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Vital records office in North Dakota — birth, marriage, death certificates

CDC-listed vital records office for North Dakota. How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates for immigration filings (I

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Vital records office in North Dakota

How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from North Dakota for immigration filings, USCIS evidence, school enrollment, or any other purpose.

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Birth

Event: Birth Cost of copy: $15.00 Address: ND Department of Health Division of Vital Records 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301 Bismarck, ND 58505-0200 Remarks: State office has some records starting in 1870. The years 1870 to 1920 are incomplete. Copies are generally processed within 3-5 working days after request is received. Personal check or money order should be made payable to ND Department of Health . To verify current fees, the telephone number is (701) 328-2360. This is an automated attendant with a recorded message. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the North Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records website . The applicant must submit a photocopy of a government issued ID with their request. Death

Event: Death Cost of copy: $15.00 Additional copies: $10.00 Address: ND Department of Health Division of Vital Records 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301 Bismarck, ND 58505-0200 Remarks: State office has some records since July 1893. Years from 1894 to 1920 are incomplete. Additional copies of death records are $10.00 each. Copies are generally processed within 3-5 working days after request is received. Personal check or money order should be made payable to ND Department of Health . To verify current fees, the telephone number is (701) 328-2360. This is an automated attendant with a recorded message. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the North Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records website . The applicant must submit a photocopy of a government issued ID with their request. Marriage

Event: Marriage (County) Cost of copy: Varies Address: North Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records – Ordering a Certified Copy of a Marriage Record Remarks: As of January 1, 2008, the ND Department of Health no longer issues certified copies of marriage records. Divorce

Event: Divorce (County) Cost of copy: Varies Address: North Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records – Ordering a Certified Copy of a Divorce Record Remarks: Certified copies are not available from the ND Department of Health.

Last Reviewed: May 30, 2023 Source: National Center for Health Statistics

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North Dakota vital records office details

Why immigrants need certified vital records

USCIS, courts, schools, and many other US agencies require certified vital records (not photocopies) for:

  • I-130 family petition — birth certificate proves family relationship
  • I-485 adjustment of status — birth certificate of applicant and beneficiaries
  • N-400 naturalization — marriage certificate if applying under spouse-of-USC 3-year rule
  • Apostille — for use of US documents in foreign countries (your home country may require US apostille)
  • School enrollment — proof of date of birth
  • Real ID applications — proof of identity

Apostille and authentication

If you need to use a North Dakota vital record OUTSIDE the United States (e.g., for use at your home country’s consulate), you typically need an apostille from the North Dakota Secretary of State’s office. See /procedures/apostille-document/ for the process.

Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the North Dakota office.

Order vital records in North Dakota

Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by each state. Use your state's official guide:

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get a US birth certificate from North Dakota?
From the North Dakota vital records office listed below. Requests can typically be submitted online, by mail, or in person. You’ll need to prove identity and pay a fee (~$15-30 for first copy, plus shipping). For immigration purposes (I-130 evidence, naturalization), you need a CERTIFIED COPY (original with raised seal), not a photocopy.
How do I get a marriage certificate from North Dakota?
Marriage certificates are typically issued by the county clerk where the marriage license was issued, not the state vital records office. The state office may have copies of older records. For recent marriages, contact the county clerk’s office in the county of the wedding.
What if my certificate is in Spanish or another language?
If filing with USCIS, certificates in any language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The translator must certify they are competent to translate and that the translation is accurate. See /procedures/translate-document-uscis/ for the standard certification language.
Can I order vital records for someone else?
Most states restrict access to vital records to: the person named on the record, their spouse, parents, children, siblings, or legal representatives. ID verification is required. For genealogical research, records become open to the public after a waiting period (usually 50-100 years).

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.