Vital Records Online (VRO) is a convenient and secure service based in the US that allows you to easily order North Dakota birth, death, and marriage certificates online. Your private information is kept confidential, and your records are safely delivered to your home address.
Summary:
The history of vital records in North Dakota dates back to the early 1900s when the state began to archive birth and death records statewide. In the 1930s, the State Department of Health took over the responsibility of maintaining vital records.
Today, the North Dakota Department of Health Division of Vital Records (NDDoH-DVR) is responsible for preserving and distributing certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records that occur in the state. North Dakota’s population is around 779,094, according to the United States Census Bureau in 2021. To keep up with the increasing demand for vital records, North Dakota has simplified the process of obtaining them through various means.
Find out how to obtain official North Dakota birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, what information they contain, where to obtain them, and why they are crucial to have in your possession.
Start your application online for ND vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records are indispensable documents required for various life events, like enrolling in school, joining the military, traveling, or getting married. Vital records serve as proof of identity, citizenship, and family relationships and can be used in legal disputes, inheritance claims, and genealogy research, revealing details about ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations.
If you have lost a birth, marriage, or death certificate, it’s compulsory to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. Review the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs section for more information on the uses of vital records.
Vital records in North Dakota are maintained at the county and state levels, with each county responsible for certifying and issuing vital records within its jurisdiction. You can order North Dakota vital records online, in person, or via mail. Search the complete list of North Dakota’s county vital record issuing agencies to find the appropriate application. The list includes locations, contact information, and online applications for birth, death, and marriage certificates.
North Dakota birth and death certificates are issued centrally by the North Dakota Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records. In contrast, marriage certificates are issued by the county where the marriage was recorded. However, it is possible to order marriage certificates from any location online via VRO.
❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in North Dakota, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
The most common and convenient method is submitting the application and documents. If individuals prefer to make their request in person, they must schedule an appointment beforehand. Alternatively, applicants can submit their application manually through the mail.
Applicants must meet the requirements defined by the NDDoH-DVR and follow the detailed instructions for each birth, death, and marriage certificate. Understanding the specific requirements for each type of vital record and circumstance is crucial for a straightforward process.
The cost, eligibility, requirements, and processing times vary depending on the requested certificate, who is ordering, and the ordering method. Before requesting a certified copy of a vital record from NDDoH-DVR, it is essential to carefully review the steps and conditions, whether ordering online, by mail, or in person. Confirm that your documents, application, and payment fee are submitted to the correct location that produces certified copies of the original record.
❗️ The NDDoH-DVR only issues birth and death certificates; marriage certificates are issued from the county office that created the original certificate.
Ordering North Dakota vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can apply to order a North Dakota birth, death, or marriage certificate online. Make sure you have all the necessary information and documents ready before applying. You will be prompted to upload copies during the secure online application process.
VRO provides a simplified system that helps you quickly generate the necessary documents, directs you to the correct application, and submits your application to the correct health department’s vital records office that issues the certified record. VRO’s online application can be completed from any internet-connected device in as little as five minutes, helping applicants avoid rejections due to common mistakes or missing documents. VRO offers online notaries for those needing a notarized sworn statement, such as when primary or secondary ID is not available or when applying on behalf of someone else.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ VRO’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a North Dakota birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
Applying in person may be practical for those who live near a state health department that issues certified copies of the original vital record. Verify that the office is open for walk-ins before traveling and account for potentially long queues upon arrival.
Ordering vital records through mail or online is more efficient if the local vital records office is closed or you live too far or out of state. Note: online ordering is often the most convenient method for residents living out of state or overseas.
The process for obtaining vital records is similar for in-person and online/mail applications, with a few additional requirements.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
VRO simplifies the process of requesting a certified replacement by considering the unique restrictions of each certificate type, reducing errors and saving processing time. Learn more about our services for replacing birth, death, or marriage certificates for you or a family member.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
✔︎ If you are applying for your own certificate or your child’s, you do not need to obtain a notary unless you are unable to submit a copy of an accepted form of ID.
