Court records in Dakota County, Minnesota can be searched through several channels. DakotaCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the state's official Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, visit the Court Administrator's office at the Dakota County Courthouse in Hastings, or use the public access terminals available inside the courthouse and at the State Law Library.
Dakota County Court System & Jurisdictions
Minnesota operates a unified court system, and Dakota County is served by the First Judicial District. The Dakota County District Court is the trial-level court that handles virtually all case types filed in the county. There is no separate magistrate court, family court, or probate court — these are divisions or case categories within the District Court.
Case Types Handled by Dakota County District Court
- Criminal cases — felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors. Dakota County also publishes recent criminal complaints on its website for a rolling 12-month period (complaints involving criminal sexual conduct or child pornography are excluded).
- Civil cases — contract disputes, personal injury, property disputes, and other civil litigation.
- Family law — divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and domestic abuse matters. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the Court Administrator's office.
- Probate and mental health — wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and civil commitments.
- Juvenile — delinquency, child protection, and truancy proceedings. Most juvenile records are restricted from public access.
- Conciliation court (small claims) — civil disputes up to $15,000. These cases follow simplified procedures and typically do not require an attorney.
- Traffic and petty misdemeanors — speeding, parking violations, and other minor offenses.
All of these case types are filed at and managed by the Dakota County District Court. The courthouse location is:
Dakota County Courthouse
Public access to court records is governed by the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch. Most case records are generally public, but records in juvenile, adoption, mental health commitment, and certain sealed or expunged cases are restricted.
Dakota County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Hearing dates, times, and courtroom assignments for Dakota County cases can be found through the MCRO case search. When you look up a case by party name or court file number, the system displays scheduled hearing information associated with that case.
Steps to Check a Court Calendar
- Go to Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).
- Select Dakota from the county list, or search statewide.
- Enter the party's name or the court file number.
- Open the case record to view upcoming hearing dates and past hearing history.
For same-day calendar questions — such as confirming a courtroom number or whether a hearing is still on schedule — call the Court Administrator's office at (651) 377-7180. The Dakota County District Court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website also lists contact information and may provide links to daily calendars when available.
How to Get a Copy of a Dakota County Court Document
You can obtain copies of Dakota County court documents through three main channels: online, in person, or by mail.
Online
Many court documents are available for viewing and download through MCRO. Not all documents are available remotely — some records that appear on the public access terminals inside the courthouse may not be accessible online. The Minnesota State Law Library explains what you'll need to search: either the names of the parties or the court file number.
In Person
Visit the Court Administrator's office at the Dakota County Courthouse in Hastings. You can:
- Use the public access terminals (MPA Courthouse terminals) to search and view records, including some documents not available on the remote MCRO site.
- Request printed copies — uncertified or certified — from the clerk at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Court Administrator specifying the case number, party names, and the documents you need. Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to "Dakota County Court Administrator").
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They are suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and the Court Administrator's signature. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, or filings in another court.
If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree, the State Law Library confirms that you must request it from the county courthouse where the divorce was granted.
Records that have been expunged are generally not available to the public. Sealed records, juvenile records, and certain mental health records are also restricted.
Dakota County Court Records Fees & Payment
Court record fees in Minnesota are set by statute and court order. The following table lists common fees you may encounter when requesting records from the Dakota County District Court. Confirm current amounts with the Court Administrator, as fees can change.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document | $10.00 |
| Court record search (per name, per 10-year period) | $10.00 |
| Copies retrieved remotely via MCRO | No charge (viewing); printing fees may apply |
| Audio recording of court proceeding (per CD/file) | $5.00–$10.00 (varies) |
Source: Minnesota Statutes § 357.021 and Minnesota Judicial Branch administrative fee schedules. Contact the Court Administrator's office to verify current fees before submitting payment.
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (accepted at most clerk counters).
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Dakota County Court Administrator."
- Online: Viewing case information on MCRO is free. If a document purchase or certified copy can be ordered online, payment is typically by credit or debit card.
For questions about fees or payment options, call the Dakota County Court Administrator at (651) 377-7180 or visit the Dakota County District Court page for current contact details.
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