For detailed information, videos and a brochure, see roundabouts in Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) website.

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1. Does the county have an access management, driveway permitting or opening policy?

Yes, in December of 2012 the Clay County Board of Commissioners adopted a comprehensive Access Management Ordinance (2012-04), which effectively amended and repealed certain sections of the county Development Code.

2. Why did the county adopt this ordinance?

Prior to adoption of Ordinance 2012-04, the county Development Code only included a few nondescript regulations pertaining to access management. The “development” definition per the code was not all inclusive and in certain circumstances the county would have no oversight or approval authority on access connections.

Ordinance 2012-04 addressed these issues and appropriately provides the county Highway Department with the proper standards and procedures for access permitting.

3. Do I need a permit to construct a driveway or field approach that connects to a county highway?

Yes. Any request for an access connection (new, changed, modified, altered, re-constructed, etc.) onto a county highway or public right-of-way, which includes any field entrance, driveway or public / private roadway, requires a permit. This includes any type of access such as permanent, temporary or field opening.

4. How much does a permit cost? Do I need a permit for general maintenance to an existing access connection?

The access permit fee shall be $100, which includes all necessary inspections. Normal maintenance and repair can be completed without a permit.

5. Does the county still provide a culvert for new, reconstructed or modified access connections to a county highway?

Yes. As acknowledged by the Clay County Policy Statement adopted by the County Board on November 20, 2012 the county may provide the necessary culvert(s) for access onto a highway for an abutting landowner, upon issuance of an access permit. For additional information, see the Clay County Drainage Structure Policy.

6. After I receive a permit, do I need to have the county inspect and approve the improvements once construction is completed?

Yes. Consistent with the ordinance, a final inspection is required and the request must be submitted in writing to the county Highway Department.

7. How much time does the county have to process an application once submitted? When can I expect a final decision?

Once you submit an access permit, the county has 3 working days to determine whether the application is complete. Following acceptance of a complete application a final decision needs to be rendered within 30 days.

8. What is the length of time that a permit is valid once issued?

Access permits are valid for 2 years. If construction has not been completed within this time frame and an extension has not been granted per ordinance requirements, the permit shall become null and void.

9. Are there spacing standards for driveways or public street openings?

Yes. Section 8.3.6(G)(2) defines the minimum standards for roadways and driveways and requirements for full and limited access connections. Spacing standards vary based on the roadways functional classification, the posted speed limit and whether the access will be full movement or limited.

10. If I don’t agree with the decision on my permit application and/or I do not agree with the conditions of approval, is there an appeal process?

There is an appeal process established within Ordinance 2012-04. An applicant has 10 days to appeal the decision, which must be done in writing. Appeals are handled by the county Board of Adjustment pursuant to Section 8.4.4 of the County Code and Minnesota Statute Section 394.27.

11. Where do I find a full copy of the ordinance or applicable sections within the county development code?

View a full copy of the Access Management Policy.

12. Who do I contact if I have questions?

Any questions regarding the permitting process or specific questions relating to the issuance of an access permit can be directed to the Clay County Highway Department by calling 218-299-5099.

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1. What are your hours of service?

The Human Resources Department is open from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

2. How can I find out about job openings in Clay County?

Job openings appear in the Wednesday and Sunday editions of the Fargo Forum and are posted on the Clay County website.

You can call our office at 218-299-5002 for more information.

3. How can I apply for positions currently open?

The Currently Open Positions with Clay County are available online.

4. How can I get information about a job opening?

Visit our Employment page and click the Notify Me Icon in the Job Alert section.

5. What is the timeline for submitting an application?

Applications must be submitted between the opening and closing date for the posted position.

6. Can I submit 1 application for more than 1 position?

No. An application needs to be filled out for each position.

7. Do you accept a resume instead of an application form?

No. A resume can be attached to the online application form.

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1. When is a building (zoning) permit needed?