❗️ If you mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Examining the conditions and requirements is critical to ensure a successful vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The NDDoH requires all applicants to prove their identity. A driver’s license or a state-issued photo ID will suffice for most records. However, please check the list of other acceptable IDs per certificate needed.
The NDDoH does not issue marriage certificates, so identification requirements may vary by county when requesting a marriage certificate. If you request a certified birth certificate, you must verify your identity by providing a valid, government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) or two secondary forms of identity accepted by the NDDoH-DVR.
If you cannot provide an acceptable form of ID or two secondary forms of ID, you can sign your application at a public notary as an alternative, which can suffice as proof of identity. For a third party who is not a parent listed on the certificate, a notary is also required to attest that the person is authorized to obtain the record.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in North Dakota?
It’s important to carefully review the eligibility conditions and requirements established by the NDDoH-DVR for each type of certificate and personal situation before applying. The table below lists the required information, documents, and acceptable IDs for requesting certified copies of vital records in North Dakota.
❗️ Without proper ID and a completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Birth, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Permanent Residents Card, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID, US Passport, US Visa |
Bank Statement, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Social Services Card, Tribal ID, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, W-2 Form |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Place of Death, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Permanent Residents Card, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID, US Passport, US Visa |
Bank Statement, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Social Services Card, Tribal ID, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, W-2 Form |
| Marriage Certificate |
Who can request vital records in North Dakota?
The record holder can request a certified copy of their birth or marriage certificate and must include proof of identity with the application and documents.
If you are requesting on behalf of someone else, eligibility requirements vary by certificate type. Refer to the table below for eligibility information.
Anyone can request marriage records with the proper information. In contrast, birth and death certificates can only be requested by the person on record or authorized third-party applicants such as legal representatives or family members (other than parents). All applicants must also provide proof of their authorization to act on behalf of the person on record. Third-party applicants requesting marriage records may be asked for additional documentation proving eligibility.
If you do not qualify as an eligible individual based on your relationship with the person on record, you may still be able to obtain the certificate by using the Vital Records Authorization Form signed by the eligible requester. You must also present copies of the person on record’s primary ID and your ID.
Uneligible third-party applicants may still obtain certified copies using the Vital Records Authorization Form. The requester must complete and sign this form and present copies of your ID and the person on record’s primary ID.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Grandchildren (if person on record is deceased), Grandparents (of deceased), Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Other Person by Notarized Authorization, Parents, Person on Record |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Funeral Director, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
❗️ Third-party requests for North Dakota birth certificates must have a notarized letter of consent to release information from the certificate holder or a parent listed on the certificate.
✔︎ All requests ordered through VRO include an online notarization service if necessary, which can be added as an extra step during checkout.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The NDDoH does not require applicants to obtain notarized sworn statements for certified copies of their birth, marriage, or death certificates. However, a notarized statement may be necessary if a third-party representative requests a vital record.
For birth certificates, only the individual on record and the parents listed on the certificate can request a certificate without additional documentation. All other applicants may be required to provide legal documentation such as a court order or a notarized authorization form.
Certified copies of death certificates can only be obtained by those with a “direct, tangible interest” in the certificate, such as family members or legal representatives. In some cases, a notarized sworn statement may also be required. When ordering through VRO, an online notary is included with your order.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
If you need further information about specific circumstances that require a notary for your application, you can visit the NDDoH website at https://www.hhs.nd.gov/vital.
If you decide to use a local public notary, you must bring your identification. Notaries are also required in some cases, such as apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records. More details about these conditions are found in other frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required when requesting a North Dakota birth or death certificate as a genealogist or Power of Attorney.
❗️ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of North Dakota vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
✔︎ VRO includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
❗️A Notarized sworn statement may be required when a third party who is not blood-related to the record holder is requesting a birth or death certificate (for birth certificates, this includes spouses and legal representatives).
