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North Dakota Divorce Certificates
Learn how to order North Dakota Divorce Certificates. Unlike birth and death records, divorce certificates are not issued at the state level. Instead, they are only available from the county where the divorce was granted. The fees, processing times, document requirements, and eligibility rules vary by county.
How to Order a North Dakota Divorce Certificate
In North Dakota, divorce certificates are issued by the county clerk’s office that recorded the divorce. Requests cannot be fulfilled by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services - Vital Records Unit (ND-DoH HHS - Vital Records Unit). Before ordering, confirm the specific costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times with the county where the divorce occurred.
Ordering with VRO
Requesting a North Dakota divorce certificate online with VRO is quick and easy. It involves two simple steps:
- Complete the online application and upload your documents.
- 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
required documents
What Documents Are Required to Order a North Dakota Divorce Certificate?
Most counties require applicants to present:
- A valid government-issued photo ID, OR
- Two secondary forms of identification if a primary ID is not available.
Requirements may vary by county, so verify what documents are required before submitting your request.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Varies by county. | Varies by county. |
How Do I Get a North Dakota Divorce Certificate Without ID?
In North Dakota, divorce certificates are issued by the county where the divorce was filed. Each county sets its own identification requirements, so if you don’t have a valid ID, you’ll need to contact the county court directly to ask about alternative options or documentation they may accept.
Cost & fees
What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Divorce Certificate in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, divorce certificate fees are set by each county. The cost per certified copy usually ranges from $5.00 to $25.00, but this varies. Some counties also charge additional fees for expedited service, certified mail, or notarization.
State Fee |
|---|
Varies by county. |
Rush Processing |
|---|
Varies by county. |
Additional Copy |
|---|
Varies by county. |
Processing time
How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Divorce Certificate in North Dakota?
Processing times depend on the county. Some clerks issue certificates the same day for in-person requests, while mailed applications may take several weeks. Delays are common if there is a backlog of requests or missing information.
Processing Time |
|---|
Varies by county. |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
Varies by county. |
Authorization
Who is Authorized to Order a North Dakota Divorce Certificate?
Typically access to certified divorce certificates in North Dakota is limited to individuals who have a legitimate legal or personal interest in the record. These restrictions help protect the privacy of the parties involved while allowing authorized individuals or entities to obtain the documentation when necessary for legal, governmental, or personal reasons. After a certain number of years, some counties may make older records publicly accessible under North Dakota’s open records laws. Generally, certified copies may be requested by:
Authorized People
- Individuals named on the divorce record
- Attorneys or legal representatives acting on behalf of either party
- Court-appointed representatives or executors
- Authorized government agencies with a lawful need
Do I Need to Notarize My Application?
In North Dakota, the requirements for notarizing divorce documents vary by county. Each county establishes its own rules, and some may require a notarized signature before processing your request. To ensure you have the correct information, it's best to contact the court clerk in the county where the divorce was granted to confirm whether notarization is necessary before you submit your application.
Tracking
How to Track the Status of Your Application
In North Dakota, requests for divorce records are processed by individual counties. Tracking options differ by county, so you will need to contact the county office where you submitted your application to check the status or request updates.
frequently asked questions
Other FAQs
Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My North Dakota Divorce Certificate?
A certified copy of your North Dakota divorce certificate serves as official proof of your marital status change. Whether you’re updating legal documents or handling financial matters, a certified record is often required.
Here are common reasons you may need one:
- Legal Name Change – Required for updating identification, passports, and Social Security records.
- Remarriage – Some states or countries require proof of divorce before issuing a marriage license.
- Child Custody & Support – Courts and government agencies may request certified copies for custody, visitation, or financial support modifications.
- Property & Asset Division – Used in real estate transactions, retirement account settlements, or dividing shared assets.
- Government Benefits & Insurance – Needed for Social Security, military benefits, and updating life insurance policies.
- Immigration & Travel – Some visa or citizenship applications require proof of marital history.
What Does a North Dakota Divorce Certificate Look Like?
The design and security elements of these certificates can differ significantly from state to state.
- Full Name of the Person: The full legal names of the spouses.
- Date of Birth: The exact date of divorce of the spouses.
- 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 divorce certificate.
- Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.
In some instances, a certified divorce certificate may also include:
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen North Dakota Divorce Certificate
If your divorce certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request a replacement from the county where the divorce was recorded.
If you lose your divorce certificate:
- 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 the county.
- For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the county health department. Some counties may accept walk-ins; check with the specific county where the divorce record is filed.
- For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the county.
- For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
- The county will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
How to Correct or Amend a North Dakota Divorce Certificate
Corrections and amendments are usually handled by the county clerk’s office that issued the certificate. Divorce certificates can be amended if information was entered incorrectly at the time the certificate was created. You must follow county law requirements and provide documentation to support any changes. Some amendments may also require court orders.
Common errors that may need correction include:
- Misspelled names
- Incorrect dates
- Wrong location information
The county may require you to provide legal documentation to verify changes and obtain court orders for specific amendments, along with original or certified copies of supporting documents.
How to Obtain an Apostille for a North Dakota Divorce Certificate
When filing a vital record with a foreign government, an apostille certification is often required. An apostille for North Dakota vital records can be acquired through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO).
VRO offers online apostille services that are accepted by governments and organizations in over 100 countries. Their service includes professional assistance for obtaining apostilles for divorce certificates in all 50 states, starting at $149, plus government fees.
Once the apostille is issued, it will be sent to you by FedEx or DHL for global delivery. This ensures that your documents arrive at your doorstep regardless of location, whether in the US or internationally.
If you request by mail, you’ll need to provide the following:
- The original documents.
- A letter accompanying the documents specifying for which country the document is intended; and
- A fee of $10.00 per apostille/certification plus a fee of $5.00 per record search.
Mail-In / Express Courier Submissions:
Secretary of State
State of North Dakota
600 E Boulevard Avenue
Dept. 108
Bismarck ND 58505-0500