Any construction in rural Clay County requires a building (zoning) permit. Including:

• Additions
• Garages
• Outbuildings
• Sheds

A permit must be issued before any construction can begin. A Building Permit Application can be printed at home or picked up at the:

The Planning Office

3510 12th Avenue South

Moorhead, MN 56560

After an applicant or contractor completes an application, it must be presented to the township for their approval. Some township officers will just sign them independently, but some townships require the applicant to come to a township meeting. After that, the application must be returned to the Planning Office, with payment, to receive final approval.

2. Do you issue building permits for the cities in Clay County?

No. The building permits for the cities within Clay County are issued through the city halls.

3. How long does it take to get a building permit?

After a completed building permit application is returned to the Planning Office with a township signature and payment, an applicant should allow 7-10 days for the permit to be processed.

4. What is the fee for a building permit?

There is a base fee of $25, plus $1 per $1,000 of the value of the structure / addition.

For example, the fee for a $200,000 house would be $225.

5. How is the land in Clay County zoned?

Learn more about Clay County zoning here.

6. How do I find out if property is located in the flood plain?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) are available on the Clay County website. The Planning and Zoning staff can assist with looking up flood zones for specific parcels on the maps, they can be reached by telephone at 218-299-5005 or by email.

7. How do I identify / contact my Fire District?

Use the "Find My Fire District Tool" to identify your Fire District and obtain contact information. Find My Fire District Tool

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1. What is Clay County / Minnesota Department of Corrections Probation?

We provide probation and supervised release supervision for adult misdemeanor / gross misdemeanor and all juvenile offenders in Clay County. Evidence-based best practices are incorporated in providing this supervision, including assessment, motivational interviewing, case planning and management.

Our goal is to ensure public safety by providing this community based service.

This agency works closely with the Restorative Justice program in Clay County in an effort to repair the harm done to the victims of crime.

2. What is the difference between probation and supervised release?

Probation is a court disposition that allows a juvenile or adult to remain within the community under the supervision of a probation officer when adjudicated or found guilty of a criminal act.

Supervised release is supervision in the community after a juvenile or adult is released from a commitment to the Commissioner of Corrections and is returning to the community from a state correctional facility.

3. What is Community Service Work and how does it work?

Please view our Community Service Work page for more information.

4. How can a juvenile offender pay restitution to a crime victim?

Clay County Probation uses a portion of the adult supervision fees collected in the county for the Juvenile Offender Restitution Program.

These monies are used to repay a crime victim that has documented a personal financial loss. If a juvenile does not have the ability to repay the victim they can be assigned to this program and complete community work service hours.

These hours are computed at $10 per hour and a check is sent to the victim by Court Administration.

5. What specialty courts are there in Clay County?

Clay County has both a Drug Court and a Domestic Violence Court. The agents in our office provide supervision and case management to the offenders involved in these specialty courts.

6. When is the decision made to place a juvenile in an out of home placement?

Read more about out of home placement on our website.

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1. What is the Clay County Medical Reserve Corps (Clay County MRC)?

The Clay County Medical Reserve Corps is a countywide resource for health care professionals and other volunteers. The Medical Reserve Corps is part of the Citizens Corps, a national initiative to mobilize and coordinate volunteers so communities across America can better respond to disasters. The Clay County Medical Reserve Corps is coordinated by staff in the Clay County Public Health Department.

2. Why do we need an Medical Reserve Corps?

The majority of our Clay County communities have some volunteer emergency responders. This may not be enough. We need to be prepared for anything. We don’t know what type of disaster/emergency we may be faced with. The more trained volunteers we have the greater our chances for survival. A quote from the U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona: "Prepared communities make stronger communities".

3. Do I have to be a resident of Clay County to join?

The Clay County Medical Reserve Corps is currently enrolling only citizens of Clay County. If you are a resident of North Dakota, please contact your local public health agency. If you are a resident of Pope, Stevens / Traverse / Grant, Wilkin, Ottertail, and Douglas counties, please contact your county public health department and ask about the West Central Region Medical Reserve Corps.

