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Afton, Minnesota Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Afton, Minnesota.

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Afton Public Records Directory

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About Afton

Afton is a small city in Washington County, Minnesota, located along the St. Croix River in the southeastern part of the county, approximately 20 miles east of Saint Paul. With a population of around 3,000 residents, Afton was originally settled in the 1850s and incorporated as a city in 1969. The city is known for its scenic river valley location, historic downtown district, Afton State Park, and the popular Afton Alps ski area. The community maintains a rural, small-town character despite its proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, with the historic Afton House Inn serving as a local landmark since 1867. The city's topography includes bluffs overlooking the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, making it a destination for outdoor recreation and tourism.

Public records in Afton are maintained by several government entities. The Afton City Hall, located at 3033 St. Croix Trail South, Afton, MN 55001, handles city-specific records including building permits, city council minutes, zoning documents, and business licenses. The Washington County Government Center in Stillwater serves Afton residents for county-level records including property assessments, recorded land documents, court filings, and vital records. The Washington County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services to the city under contract. Minnesota's Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) governs public access to government records, establishing that all government data is presumed public unless classified otherwise by state or federal law. Residents can request records in person, by mail, or through online portals maintained by the state and county.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Afton, Washington County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including those in Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Forest Lake. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, focusing on local crime prevention and community safety. These departments often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and regional law enforcement initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Washington County Jail, located in Stillwater, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours designated for visits. In Minnesota, the bond or bail process allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail's administration office.

Court Records

Afton residents are served by the Minnesota Fourth Judicial District Court, Washington County Division, located at the Washington County Government Center, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082, phone (651) 430-6115. This district court handles all criminal matters (felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors), civil cases, family law (divorce, custody, child support), probate and estate matters, guardianships and conservatorships, and juvenile cases for Afton and all of Washington County. Afton does not maintain a separate municipal court. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides a statewide online case search system called Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) at www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records.aspx, which allows the public to search cases by party name, case number, or attorney for most civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Some records, particularly those involving juveniles, adoption, or sealed cases, are not available through public search. Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Court Administration office in Stillwater, with fees typically $14 for the first certified copy and $7 for each additional copy of the same document. The court accepts case filings electronically through the Minnesota Courts E-Filing System for most case types, and also in person or by mail at the Stillwater courthouse.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Washington County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Washington County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Bureau offers online access to public criminal records, facilitating transparency and public safety.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Washington County are maintained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Afton are maintained by Washington County offices in Stillwater. The Washington County Assessor's Office, located at the Government Center, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082, phone (651) 430-6175, website www.co.washington.mn.us/assessor, maintains property assessment records including parcel identification numbers, ownership information, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax information. The Assessor's website provides a free online property information search at www.co.washington.mn.us/propertyinfo where users can search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view current assessment data, property tax amounts, sales history, and parcel maps for all properties in Afton. The Washington County Recorder's Office, located in the same Government Center building, phone (651) 430-6733, website www.co.washington.mn.us/recorder, is responsible for recording and maintaining land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and other documents affecting real property titles. Minnesota law requires that documents conveying or encumbering real property be recorded with the county recorder to provide public notice. Washington County offers free online access to recorded land documents through its website, with searchable indexes dating back many decades and digitized document images available for download at no charge. The county also maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal accessible through the county website, providing interactive parcel maps with layers showing property boundaries, zoning, flood zones, and other geographic data for Afton and the entire county.

Economy & Demographics

Afton's economy is characterized by its small-town residential character with a significant tourism and recreation component. The city's location along the St. Croix River and proximity to Afton State Park and Afton Alps (owned by Vail Resorts) drives tourism-related employment in hospitality, restaurants, and outdoor recreation services. The historic Afton House Inn remains a notable employer and destination. While Afton itself has limited commercial and industrial development due to its small size and rural preservation focus, many residents commute to employment centers in the eastern Twin Cities metro area, including Woodbury, Oakdale, and Saint Paul. Major employers in the broader Washington County area include 3M Company headquarters in Maplewood, Andersen Windows in Bayport, and numerous healthcare facilities including Regions Hospital and M Health Fairview St. John's Hospital. According to U.S. Census data, Afton's median household income is significantly above the state average, estimated at over $120,000, reflecting the community's status as an affluent bedroom community. The city has seen modest residential growth while maintaining strict zoning to preserve its rural and historic character. The local economy benefits from Washington County's diverse tax base while maintaining independence as a unique river valley community. Agriculture, while less dominant than historically, still contributes to the local character with some remaining farms and equestrian properties in the city's rural areas.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement services in Afton, Minnesota are provided by the Washington County Sheriff's Office under a contract with the city. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is located at 15015 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082, phone (651) 439-9381, website www.co.washington.mn.us/sheriff. The Sheriff's Office handles all police calls, investigations, and traffic enforcement within Afton city limits, and maintains incident reports, accident reports, and case files. To request police reports or incident records related to Afton, residents should contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division at the Stillwater address or submit requests online through the county website. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act), most police reports are public data unless they contain private or confidential information related to ongoing investigations, victims, or juveniles. Arrest and jail booking records for individuals detained in Washington County are accessible through the Washington County Jail Roster, available online at the Sheriff's Office website. The online inmate search shows current inmates' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and in some cases booking photographs. The Washington County Jail is located at the Law Enforcement Center in Stillwater at the same address as the Sheriff's Office. Records requests must be submitted in writing and the county may charge reasonable fees for copying and staff time to locate and redact private data, as permitted under Minnesota Statutes Section 13.03 and 13.04.

