Frequently Asked Questions

You can save a portion of the fee on your marriage license if you bring in a “Reduced Marriage Fee Educators Statement” when you apply for your license. The statement needs to be signed by a licensed or ordained minister or a person authorized to solemnize marriage under Minnesota Statutes, section 148B.33.

Visit Marriage Services for more information.

The Recorder’s Office can make certified copies of most Minnesota births. A requester can apply for a certified copy of their own record or their child's, their parent's, their grandchild's or grandparent’s record by filling out a birth application form and showing a government issued picture ID. A requester can also obtain a certified birth record under certain other legal circumstances. Call the Recorder’s Office to determine if they have the record available 218-281-3464.

Visit Birth and Death Certificates for more information.

If you are getting married in Minnesota, you need to purchase a license in Minnesota. Both the applicants need to apply for a license, show picture ID and provide Social Security numbers, if applicable, and pay a fee. The license is good for 6 months. If either party has been previously married and the marriage was terminated (death, divorce or annulment), the date of termination and by what court, if applicable, needs to be included.

Age of Consent

You must be 18 years of age or older to get a Civil Marriage License in Minnesota without parental consent. A 16 to 17 year old can obtain a Civil Marriage License if the two applicants each complete a set of forms and the underage party’s parents fill out a set of forms. A judge will review the forms and may meet with the applicants and parents. If the judge approves the marriage, a license will be issued.

You do not need to be a resident or have blood tests to get a Civil Marriage License in Minnesota.

Additional Information

Visit Marriage Services for more information.

The records in the Polk County Recorder's Office can be viewed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at:
612 North Broadway
Crookston, MN 56716

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

Fees

Recording is the first priority. If a request is mailed or faxed, we will do limited research at no charge as we have time available. If the search requires more time, the fee is $30 per hour with a $15 minimum. 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.

The Recorder's Office has information on record for several property liens. The records are open to the public. The most common lien is a mortgage on real estate. A mortgage would include information about the lending institution, the mortgage amount and the due date or enough information to calculate a due date.

Mechanic's Liens

Mechanic's liens are liens for unpaid work done on the property. You can search by name for State and Federal Tax liens. The Minnesota Secretary of State will do a Tax Lien Search for a fee per name (UCC-12 Form), or you can search the records yourself at no cost.

Judgments

Judgments will show on an abstract but the information is obtained through the Polk Court Administration Office. When an abstract is brought up to date, an abstract company does various searches in and outside of the courthouse. Searching for liens in the courthouse is not the same as bringing an abstract up to date. Most lending institutions will require an attorney to do a title opinion after an abstract is brought up to date to determine if there are liens on the property.

Polk County does not sell any legal real estate forms. Real Estate forms can be obtained from a bank, an attorney’s office or online.

The Polk County Recorder’s Office has three notaries available. 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.

When transferring property, a Well Disclosure Certificate may be 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. 

Certificate Needed

If there is a well(s) located on the property, a completed Well Disclosure Certificate must accompany the transferring document.

Certificate Not Needed

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 downloadable forms page and at the Minnesota Department of Health's website.

The Polk County Recorder’s Office does not provide abstracting services. You may contact Stranders, an independent abstract company for abstracting services, by calling 218-281-1191.

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

All parcels of land in Polk county are abstract.

Polk County does not offer passport services at this time. For frequently asked questions regarding passports see the United States Department of State Passport Services and Information Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

The Follow Along Program is:

• A good way to learn about your child's health and development
• A fun way to get ideas about "what to teach" and "at what age" to teach it
• A simple way to ask questions about how your child is:
  • Acting
  • Growing
  • Hearing
  • Learning
  • Moving
  • Playing
  • Seeing
  • Talking
• An easy way to find out about other services you may want for your child

The Follow Along Program works as follows:

• An early childhood professional, most often a nurse, may visit with you (in person or over the phone) to tell you more about the program and find out more about your child.
• Questionnaires are sent to you when your child reaches different ages such as 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, and 36 months old. Each questionnaire asks how your child is growing, playing, talking, moving, and acting.
• Handouts with fun activities for you to do with your child are also sent to you.
• The results of the questionnaires will be shared with you. If there are any concerns, a nurse or other professional from the program will get in touch with you. Together, you can talk about choices for further evaluation or early help services.
• When your child is 36 months old, you will get information about the next step, Early Childhood Screening.

The Follow Along Program is free! There is no cost to you.

Enroll for the Follow Along Program online now!

If you have concerns about a child's development, discuss them with your child's health care provider and make a referral to Minnesota's early intervention system, Help Me Grow. Accessing early intervention services as early as possible will ensure the best outcomes for your child.

Radon comes from the soil. Radon is produced from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. Uranium breaks down to radium. As radium disintegrates it turns into radioactive gas: radon. As a gas, radon moves up through the soil and into the air you breathe.

Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer (after tobacco) in smokers. Thankfully, this risk should be entirely preventable through awareness and testing.

High radon exist in every state in the U.S. In Minnesota, 2 in 5 homes has radon levels that pose a significant health risk, and nearly 80% of counties are rated high radon zones. Some factors that further contribute to Minnesota's high radon levels include:

• Minnesota's geology produces an ongoing supply of radon.
• Minnesota's climate affects how our homes are built and operate.

Since radon is produced from soil, it is present nearly everywhere. Because soil is porous radon gas is able to move up through the dirt and rocks and into the air we breathe. If allowed to accumulate, radon becomes a health concern.

Components that Affect Radon Accumulation

Two components that affect how much radon will accumulate in a home are pathways and air pressure. These components will differ from home to home.

1. Pathways are routes the gas uses to enter your home and found anywhere there is an opening between the home and the soil.
2. Air pressure between your home's interior and the exterior soil is what helps to draw radon gas into the home via pathways.

Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply:

• Moisture
• Nutrients (food)

Of these, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.

Health effects from exposure to mold can vary greatly depending on the person and the amount of mold in their home. 

The type of health symptoms that may occur include coughing, wheezing, nasal and throat conditions. People with asthma or allergies who are sensitive to mold may notice their asthma or allergy symptoms worsen. Individuals with severely weakened immune system who are exposed to moldy environments are at risk of developing serious fungal respiratory infections. 

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that people consult a medical professional if they are concerned about the effects of a moldy environment on their health.

Investigate don't test. The most practical way to find a mold problem is by using your eyes to look for mold growth and by using your nose to locate the source of a suspicious odor. If you see mold or if there is an earthy or musty smell, you should assume a mold problem exists. 

Other clues are signs of excess moisture or the worsening of allergy-like symptoms.

The Minnesota Department of Health does not recommend testing for mold. Instead, you should simply assume there is a problem whenever you see mold or smell mold odors. 

Testing should never take the place of visual inspection and it should never use up resources that are needed to correct moisture problems and remove visible growth.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health - Testing for Mold website.

No - Minnesota Department of Health and Polk County Public Health do not conduct any testing for mold and in most cases does not recommend testing. If you decide you want to continue with testing, here are some guidelines for selecting an indoor air quality (IAQ) consultant:

• Guidelines for Selecting an Indoor Air Quality Consultant

No, Minnesota allows military voters and voters living abroad to self-certify their absentee ballot.

Yes. You can choose to have voting materials sent by email, mail or fax. If you receive materials by email, you must print them. You cannot return your ballot by email or fax.

Ballots are ready at least 46 days before the election. Election officials will send your ballot as quickly as possible after receiving your application.

Election officials will airmail your ballot if you are outside the continental United States. If you provide a prepaid envelope, your county election office can send your ballot by express mail service

No. Your ballot application also serves as a voter registration application.

Polk County jail is now listed in the phone book under its new name of the Justice Center. The telephone number is 218-470-8100, Option Number 3 (this is a local Crookston number). All questions regarding prisoners, prisoner transfers and prisoner visitation should be directed to that number.

The dispatchers receive these types of calls constantly in the winter months, especially after a storm. To get road condition information for anywhere in Minnesota: 

1. Dial 511 or 1-511. An automated message will give you the most current road information for whatever region of the state you request. 
2. On the internet type the 511 address www.511mn.org (this website also has additional links to get road conditions from other states). 
3. The 511MN app for your smart phone shows current road conditions.

For the answers to these questions, you must call Polk County Court Administration at 218-470-8001 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To obtain a copy of your driving record, follow the instructions on the following documents:

• Driver and Vehicle Services Information: Instructions for Obtaining Information (PDF)
• Driver and Vehicle Services Notice: Notice for Driving Records (PDF)

Reserve Components

A member of a Reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 under title 10 United States Code for contingency operation and who serves at least 90 consecutive days or more is eligible for Chapter 1607.

National Guard Members

National Guard members also are eligible if their active duty is under section 502 (f), title 32 USC. and they serve for 90 consecutive days when authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency and is supported by federal funds. Individuals are eligible as soon as they reach the 90 day point whether or not they are currently on active duty. DoD will fully identify contingency operations that qualify for benefits under chapter 1607.

Disabled Members

Disabled members who are injured or have an illness or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and are released from active duty before completing 90 consecutive days are also eligible.

For additional information, please call 1-888-442-4551.

This program provides financial aid for the education of a dependent or surviving son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran with a 100% permanent and total service connected disability who dies from any cause, a service person missing in action, or a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service connected disability. The disability must arise out of active service in the Armed Forces.

New Category

A new category effective December 23, 2006 includes a veteran who has a service connected permanent and total disability; and at the time of Veteran's Affair's determination is a member of the Armed Forces who is hospitalized or is receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment; and is likely to be discharged or released from service fro this service connected disability. 

For additional information, please call 1-888-442-4551.

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment programs has two key goals.

• First, to assist the service-disabled veteran to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment.
• Second, for those persons who are severely disabled and that gainful employment is not an option, assistance may be provided to allow that person to live more independently in his or her community.

For additional information, please call 1-888-442-4551.

Any veteran with a compensable disability rating of 10% or more is invited to file application for Vocational rehabilitation by completing Veteran's Affairs form 28-1900 and submitting it to your local Veteran's Affairs Office. Once the application is filed, an appointment will be scheduled for you to discuss your educational plans, test your aptitude, interests and abilities as well as review the nature of your disability and how it affects your ability to gain employment.

A decision of your entitlement to the benefit will be rendered after the counseling appointment. For additional information, please call 1-888-442-4551.

Veteran's Affairs guaranteed loans are made by private lenders, such as banks, savings and loans, or mortgage companies to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home which must be for their own personal occupancy. The guaranty means the lender is protected against loss if you or a later owner fail to repay the loan. The guaranty replaces the protection the lender normally received by requiring a down payment allowing you to obtain favorable financing terms.

While most veterans must be enrolled to receive Veteran's Affairs (VA) health care, some veterans are exempt from enrollment requirements due to meeting special eligibility criteria. If you fall into one of the following categories, you are not required to enroll:

• Less than one year has passed since you were discharged for a disability that the military determined Was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but that VA has not yet rated
  
• VA has rated you with a service-connected disability of 50% or more
• You are seeking care for a VA-rated service connected condition only

If the services are provided for the treatment of a condition that may be related to your military service, you will not be charged any co-payments. This benefit is limited to a two year period following military discharge.

You will, however, be subject to means testing (and co-payments, if applicable) for care of any condition clearly not related to your military service such as a broken limb or a problem that existed prior to entering service.

To qualify for hearing aids and eyeglasses, you must have a service connected disability rating of 10% or more. You may also qualify if you are a former prisoner of war or are receiving increased pension based on your need for regular aid and attendance or being permanently housebound.

To qualify for routine non-Veteran's Affairs (VA) care at VA expense (otherwise know as fee-basis care), you must first be given specific authorization. Included among the factors in determining whether such care will be authorized is your medical condition and availability of VA services within your geographic area.

You are eligible if the non-Veteran's Affairs (VA) emergency care is for a service connected condition, or if enrolled, you have been provided care by a VA clinician or provider within the past 24 months and have no other coverage or ability to pay for the services. Also, it must be determined that VA health facilities were not feasibly available, that a delay in medical attention would have endangered your life or health, and that you are personally liable for the cost of the services. You then have 48 hours to notify hours to notify the VA. As soon as your condition is stable, transfer to a VA facility should be arranged.

You may qualify for beneficiary travel payments if you fall into one of the following categories:

• You are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension exam
• You are traveling for treatment of a service connected condition
• You have a service-connected rating of 30% or more
• You receive a Veteran's Affairs (VA) pension
• Your household income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate
• Your medical condition requires an ambulance or a specially equipped van, you are unable to defray the cost, and the travel is pre-authorized (authorization is not required for emergencies if a delay would endanger your life or health

As a victim of a criminal offense, you have the right to specific information. You may call Polk County Coordinated Victim Services to receive procedural and factual information concerning a case. This information can include charging decisions, conditions of release, and your rights as a crime victim. 

If you have been the victim of a violent crime in Minnesota the Crime Victims Reparations Board may be able to assist you. They provide financial help to victims and their families for losses incurred as a result of the crime.

A victim of a crime has the right to receive restitution as part of the disposition of a criminal charge. You may request restitution as part of a defendant’s sentence by filling out an Affidavit for Restitution and returning this to the Polk County Attorney’s Office.

If you are having financial troubles as a result of being a victim of a crime, one of our Victim Assistance Specialists may be able to help you find resources specific to your situation.

Yes, your rights as a crime victim apply regardless of the offender’s age.

You may register for notice of an offenders release from custody through MN VINE and/or MN HAVEN. You may find more information on these programs on our resource page. 

Generally, court hearings are open to the public and you can choose to attend any hearing that you would like. If you receive a subpoena, which is an order of the court, you will be required to attend the hearing for the date on the subpoena to testify. Victim Assistance Specialists are available to escort or accompany you to the courtroom and explain the proceedings if you wish.  

No, the prosecuting attorney has the responsibility to initially charge a criminal case on behalf of the state and makes decisions about the prosecution. This includes whether or not to drop charges. Your feelings are important to our office and will be taken into account. However, the prosecutor will make the final decision.

Call the number listed on your subpoena to ensure the office has updated contact information for you and to discuss the jury trial process. 

A subpoena is an order of the court to appear at a specific date and time. If you fail to appear for a subpoena you may be charged with a criminal offense.