4. Can I be a useful volunteer if my license is expired?

Many roles in the Medical Reserve Corps do not require a license. Your training and experience will still be a valuable asset to an emergency response. All Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will learn about the range of positions available during orientation.

5. Who should volunteer?

Clay County’s Medical Reserve Corps is recruiting health care professionals such as:

• Dentists
• EMTs/Paramedics
• Health Professional Students
• Medical assistants and technicians
• Mental Health Professionals (Psychologists, LSWs, Counselors)
• Nurses / Parish Nurses / Advanced Practice Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Physicians
• Respiratory, Occupational or Physical Therapists
• Veterinarians

We also need non-licensed volunteers in the event of a public health emergency whom are willing to work with a variety of people with various skills to better their community.

6. Where do I sign up to be a volunteer?

All healthcare professionals are requested to fill out an application with Minnesota Responds at http://www.health.state.mn.us/minnesotaresponds. MN Responds is the state data base for volunteers. Medical Reserve Corps county coordinators have access to the data base for their area only. This is a secured website. If you do not have access to the internet to complete an application, contact the Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator and an application will be mail you.

7. What is the Minnesota Responds-Health Professional Registry?

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has developed Minnesota Responds!, a volunteer registry of people who are willing to volunteer during a community emergency. Names of the registrants will be made available to the Clay County Medical Reserve Corps during an emergency. Enrollment in the Clay County Medical Reserve Corps ensures that your information will be available to your local health department and that you will be credentialed and trained before being called upon to respond to an emergency.

8. What kind of work would I be volunteering to do?

In the event of an emergency, a wide range of skills and abilities could be needed. The Clay County Medical Reserve Corps is looking for licensed healthcare professionals and non-licensed people who enjoy working with others to make a difference in the health of the public. Some jobs will require people who have computer skills, clerical skills, foreign language skills, data entry skills or handy person skills. Other jobs will require licensed medical professionals such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurse practitioners and physician's assistants. The main qualification is the willingness to help. All volunteers will learn about the range of positions available during orientation.

9. Where will I go if I volunteer?

The location of the site will vary depending on the emergency. The purpose is to volunteer for Clay County. Additionally, there could be an opportunity to volunteer in the West Central Region in Minnesota if you choose. Because Medical Reserve Corps is a national organization, you may have opportunities outside of your local area if you so choose.

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1. What are the symptoms of the flu for children?

The following are symptoms of the flu:

• Extreme fatigue and tiredness
• Fever 100° F to 104° Fahrenheit
• Severe headache
• Sometimes a dry cough, runny nose and sneezing
• Sore throat
• Sudden onset of severe muscle aches

They may experience vomiting and diarrhea along with symptoms mentioned above.

2. What are the symptoms for the flu for adults?

• Extreme fatigue and tiredness
• Fever 100° F to 104° F
• Severe headache
• Sometimes a dry cough, runny nose and sneezing
• Sore throat
• Sudden onset of severe muscle aches

3. If I think my child has the flu, when should I seek medical care for the flu?

• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Fever with a rash
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and have a worse cough
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting

4. If I think I have the flu, when should I seek medical care?

• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Sudden dizziness

5. What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?

• Avoid public gatherings.
• Call your healthcare provider.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids.
• Limit your contact with other people as much as possible.
• Stay home from work or school until your fever has ended and you are able to do daily activities.
• Stay home while you have a fever (prepare to be at home for 7-10 days).
• Use over the counter medications (no aspirin).

6. Where can I go to get my flu vaccine?

It is important to get your seasonal flu shot when the vaccine is available.

Clay County Public Health offers influenza vaccinations at the Family Service Center. It is located at
715 11th Street N.
Moorhead, MN 56560

Please call for an appointment at 218-299-7777. The cost is $40. If you have Medicare and Minnesota Medical Assistance, claims can be filed to insurance. Insurance cards are required.

