Vital records in North Dakota — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce records — are handled at the state level by North Dakota DHHS Division of Vital Records. Marriage licenses are issued locally by the County Recorder or District Court Clerk.
What this page covers: North Dakota vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact North Dakota DHHS Division of Vital Records. For marriage licenses, contact the County Recorder or District Court Clerk in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
North Dakota Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
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The 4-Step North Dakota Vital Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About North Dakota Vital Records
Primary Sources (Official county registries and state portals)
- www.hhs.nd.gov — Official North Dakota Vital Records — State portal for North Dakota vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
- North Dakota Court Records →
- North Dakota Criminal Records →
- North Dakota Property Records →
- North Dakota Voter Records →
- North Dakota Wants & Warrants →
- North Dakota Licenses →
- North Dakota Recorded Documents →
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Vital Records Databases
5 official North Dakota vital records sources.
Vital Records
North Dakota Counties
53 North Dakota counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I order a North Dakota birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in North Dakota are issued by the Official North Dakota Vital Records at www.hhs.nd.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get a North Dakota death certificate?▼
North Dakota death certificates are issued by the Official North Dakota Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at www.hhs.nd.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up a North Dakota marriage or divorce record online?▼
North Dakota marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official North Dakota Vital Records (www.hhs.nd.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get a North Dakota vital record?▼
Standard North Dakota vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official North Dakota Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at www.hhs.nd.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order a North Dakota certified vital record?▼
The Official North Dakota Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at www.hhs.nd.gov.