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North Dakota Birth Certificates

Learn how to request a copy of a North Dakota birth certificate from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Unit (ND DHHS). The current processing time is 3 to 5 business days. Expedited next-business-day processing is available for an additional $15.00 - $30.00 express delivery fee. The birth certificate replacement fee is $15.00 per certified copy. Individuals authorized to request birth certificates include the person on record, the parents listed on the record, and their legal representatives.

How to Order State of North Dakota Birth Certificates

You can now order North Dakota birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Unit (ND DHHS) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the North Dakota DHHS by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Confirming the cost, eligibility,  requirements, and processing times before beginning the application process is essential to ensure your application is accepted.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a North Dakota birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order a State of North Dakota Birth Certificate?

To order a birth certificate in North Dakota, all applicants—whether they are the individual named on the record or eligible third parties—must provide proof of identity when submitting their application. Acceptable forms of identification include a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or a passport. A parent listed on the record must submit proof of their identity, but any other third party will need legal documentation proving their authorization. Review the table below to ensure you have all the necessary information and documents before starting your application.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Utility Bill
Telephone Bill
Letter from Government Agency Dated Within Last 6 Months
Driver's License
Tribal ID
US Military ID
US Passport
Permanent Residents Card
US Visa
State ID

Bank Statement
Vehicle Registration
Social Security Card
Social Services Card
Tribal ID
Utility Bill
Pay Stub
W-2 Form

How to Get a North Dakota Birth Certificate Without ID?

If you do not have a valid ID, you can use two secondary forms of identification as detailed in the table above. Acceptable documents include a bank statement, utility bill, or Social Security card. The ND DHHS also accepts notarized applications instead of identification documents. Additionally, an authorized third party can request your birth certificate on your behalf, as long as they have the necessary documentation and authorization to do so.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in North Dakota?

The total cost to replace a birth certificate in North Dakota varies based on how you submit your application—whether in person, by mail, or online—and the fees set by the ND DHHS. The state fee for a certified copy of a birth record is $15.00 per copy. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$15.00


Rush Processing

Not offered


Additional Copy

1 x $15.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in North Dakota?

The current processing time for standard birth certificate orders is 3 to 5 business days, while expedited orders are processed the following day. Expedited processing is included with all orders that request expedited return delivery, ranging from $1.00 - $30.00, depending on the carrier selected. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

3-5 business days

Rush Processing Time

Not offered




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a North Dakota Birth Certificate?

Only the person listed on the record and authorized individuals can request certified copies of North Dakota birth certificates. Birth records are considered confidential, with restricted access for 125 years after the date of birth is recorded. If you are requesting a certificate for a person who is not deceased and you are not a parent listed on the record, you will need a court order or a notarized letter of authorization. Before applying for a certified replacement, ensure you are eligible to submit a request on behalf of the individual listed on the birth certificate.


Authorized People


  • Other Person by Court Order
  • Other Person by Notarized Authorization
  • Parents
  • Person on Record

Authorized People for Birth Records of Deceased Individuals:

  • Authorized Representatives
  • Children
  • Grandparents
  • Grandchildren
  • Parents

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

North Dakota generally does not require notarization for your application to replace a birth certificate. However, if you submit your application without providing a valid ID or two forms of secondary ID, you cannot notarize your application. Additionally, if you are applying as a third party and you are not a parent listed on the record and do not have a court order, you will need a notarized letter of authorization.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place an order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online while we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before forwarding them to North Dakota Department of Health Vital Records office for further processing. Additionally, you can request mail tracking with VRO to monitor your application's arrival to the NDDOH for further confirmation.

If you manually mail your birth certificate request, purchasing first-class mail with tracking is recommended to to know when your application is delivered to the NDDOH. Check the state website for specific mailing instructions.

NDDOH does not provide mail tracking for delivering your vital records certificates to your address. Once the records leave the state office, the state is not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a North Dakota Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    If you were born on a U.S. military base overseas, your birth would have been recorded with the U.S. Department of State; therefore, a birth record would not exist with the state of North Dakota. You must request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, form FS-240) from the U.S. Department of State. The CRBA is evidence of U.S. citizenship, equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate. It can be used for legal purposes such as proving birth and citizenship, applying for a passport, or accessing social services.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My North Dakota Birth Certificate?