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1. How do I get a Marriage License?

View the Marriage License webpage for information.

2. Can I get a reduced Marriage License?

View the Reduced Marriage License Fee webpage for information.

3. Can I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Clay County can issue Certified Birth Certificates for people born in Minnesota to an authorized requestor.  Birth records prior to 1932 may require additional processing times.  Identification, such as a government issued photo ID, is required to obtain a certified birth certificate.

Check Vital Records Services at the U.S. Department of State for information on where to call or write for vital records in other states.

4. How can I search a property?

The records in the Clay County Recorder's Office can be viewed in person at:

3510 12th Ave S
Moorhead, MN 56560

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

If you have a document number and need a copy mailed or faxed, the Clay County Recorder’s Office will be happy to help you at the time of payment.

Recording is the 1st priority. If a request is mailed or faxed, we will do limited research at no charge as we have time available. There is a charge for copies and faxing. Requests are processed in the order they are received. If you need research done quickly, contact an abstractor, attorney, title company or some other type of researcher to help you.

5. Are there any liens on this property?

View the tax liens webpage for information.

6. Where can I get real estate forms?

Clay County does not sell any legal real estate forms. FM Printing is the forms distributor for Clay County. They can be contacted by calling 218-233-1531 or visiting the business located at:

710 Main Ave.
Moorhead, MN 56560

The Minnesota Department of Commerce provides free public access to forms as a convenience for the public.  Our staff is prohibited from providing legal advice, including which form you need for your situation for how to fill in a form.  If you have questions regarding these forms, we strongly recommend you speak with an attorney.

Minnesota Department of Commerce

7. Does the Recorder's Office provide notary services?

The Clay County Recorder’s Office does not provide notary service. To find a notary public you can check with your personal banker.

Any person wishing to have a document notarized must provide appropriate identification for this service, and all signatures must be completed in the presence of the notary.

Fees may be charged for notary service.

8. Are well certificates required on all deeds?

If a transferring document requires a Certificate of Real Estate Value, well information is also required. If there are no wells on the property, the transfer document must contain a statement attesting to this fact, such as:

"The seller certifies that the seller does not know of any wells on the described real property."

If there is a well(s) located on the property, a completed Well Disclosure Certificate must accompany the transferring document, or if the seller can make the following statement on the transferring document, a Well Disclosure Certificate is not needed:

"I am familiar with the property described in this instrument and I certify that the status and the number of wells on the described real property have not changed since the last previously filed Well Disclosure Certificate."

The Well Disclosure Certificate Form, in addition to further information regarding wells, is available on the Minnesota Department of Health's website.

9. Does the Clay County Recorder perform abstracting services?

The Clay County Recorder’s Office does not provide abstracting services. You may contact an independent abstract company for abstracting services. 

10. Will the Recorder's Office help me fill out my forms?

No one in the Recorder's Office has a license to practice law, so you will need to contact your own attorney for legal advise and for help completing forms.

11. Is this land torrens or abstract?

To determine if a piece of property is abstract or torrens, search the parcel on the Clay County GIS Map and the property type will display

12. Can I see the list of pending foreclosures?

Foreclosures are not filed with the courts in Minnesota like they are in North Dakota. We do not automatically have a list of pending foreclosures.

Searchers can search all foreclosure type documents taken in daily and view the documents at the Clay County Recorder's Office, which is located at:

3510 12th Ave S
Moorhead, MN 56560

To view upcoming sales, view the Sheriff’s Office Calendar

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1. Who started Torrens?

The Torrens system was developed by Sir Robert Richard Torrens (1814-1884), an Australian customs officer and reformer of Australian land laws. He subsequently became a Registrar of Deeds. Sir Robert Torrens was looking for 5 qualities:
Low Cost
Reliability
Simplicity
Speed
Suitability

2. What is Torrens?

It is a system for registration of land under which, upon the landowner’s application, the court may, after appropriate proceedings, direct the issuance of a certificate of title.

