How to resolve a warrant in North Dakota

The path to resolving a warrant in North Dakota

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 identify the issuing court

Search the ND Courts Public Records Search by name, where an active warrant is flagged with a warrant-indicator icon next to the case number, then confirm with the clerk of District Court in that county or the county sheriff's records/warrants division. Get the case or warrant number, the charge, and any court date, and provide your full name and date of birth.
Official source
Step 2

Ask the court about recalling a bench / failure-to-appear warrant

For a warrant issued because a court date was missed, ask the clerk how that court re-sets the matter and how the warrant can be recalled; filing a motion to recall the warrant is one available procedural option. This is noted only as an option, not as a recommended strategy. In North Dakota, the warrant this applies to is typically a bench warrant (issued by a judge for failure to appear or failure to comply with a court order), and only the court that issued it can recall or re-set it.
Official source
Step 3

Arrange to appear or self-surrender on scheduled terms

Depending on the warrant and the court's instructions, you may resolve it by appearing in court on a re-set date or by surrendering at the county jail through the sheriff. Call ahead to confirm the correct location, hours, and procedure before going. In North Dakota, this is a matter of timing, not a legal outcome. A bench warrant for failure to appear can add consequences within the underlying case, such as new charges or bond changes.
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Step 4

First appearance and bond decision follow

After being taken into custody and booked, you are brought before a judge or magistrate, who sets release under Rule 46: recognizance, an unsecured bond, or a secured bond you can satisfy by posting cash with the clerk of court or by using a licensed bail agent for a fee.
Official source

Turning yourself in on your own terms in North Dakota

Surrendering on your own terms means you choose the timing and location within the court's or jail'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 North Dakota (cash posted with the court, or a licensed bail agent's fee); ask the clerk whether a cash bond is accepted
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 first appearance before a judge or magistrate, who sets release conditions or a bond under Rule 46.

Processing times vary by county.

This is logistical information only.

In North Dakota, the matter being addressed is generally a bench warrant.

How bail and release work in North Dakota

Commercial bail available

In North Dakota, 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.

North Dakota uses money bail alongside non-monetary release.

Under North Dakota Rule of Criminal Procedure 46 and related statutes, a court may release a person on their own recognizance or an unsecured appearance bond, or set a secured bond.

Where a secured bond is required, a person may post cash bail with the clerk of court, or post a surety bond through a licensed commercial bail bond agent for a fee.

Commercial bail bond agents legally operate in North Dakota and are licensed as surety bail bond producers by the North Dakota Insurance Department.

In practice, many North Dakota courts rely on cash bonds posted directly with the court or on recognizance release, and commercial bondsmen are less prevalent here than in some states.

A commercial surety bond carries a non-refundable premium, commonly around 10% of the bond amount. Cash bail posted directly with the clerk of court is refundable (less any fees) if you make all required appearances. Ask the clerk whether the court will accept a cash bond instead of a surety bond.

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 clerk of District Court or the county sheriff before acting; the ND Courts Public Records Search may not be updated in real time, and do not rely on unofficial third-party 'warrant lookup' or bail-lead websites.
Ask the clerk about posting a cash bond with the court and about recognizance release, which are alternatives to paying a bondsman.
A warrant does not expire on its own; ignoring it leaves you subject to arrest at any law-enforcement contact.
Call the court or jail ahead of time to confirm the correct location, intake hours, and surrender procedure, which vary by county.

Contact the issuing court or county sheriff in North Dakota

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 North Dakota sources.

Not sure you actually have a warrant?

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

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

Common questions about resolving a warrant in North Dakota

How do I resolve a warrant in North Dakota?

Confirm the warrant with the court that issued it or the county sheriff, then work through these steps: Confirm the warrant and identify the issuing court; Ask the court about recalling a bench / failure-to-appear warrant; Arrange to appear or self-surrender on scheduled terms; First appearance and bond decision follow.

How do I turn myself in in North Dakota?

Surrendering on your own terms means you choose the timing and location within the court's or jail'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 North Dakota have commercial bail bondsmen?

Yes. Commercial bail exists in North Dakota: 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 North Dakota?

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 North Dakota (cash posted with the court, or a licensed bail agent's fee); ask the clerk whether a cash bond is accepted; 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 · 6 sources

How do I resolve a warrant and turn myself in in North Dakota?