Vital Records

Vital records for Afton residents are managed at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499, phone (651) 201-5970, website www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords. Birth certificates cost $26 for a certified copy, and death certificates cost $13 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies ordered at the same time. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords with additional service fees. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or 2-3 weeks for online orders. Minnesota law restricts access to birth records for 100 years from the date of birth; only the subject of the record (if 18 or older), parents listed on the record, or legal representatives with proper documentation can obtain certified copies. Death records are private for 20 years, after which they become public data. Marriage licenses are issued by the Washington County Recorder's Office, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082, phone (651) 430-6733. The marriage license fee is $115 and couples must apply in person with valid photo identification. There is no waiting period in Minnesota and the license is valid for six months. Marriage records become public data immediately after the completed license is filed. Divorce records are maintained by the Fourth District Court in Washington County as part of family court case files; certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from Court Administration for $14 per document. The Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) provides online verification of marriage records.

Business & Licensing Records

Business and licensing requirements in Afton involve city, county, and state agencies. The City of Afton requires business licenses for most commercial operations within city limits. Businesses should contact Afton City Hall, 3033 St. Croix Trail South, Afton, MN 55001, phone (651) 436-8144, website www.ci.afton.mn.us, to determine licensing requirements, fees, and renewal schedules. Specific requirements vary by business type and may include zoning approval and inspections. Washington County does not require a general business license but does regulate certain activities such as food establishments, which must obtain permits from the Washington County Public Health and Environment Division. Fictitious business name registrations (assumed names or DBAs) for sole proprietorships and partnerships are filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State, not at the county level. Business entity formation and registration for corporations, LLCs, and nonprofit organizations is handled by the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services Division, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55103, phone (651) 296-2803, website www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens. The Secretary of State maintains a free online Business Search at https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us where users can search for registered business entities, view status, registered agent information, and filing history. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) lien searches are also conducted through the Secretary of State's office, as Minnesota files UCC financing statements centrally rather than at the county level. Business property owners in Afton can look up commercial property assessments through the Washington County Assessor's online database at www.co.washington.mn.us/propertyinfo, which shows assessed values used for property tax calculations on commercial and industrial parcels throughout the city.

Elections & Voter Records

Afton voters are served by the Washington County Elections Division, part of the Washington County Recorder's Office, located at 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082, phone (651) 430-6175, website www.co.washington.mn.us/elections. Minnesota residents can register to vote online at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us up to 21 days before an election, or register in person at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Acceptable documents include a Minnesota driver's license, state ID, tribal ID, or a registered voter from the precinct who can vouch for the applicant's residence. Afton holds municipal elections for mayor and city council members; the mayor serves a two-year term and council members serve four-year staggered terms. Municipal elections are held in even-numbered years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, consolidated with county, state, and federal elections. Afton voters can find their assigned polling place by using the Minnesota Polling Place Finder at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting the Washington County Elections office. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and Section 201.091, voter registration lists are public data, though restricted for commercial purposes. Campaign finance reports filed by candidates are public and available through the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board at www.cfb.mn.gov. Precinct-level election results for Afton are published by Washington County after each election and are public records. In the November 2024 presidential election, Washington County reported approximately 75% voter turnout with over 180,000 ballots cast. The November 3, 2026 general election will include races for Minnesota Governor, all constitutional officers, all 134 Minnesota House seats, approximately half of the 67 Minnesota Senate seats, one U.S. Senate seat (Amy Klobuchar's seat is up in 2024, not 2026, but Tina Smith's seat is up in 2026), all eight U.S. House seats representing Minnesota, Washington County Commissioner seats for certain districts, and Afton city offices including mayor and council positions. Minnesota allows no-excuse absentee voting; Afton residents can request an absentee ballot online at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/ABRegistration/ABRegistrationStep1.aspx or by contacting Washington County Elections. Absentee ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Washington County and Minnesota provide exceptional public records access with comprehensive free online databases for court records, property information, recorded land documents, business entities, and election data, with only vital records requiring fees for certified copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Afton, Washington County, Minnesota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Afton, Minnesota, you will be transported to the Washington County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Washington County Court. Under Minnesota law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Afton, Washington County, Minnesota?
The Afton-Lakeland Elementary School District is located in Afton, Washington County, Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, the district's most recent performance data shows that the district has an overall proficiency rate of 81.2%, with a graduation rate of 97.3%.
3
What are the crime statistics for Afton, Washington County, Minnesota?
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the crime rate in Afton, Washington County, Minnesota is lower than the national average. In 2019, there were a total of 8 reported crimes in Afton, resulting in a crime rate of 0.00 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the national average of 3.7 per 1,000 people.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Afton, Washington County, Minnesota Library?
The Afton Public Library in Washington County, Minnesota provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Minnesota government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which governs access to government documents in Minnesota. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Afton Minnesota Archives and Genealogy at https://www.mnhs.org/genealogy. Contact the Afton Public Library reference desk at (651) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Afton, Washington County, Minnesota Public Library located?
The Afton, Washington County, Minnesota Library is located at 3165 St. Croix Trail South, Afton, MN 55001.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Afton, Washington County, Minnesota?
Fingerprinting services for Afton, Minnesota residents are provided at the Afton Police Department, which serves Washington County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Afton Police Department at (651) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) at https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Afton, Washington County, Minnesota, and what information is provided in the records?
Afton, Washington County, Minnesota vital records can be obtained from the Washington County Recorder's Office.

The vital records available from the Washington County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You must also provide the full name, date of birth, and place of birth of the person named on the record.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Afton, Minnesota can be obtained from the Afton Police Department, located in Washington County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, most police reports are public records in Minnesota, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Afton Police Department Records Division at (651) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/.
9
About background check
A background check in Afton, Washington County, Minnesota typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Minnesota. Criminal background checks are processed through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Minnesota residents. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides official criminal history checks at https://cch.bca.state.mn.us/. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026