Arrest Warrant
Issued by a judge after a prosecutor presents probable cause that a crime was committed. Authorizes law enforcement to take the named person into custody anywhere in Montana.
Best Montana Warrant Pages To Improve First
These county pages map most closely to real search behavior around warrant lookup, local jail information, and city-level police activity. Start here if you need a faster county-specific path than the statewide portal alone.
Start Here
Statewide Search
The Montana Judicial Branch Public Access Portal is the statewide warrant fallback.
It covers district courts and courts of limited jurisdiction across all 56 counties. Search by name, then filter by "Warrants" under the defendant menu.
Types of Warrants in Montana
Bench Warrant
Issued directly by a judge, most commonly for failure to appear in court, a probation violation, or non-payment of fines. Also authorizes immediate arrest.
Search Warrant
Authorizes law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence. Search warrants are not typically listed on public warrant rosters because they are served and may be sealed.
How To Search
Four practical ways to check for warrants in Montana.
1
Use the Montana Judicial Branch Portal. Search by full name, then select Warrants from the defendant filter. This is the most comprehensive free search available.
2
Check county-specific warrant lists when available. Several Montana counties publish live warrant lists online, and those county pages often move faster than the statewide court portal.
Yellowstone County
Online
Hill County
Guide
Gallatin County
Guide
Missoula County
Guide
Cascade County
Online
Flathead County
Online
Lewis and Clark County
Online
Silver Bow County
Guide
3
Call the county sheriff's office when no online warrant list exists. Find detention and county contact paths on the Jail Rosters page.
4
Run a formal DOJ CHOPRS criminal history search if you need broader felony-arrest context. It costs $20 and requires a full name plus date of birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do warrants expire in Montana?
No. Arrest warrants and bench warrants in Montana do not have an expiration date. They remain active until served (the person is arrested), quashed by a judge, or the subject dies. There is no statute of limitations on an outstanding warrant.
What happens if I have a warrant?
If you have an active warrant, law enforcement can arrest you at any time — during a routine traffic stop, at your home, or at work. If you believe you may have a warrant, the safest approach is to contact a licensed Montana criminal defense attorney before taking any other action. An attorney can confirm the warrant, negotiate a voluntary surrender, and represent you at any required court appearance.
Can I look up someone else's warrant?
Yes. Warrant records are generally public under Montana's Public Records Act (MCA 2-6-102). You can search by name using the Montana Judicial Branch Public Access Portal or contact the relevant county court or sheriff's office. Some counties publish their full warrant list online.
What is the difference between an arrest warrant and a bench warrant?
An arrest warrant is issued by a judge based on probable cause that a specific person committed a crime, typically after a law enforcement investigation. A bench warrant is issued by a judge directly from the bench — most often when someone fails to appear in court, violates probation terms, or fails to pay court-ordered fines. Both authorize law enforcement to take the person into custody.
Can a warrant be issued without me knowing?
Yes. Warrants are often issued without notifying the subject. The court issues the warrant based on a law enforcement affidavit or a prosecutor's motion, and law enforcement then looks for an opportunity to serve it. This is why warrants sometimes go unserved for months or years.
Does Montana share warrants with other states?
Montana participates in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which means active felony warrants are visible to law enforcement in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Some misdemeanor warrants are also entered into NCIC. A Montana warrant can result in arrest in another state, and Montana can extradite fugitives for serious charges.
Related Resources
Not Legal Advice. This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you have an active warrant, consult a licensed Montana criminal defense attorney before taking any action.