The fees for obtaining vital record replacements depend on the fees set by the NDDoH-DVR for each type of certificate. The total cost can be affected by how you submit your application and whether a notary is required. VRO’s online Application Assistant fee starts at $29. The NDDoH charges $15.00 for each certified copy of a birth record. Certified copies of a death record cost $15.00 and $10.00 for additional copies of the same death certificate ordered simultaneously. Marriage certificate fees will vary depending on the county.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $15.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from North Dakota?
The time it takes to process and receive birth, death, or marriage certificates in the mail is subject to change depending on the number of requests the NDDoH receives and the submission method. Please refer to the table below to find out the current processing times. Ordering through VRO simplifies the process of generating and submitting your application packet with expedited processing for faster delivery times. A virtual notarization is provided with every order (if required) during checkout to save additional time from obtaining a notary from a local entity.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 5 to 10 days | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 7 to 15 days | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | N/A | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | N/A | N/A |
✔︎ All orders through VRO include an online notarization that can be performed virtually during checkout.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by HD-ACRONYM may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process if you utilize a local notary (if required).
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
After submitting your application through VRO, you can monitor the status of your order and track your application packet to the NDDoH-DVR with the prepaid mail postage included with your order.
It is recommended to purchase first-class mail tracking if you decide to mail the application packet manually to ensure that your application arrives successfully. The NDDoH ships all vital records to your home via USPS first-class mail for protection but is not liable for misdirected or lost certificates. Be mindful that a simple error or typo could expose your personal information if sent to the wrong address. If your birth certificate is lost, it is imperative to file a report immediately.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the North Dakota counties office locations directory.
The Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the NDDoH as an apostille is required for a vital record to be accepted by a foreign government.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
To obtain an apostille for North Dakota vital records, they are available through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online. VRO is a trusted provider of apostille services across all 50 US states and is legally accepted by governments in over 100 countries. The service includes professional assistance in obtaining apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. The service starts at $149 (plus government fees) and can be done online in three simple steps.
Physical copies of documents are often unnecessary, so the entire process can be completed online. Once your apostille documentation is complete, it will be sent to you via trusted courier services for global delivery (FedEx or DHL), regardless of your location, whether within the US or overseas.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses. For standard or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Secretary of State State of North Dakota,
600 E Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108,
Bismarck ND 58505-0500
You can reach the office at (701) 328-3665 or https://sos.nd.gov/notaries-public/authentications-apostille-and-certification.html.
When a vital record needs to be changed, an amendment is required. The NDDoH offers a straightforward process for legally amending birth, marriage, and death certificates. Specific forms are designated depending on the vital record and the information that needs to be amended. Supplemental changes are addendums to the original vital record since no entity can change the original document. In specific cases, amendments may require a court order mandating the involvement of an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Birth records in North Dakota become public after 125 years. On the other hand, marriage and death records are not restricted. Accessing free public records in North Dakota can be time-consuming, albeit many are publicly available at no cost.
Are North Dakota Vital Records Open to the Public?
Access to North Dakota vital records will depend on the types of records you’re looking for and the year the event occurred. Researching specific types of vital records can be made easy by using third-party websites, which are not limited to your geographic location and provide a good reference point when analyzing records. Be aware that the data on third-party sites may not be accurate or match official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
Because each county and municipality in North Dakota creates and issues different vital records, it’s important to compare it with the municipality or agency that issues the official copies to ensure you have the certified copy. To differentiate informational copies from certified copies of vital records, look for a stamp or large print on the face of the document that says “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are legal documents that can be used for official identification and are only issued to individuals who have a direct and tangible interest in the record. In contrast, informational copies of vital records cannot be used to establish identity.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies are not official legal documents and are only intended for display or personal reference. While informational copies are considered “certified” in North Dakota (the NDDoH does not issue uncertified copies), they are generally used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research. They cannot be used for official purposes like establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits.
The NDDoH-DVR only produces informational copies of death certificates and genealogical copies of birth certificates for births before 2006. Citizens have the right to inspect or obtain informational copies of public records in compliance with the Open Records & Meetings Laws and do not need to provide a Sworn Statement.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official North Dakota government website at https://www.hhs.nd.gov/vital
