What are North Dakota Vital Records?

The North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of vital records for the state. The vital records that they manage consist of births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriage, and divorce records. The Division of Vital Records issues vital record certificates by walk-in service, through regular mail, by phone, or online. Many vital records in North Dakota are not public records, and therefore, only certain people (like close family and legal representatives) can order copies. This agency also handles emergency preparedness for the state, health and wellness data and statistics, as well as disease prevention and conditions.

North Dakota Birth Records

The state of North Dakota has birth records going back to 1870 to the present day. Birth records are not public records for 125 years; then, they are opened to the public. A certified copy of your birth certificate is needed when you apply for a driver's license, passport, government job, sign up for sports, or enter school. They also come in handy when you need to verify your identity. The North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of all birth records for the state, and they issue copies to eligible parties. When requesting copies, you need to provide proper ID such as:

  1. State Government issued Photo ID or Driver's License 2. Bureau of Indian Affairs issued tribal ID card.
  2. U.S. Government-issued Military ID card.
  3. U.S. Government-issued Passport or Visa.
  4. U.S. Government-issued Permanent Resident Card.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Birth Records

How do I find birth records in North Dakota?

You may contact the North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records. They have copies from 1870 until the present day and can perform a search in the process of issuing you a certified copy.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in North Dakota?

You must download the application form and bring it to the office in Bismarck, ND, or drop it in the mail. You can also order online through their secure server or call and request a copy by phone.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in North Dakota?

Each certified copy of a birth record in North Dakota costs $15, and it includes the search fee. You can also elect to pay extra for expedited shipping options (FedEx, UPS, Priority Mail, etc.).

Who can request birth records?

Birth records in North Dakota are not public records. Therefore, only the list of people below can request a copy:

  1. The person listed on the record (16 years or older).
  2. Mother.
  3. Father.
  4. Legal guardian.
  5. Authorized representative.
  6. Public (after 125 years).

What information do I need when getting a copy of my North Dakota birth certificate?

When you request a certified copy of a birth record, you need to provide the following information:

  1. Full name on the birth record.
  2. Date of birth.
  3. Place of birth.
  4. Gender.
  5. Full name of the father.
  6. Full maiden name of the mother.
  7. Number of copies needed.
  8. Relationship to the person listed on the record.

As the requestor, you must also supply your name, address, and phone number and sign the document.

Where can I find historical vital records in North Dakota for genealogy research?

The North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records, has all records dating back to 1870.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

If the error is detected within one year of the birth, you can simply contact the North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records, to fix it. If the error is found after one year, you must apply for an amendment. You can use the state's Birth Request Form to make a change and pay the amendment fee of $15.

Can I get a refund if my North Dakota birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

North Dakota Death Records

North Dakota began keeping track of death records in 1881. The North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of death records. Death records are public records (limited information), and anyone can use the North Dakota death records database to search for records. However, only family members and legal representatives can order certified copies with the person's social security number and cause of death on it. The public will receive a copy with only limited information. When requesting copies, you must sign the application, and have it notarized. Death records are needed to claim death benefits and other instances when you need to prove someone's passing.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Death Records

How do I find death records in North Dakota?

Contact the North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records they have all the death records dating back to 1881 to the present. You may also use their online searchable database, but any death the occurred in the prior 12 months will not be included.

Are death records public in North Dakota?

Yes. However, only family and legal representatives can get copies with personal details like the cause of death and social security numbers on them.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in North Dakota?

The first copy of a death certificate costs $15, and each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $10.

How long does it take to get a copy of a North Dakota death record?

The North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records, processes records quickly, and if you order by mail, they will ship a copy to you within 3-5 business days. You can get one quicker if you visit their Bismarck office and pick it up the same day.

Who can request death records?

Since death records are open to the public, anyone can request them. North Dakota has even set up a searchable database to search for death records. However, only close family and legal representatives can get copies with personal details on them.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's North Dakota death certificate?

When requesting a copy of someone's death records, you will need the following information:

  1. Full name of deceased.
  2. Date of death.
  3. Place of death.
  4. Gender.
  5. Date of birth.
  6. Full name of the father.
  7. Full name of the mother.
  8. Number of copies requested.
  9. Relationship to the person listed on the record.

As the requestor, you must supply your information, have the document notarized, and pay the fee.

Where can I find historical death records in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records, has all the records available dating back to 1881. They should be able to provide you with what you need.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

The process of correcting a death record varies based on when the error is detected. You should contact the North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records, for information on how to change a death record.

Can I get a refund if my North Dakota death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

North Dakota Marriage Records

North Dakota marriage records are held by each individual county where the license was purchased and filed. The North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records has a page on their website listing each county and the specific court you need to contact to get a copy of your marriage records. They include an address and phone number to make it easy. They also mention that each county charges different fees for copies of marriage certificates. A certified marriage certificate comes in handy when you want to change your name, apply for credit, or verify your marital state.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Marriage Records

Are North Dakota marriage records public?

Yes, and anyone can request a copy. Some counties have marriage certificates online, but others do not.

What North Dakota marriage records are available?

Each individual county has marriage records going back to the beginning of when they started keeping them. These dates may vary from county to county.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in North Dakota?

You can pick one up in person at the local county courthouse if you bring ID and the fee. If you order through the mail, it may take a few days to get back to you.

How much does a North Dakota marriage certificate cost?

Each county charges a different fee. For example, Case County charges $10 for the first marriage certificate and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting copies of a marriage record, you will need the following information:

  1. Spouse #1 full name.
  2. Spouse #2 full name.
  3. Date of marriage.
  4. Number of certified copies requested.
  5. Mailing address.
  6. Phone number.

How do I get a copy of a North Dakota marriage record?

You can use thelist on the North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records website to find the correct courthouse and contact them for a copy. Some allow ordering online through the county website, others, you may have to visit in person.

What if I didn't get married in North Dakota?

If you were not married in North Dakota, contact the court where your original marriage license was filed to get copies.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Anyone. Marriage records are public records in North Dakota.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in North Dakota?

You must contact the local county courthouse, which has your marriage certificate on file. They will have a process for making corrections.

North Dakota Divorce Records

Divorce records are held and maintained by the county clerk or recorder in the court where the divorce was granted. The North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records, has a page on their website where they list each county and provide contact details, so you know who to contact for a copy of your divorce certificate or decree. The state of North Dakota has a search area on the court's website where anyone can search for family and probate cases and find details about a specific divorce. North Dakota divorce records are public records. To get copies, you must contact the clerk of the court where your divorce was finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in North Dakota?

Yes. The North Dakota courts website has a records search database tool where you can enter basic information and see divorce records from the family and probate courts. You can search by name, date, or case type.

How do I find old divorce records?

Use the search tool online, or you can visit any count courthouse and contact the court clerk in the family division to find old divorce records.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

Using the list on the North Dakota Health Department, Division of Vital Records' website, find the county courthouse you need and contact the clerk. You may have to provide some basic details and pay a fee for a copy.

What information is needed to search for a North Dakota divorce record?

When searching for divorce records, you only need one party's name or the date the divorce was filed. If you visit in person, they may require additional information before they can find your record.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of North Dakota?

If you were not divorced in North Dakota, you must contact the county's court clerk in the state where your divorce was finalized.