How to resolve a warrant in Minnesota

The path to resolving a warrant in Minnesota

You do not have to wait to be caught off guard. This is the ordered, on-your-own-terms way to handle it — each step points to an official source.

Step 1

Confirm the warrant and the issuing court

Minnesota has no statewide public warrant search, though Minnesota Court Records Online shows whether a case exists. To confirm a warrant, call the district court in the county where you believe a case is filed (in Hennepin County, district court is 612-348-6000) or the county sheriff's warrant office (in Hennepin County, 612-348-2000); ask for the case or warrant number, the charge, any court date, and any bail amount, and provide your full name and date of birth.
Official source
Step 2

Ask the court how it handles quashing or recalling a bench warrant

For a bench or failure-to-appear warrant, some Minnesota courts allow you to ask the court to quash or recall the warrant and set a new date, sometimes by requesting a hearing or filing a motion. Ask court administration what that specific district's procedure is. This is noted only as an available option, not as a recommended strategy. In Minnesota, the warrant this applies to is typically a bench warrant (issued by a judge for failure to appear at a hearing or failure to comply with a court order), and only the court that issued it can recall or re-set it.
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Step 3

Arrange to self-surrender rather than wait for an unplanned arrest

Depending on the warrant and the court's instructions, you may be able to resolve it by appearing at the district court or by surrendering at the county jail through the sheriff. Call ahead to confirm the correct location, hours, and procedure before going. In Minnesota, this is a matter of timing, not a legal outcome. The court may set or raise bail.
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Step 4

First appearance and bail decision follow

After surrender and booking, a judge addresses release at a first appearance. Under Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02, the court may release you on a signature bond or non-monetary conditions, or set money bail you can satisfy by cash posted directly with the court or by a surety bond through a licensed bail agent for a fee.
Official source

Turning yourself in on your own terms in Minnesota

Surrendering on your own terms means you choose the timing and location within the court's or sheriff's procedures, typically during regular business hours, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during a traffic stop or at home or work. This is a logistical consideration only and does not predict any legal result.

What to bring

A valid government-issued photo ID
Any court paperwork, citation, or the case or warrant number you have
Funds or arrangements for a bond, since commercial bail exists in Minnesota (cash for the court, or a licensed bondsman's fee)
A written list of any medications you take
Contact information for a family member or friend who can help
Do not bring weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items into a court or jail

What to expect

Expect booking (fingerprints, photograph, and a records check) and a hold until a first appearance, where a judge sets release conditions or bail.

Processing times vary by county.

This is logistical information only.

In Minnesota, the specifics depend on the case; in some traffic or citation matters, a failure to appear can be reported to the driver-licensing agency and affect your license, depending on the case.

How bail and release work in Minnesota

Commercial bail available

In Minnesota, commercial bail exists. If a judge sets money bail, it can be posted in cash with the court or through a licensed bail agent for a fee — and a judge may also release you on your own recognizance or on conditions.

Minnesota guarantees a right to release on bail (Minn. Const. art. I, sec. 7), and under the criminal rules (Minn. R.

Crim.

P.

6.02) a court setting release on a bailable offense generally must offer a money-bail amount the person can post with or without non-monetary conditions, and often a separate set of non-monetary release conditions.

Money bail can be satisfied by cash posted directly with the court or by a surety bond posted through a licensed commercial bail-bond agent for a fee.

Commercial bail bondsmen legally operate in Minnesota and are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Release on personal recognizance (a signature bond) is also common for lower-level matters.

A surety bail bond carries a non-refundable premium charged by the bondsman, commonly around 10% of the bail amount. Cash bail posted directly with the court is returned at the end of the case, less any fees, if the person makes all required appearances.

Your rights. You have the right to talk to a lawyer about your situation, and if you cannot afford one, you can ask the court about a public defender.

A few cautions before you go

Confirm the warrant directly with the district court or the county sheriff's warrant office before acting; do not rely on unofficial third-party 'warrant lookup' or bail-lead websites.
A warrant does not expire on its own; ignoring it leaves you subject to arrest at any law-enforcement contact.
Ask the court about signature bonds and non-monetary release conditions, and note cash bail can be posted directly with the court instead of using a bondsman.
Call the court or jail ahead of time to confirm the correct location, intake hours, and surrender procedure, which vary by county.
Bring valid photo ID and any case or warrant number so staff can locate your matter.

Contact the issuing court or county sheriff in Minnesota

A warrant is issued by a court and served by the county sheriff — they are who can confirm it and tell you the exact way to resolve it. Start with these official Minnesota sources.

Not sure you actually have a warrant?

Before you act, confirm whether one exists. warrant.guru walks through exactly how to check in Minnesota.

Check for a warrant in Minnesota Looking for someone in jail or prison? Find them

Common questions about resolving a warrant in Minnesota

How do I resolve a warrant in Minnesota?

Confirm the warrant with the court that issued it or the county sheriff, then work through these steps: Confirm the warrant and the issuing court; Ask the court how it handles quashing or recalling a bench warrant; Arrange to self-surrender rather than wait for an unplanned arrest; First appearance and bail decision follow.

How do I turn myself in in Minnesota?

Surrendering on your own terms means you choose the timing and location within the court's or sheriff's procedures, typically during regular business hours, rather than being taken into custody unexpectedly during a traffic stop or at home or work. This is a logistical consideration only and does not predict any legal result.

Does Minnesota have commercial bail bondsmen?

Yes. Commercial bail exists in Minnesota: licensed bail agents operate here, and if a judge sets money bail it can be posted in cash with the court or through a licensed bail agent for a fee. A judge may also grant own-recognizance or conditional release.

What should I bring if I turn myself in in Minnesota?

A valid government-issued photo ID; Any court paperwork, citation, or the case or warrant number you have; Funds or arrangements for a bond, since commercial bail exists in Minnesota (cash for the court, or a licensed bondsman's fee); A written list of any medications you take; Contact information for a family member or friend who can help; Do not bring weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items into a court or jail.

Sources & last verified

Everything here links out to official government or public-reference sources. We don't store or republish records.

Last verified 2026-07-23 · 7 sources

How do I resolve a warrant and turn myself in in Minnesota?