With the abstract system an abstract is evidence of title.

In the Torrens system the certificate of title is the title.

3. Where did the Torrens system idea come from?

The Torrens system was originally a ship registry system whereby each ship owner was assigned a certificate that included various information. When a vessel was sold, the seller surrendered the certificate for cancellation and a new certificate was given to the new owner.

4. Why do we have Torrens?

The purpose of the system is to simplify the transfer of real estate.

The County Recorder directs the office of the Registrar of Titles.

District Court, however, controls the registration of the land and directs the Registrar of Titles.

An Examiner of Titles is the legal advisor to the Registrar of Titles and is appointed by the District Court.

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1. How do I request a copy of a police report?

To obtain a copy of a police report, Email the Records Division or call (218) 299-5151.

2. How do I request a copy of my driving record and status?

Please Click Here to visit Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services for more information.

3. How can I get a vehicle released from impound, and when?

• Vehicles are only released to the registered owner.
• All vehicles must have proper registration prior to release.
• Vehicles are released during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
• Impound fees include a $20 administrative cost, wrecker expense, and any storage.
• Storage is $10 per day, not counting the day of impound nor the day of release.
• Impound fees must be paid in cash, money order, or certified check unless pre-approved by an administrative supervisor.

4. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

We need a release of information statement from the owner or driver of the vehicle, or anyone else involved in the accident. There is a fee for the copy. If the person involved in the accident is under 18 years of age, the parent or guardian may receive, or authorize release of the accident report. Release forms are available at the Sheriff’s Office.

5. Where is the Sheriff’s Office located?

We are in the Law Enforcement Center at 911 11th Street North, Moorhead, MN. Our building is located directly north of the Clay County Courthouse. After entering the Law Enforcement Center, ask for the Sheriff‘s Office at the front counter. You will be directed to the Administrative Office.

6. Where can I have my fingerprints taken?

The Clay County Jail will take your fingerprints for you during the following times:

• Mondays 7p.m. - 9 p.m.
• Saturdays1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

You must have photo identification with you and there is a $10 fee for this service. The Jail can be reached at 218-299-5163.

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1. What is the most common service performed?

The most common service is the Summons and Complaint. These are usually the beginning of a civil suit involving 1 party suing another for unpaid services provided to the Defendant.

2. Does the Civil Process Division serve other civil papers such as rent notices, notices to vacate, personal undeliverable mail, etc?

Yes. View other Civil Process responsibilities and fees.

3. What is the advantage of having the Sheriff’s Office serve civil papers versus other agencies?

We provide a Certificate of Service for all civil papers served. The serving deputy may be issued a subpoena to testify in court as to the service. We also have a wide variety of resources available to assist us in locating individuals for service.

4. Are there fees associated with the process of service?

Yes. There is a service fee, unless a court order is being served. The fees for service are $35 plus mileage. Mileage costs start at $7.17 and increase based upon distance from the Clay County Courthouse.

5. What is the process for removing a tenant who has violated the conditions of their lease?

The first step: the landlord (plaintiff) must present the tenant (defendant) with a written notice stating the reasons for the notice and a time period within which the tenant must reply or act.

The second step: apply for an Eviction Summons and an Eviction Complaint. This process is the first step in a legal action against the tenant. The Summons portion of the matter is the court date when both parties must appear to present their case for the judge. The Eviction Complaint states the specifics of the action, i.e., non-payment of rent, lease violations, criminal activity, etc. Once hearing both sides, the judge will make a ruling.

The third step: with the ruling for the tenant, the tenant will stay. If the ruling is for the landlord, a Writ of Recovery will be issued. The plaintiff presents the Writ of Recovery to the Sheriff’s Office for service. Once the Writ has been served or posted upon the premises, the tenant has 24 hours to remove their belongings and leave the premises. The Sheriff’s Office will remove a tenant at this point if they do not comply.