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Order North Dakota Divorce Certificate
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Learn how to order North Dakota Divorce Certificate. Unlike birth and death records, divorce certificate 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.
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.
Requesting a North Dakota divorce certificate online with VRO is quick and easy. It involves two simple steps:
Starting from
$29+ state fees
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required documents
Most counties require applicants to present:
Requirements may vary by county, so verify what documents are required before submitting your request.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
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Varies by county. | Varies by county. |
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
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 |
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Varies by county. |
Rush Processing |
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Varies by county. |
Additional Copy |
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Varies by county. |
Processing time
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 |
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Varies by county. |
Rush Processing Time |
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Varies by county. |
Authorization
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:
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
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
The cost for a North Dakota divorce record varies by county. Certified copies of the divorce decree must be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was granted. Contact the relevant clerk’s office for exact fees.
Yes. A legal representative, attorney, or authorized agent may request North Dakota divorce records on behalf of one of the parties. You will need a notarized affidavit or sworn statement confirming your authorization, or a valid Power of Attorney (PoA) document.
A North Dakota divorce certificate is a summary record confirming that a divorce took place. A divorce decree is the full court order from the District Court that includes the terms of the divorce such as property division, custody, and support. Most legal purposes require the actual divorce decree.
The design and security elements of these certificates can differ significantly from state to state.
In some instances, a certified divorce certificate may also include:
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:
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:
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.
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:
Mail-In / Express Courier Submissions:
Secretary of State
State of North Dakota
600 E Boulevard Avenue
Dept. 108
Bismarck ND 58505-0500