Frequently Asked Questions

Questions are arranged alphabetically by category, then in order of importance. Please contact us if your question does not appear in this list.

    Civil Assists

  • Question: Can I use the assistance of the Sheriff's Office while I exchange children or retrieve property?
  • Answer:

    The Sheriff’s Office will provide a Civil Stand-by only after the circumstances are reviewed.  Contact Flathead County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 758-5610.

    Civil Department

  • Question: How do I get legal papers served?
  • Answer:

    Contact the Flathead County Sheriff’s Civil Department at 758-5590.
    Civil Service Fee is a flat rate of $45.00 per defendant to be served.

    All civil papers must be accompanied by a signed praecipe (a letter of instruction with a valid physical address given for service).

    For returning papers at the request of a plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney after processing, without service there are no refunds.

    Please be aware that there is no charge for service of Temporary Order’s of Protection and Order’s of Protection.

  • Question: How do I sue someone in small claims?
  • Answer:

    Contact Justice Court at 758-5643.

    Evictions

  • Question: What steps do I need to follow to evict a tenant?
  • Answer:

    If your tenant is behind in rent, you will need to give them a 3 day notice to pay or vacate.  If they pay in full within 3 days and you still want to evict the tenant then you need to give them a 30 day notice to vacate.

    If the tenant is current in rent but you want to evict the individual, you need to give them a 30 day notice.

    After the 3 day or 30 day notice, you will need to go to Justice Court to get a "Summons and Complaint for Possession."  The tenant has 10 working days to respond to the court or vacate the premises.

    On the 11th day, you will need to go back to Justice Court and request a "Writ of Execution."  Bring the Writ to the Sheriff's Office.  This gives the Sheriff's Office the authority to remove the tenant from the property.

  • Question: How do I find out my rights as a landlord or tenant?
  • Answer:

    Call the Landlord-Tenant Hotline at 1-888-345-7474.

    Misc. Information

  • Question: How can I contact Animal Control?
  • Answer:

    Call Flathead County Sheriff's Dispatch at 758-5610.

     

  • Question: Where can I find road conditions?
  • Answer:

    Please call 511.

  • Question: What is the phone number to inquire about burning permits?
  • Answer:

    Call 752-7376.

    Services

  • Question: What hours can I get my fingerprints done?
  • Answer:

    Fingerprinting is done at Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9:00am - 1:30pm and 2:30 - 4:30pm.

    Call 758-5585 before coming in. Please note there is a $15.00 charge.

  • Question: What hours does the Sheriff's Office do DNA testing?
  • Answer:

    DNA testing is done at Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  There is a $10.00 charge.

  • Question: How do I get my concealed weapons permit?
  • Answer:

    Applications are accepted at Flathead County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesdays from 12:00 until 4:30 pm.  Applications can be picked up at the Sheriff’s Office or downloaded from our website. 

    Fees for concealed weapons permits:
    New permit is $60.00. 
    Renewal is $35.00.
    Replacement card is $5.00.

  • Question: Can I get a background check done at the Sheriff's Office?
  • Answer:

    Yes.  Flathead County criminal background checks are done for $15.00.

    For Statewide or National Background checks, please call 406-444-3625.
     
    For online criminal background checks, please visit the state's website. 

    Sexual/Violent Offenders

  • Question: How do I find out if an individual is a violent or sexual offender?
  • Answer:

    www.doj.mt.gov/svor

    Temporary Orders of Protection

  • Question: How do I get a temporary order of protection?
  • Answer:

    Contact Justice Court at 758-5643 or contact District Court at 758-5870 if you have any dissolution/divorce action with the respondent.

    Traffic Concerns

  • Question: How do I report an abadoned vehicle?
  • Answer:

    If abandoned for 48 hours on a public highway, call MHP at 1-800-525-5555.


    If abandoned on a county road, call Flathead County Sheriffs Office at 758-5610.

    If abandoned on a city street call the local Police Department:
    Kalispell Police Department: 758-7780
    Whitefish Police Department: 863-2420
    Columbia Falls Police Department: 892-3234

    If abandoned on private property after 5 days, call any towing company to have it towed at the owner’s expense
  • Question: How do I report traffic concerns or vehicle accidents?
  • Answer:

    Call the MHP at 1-800-525-5555 or if it is within city limits, please call the local Police Department.

    Kalispell Police Department: 758-7780 
    Whitefish Police Department: 863-2420 
    Columbia Falls Police Department: 892-3234