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    Certified copies of your birth certificate are critical documents for life's most significant affairs. Birth certificates prove your legal name, place, date of birth, and parents' names, making them crucial for establishing identity and citizenship. Additionally, they are widely accepted by government and commercial entities and are often required for legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.


    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license


  • What Does a North Dakota Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    Official birth certificates from the North Dakota Department of Health contain specific features that help validate their authenticity. Although the appearance may vary depending on the year of issue, state guidelines stipulate regulations for birth certificate designs, including a state seal, the individual's name, and the registrar's signature, and is printed on secure paper to prevent forgery.

    It's important to note that official (long-form) birth certificates are used for legal purposes and differ from informational (short-form) copies, generally used only for commemorative reasons.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen North Dakota Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by ND DHHS.
      a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the ND DHHS's vital records office during your appointment.
      b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to ND DHHS at:
      Department of Health and Human Services
      Vital Records
      600 East Boulevard Ave. Dept. 325
      Bismarck, ND 58505-0250
      c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. ND DHHS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing. </aside>
  • How to Correct or Amend a North Dakota Birth Certificate

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    Amending or correcting a North Dakota birth certificate will have different requirements depending on the specific changes. Parents can correct a child's birth certificate within the first year by simply contacting the ND DHHS office and making the request in writing.

    The items that are eligible to be corrected or amended in North Dakota include an individual's:

    • First, middle, and last name
    • Date of birth
    • Sex
    • Place of birth (name of hospital or facility, city, county, state)
    • Parent's names (first, middle, last)
    • Mother's maiden name at birth (mother's last name before first marriage)

    An addendum (supplement) is typically created to correct or change the birth certificate after a year has passed. The original record remains unchanged to maintain a clear record of the modifications while preserving the integrity of the initial document.

    North Dakota amendments to birth certificates will require:

    1. A completed application: Fill out the ND DHHS' Birth Request Form by accurately providing the information as it SHOULD appear on the birth record.
    2. Supporting documentation: Submit a copy of a valid ID and any additional documents the ND DHHS office requires to support the requested change.
    3. Appropriate fee(s): A cost of $15.00
    4. Contact ND DHHS By phone at (701) 328-2360 or email at [email protected] to determine if the change can be made.
  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a North Dakota Birth Certificate

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    To request an apostille for a North Dakota birth certificate, you can order it directly through the North Dakota Secretary of State or through VRO's Express Apostille Service to order online. Apostilles are required when filing a birth certificate with a foreign government as part of the 1961 Hague Convention, and the North Dakota Secretary of State solely issues them.


    To manually obtain an apostille for a North Dakota birth certificate, you will need to complete the following steps:

    1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate: Request a certified copy of the birth certificate from the North Dakota Department of Health - Division of Vital Records.
    2. Include a Cover Letter: This is a simple letter specifying which country the authenticated birth record is intended to be presented to.

      The North Dakota Secretary of State's office does not provide a PDF form for apostille requests on their website. However, we have provided an example letter for you:
      [Your Name]
      [Your Address]
      [City, State ZIP]
      [Date]

      North Dakota Office of the Secretary of State
      600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 108
      Bismarck ND 58505-0500

      Dear Secretary of State,

      I am requesting an apostille for the enclosed certified copy of a North Dakota birth certificate. This document will be used in [Country Name].

      Please find enclosed:
      1. Original certified copy of the birth certificate
      2. Payment of $15 ($10.00 for the authentication, and $5.00 search fee)
      3. Return Envelope with prepaid express courier service.

      If you need any additional information, please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

      Thank you for your assistance.

      Sincerely,
      [Your Name]
    3. Gather the Cover Letter and Certified Birth Certificate: Include the cover letter for the apostille with the certified birth certificate copy to the North Dakota Secretary of State's office.
    4. Include Payment for the Required Fees: The current fees for the apostille are $10.00 per birth certificate plus a $5.00 search fee per record. Include the payment as a check or money order issued to the North Dakota Secretary of State.
    5. Provide a Return Envelope: apostille authentications are returned by USPS First-Class mail. If you prefer overnight courier service, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your documents.
    6. Submit the Application: Mail the application, documents, and fees, or hand deliver by making an appointment before arrival to the following address: