How much do death certificates cost in North Dakota?
Certified copies from the North Dakota Division of Vital Records cost $7 each. This is one of the lowest death certificate fees in the country.
| Source | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| Division of Vital Records (state) | $7 per copy |
| County public health units | $7 (may vary) |
| VitalChek (online) | $7 + $12 to $15 processing fee |
The fee is non-refundable, even if no record is found.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest for new deaths)
Your funeral director orders the first batch as part of their services. This is the simplest and fastest route for recently filed death certificates.
From the Division of Vital Records
The North Dakota Division of Vital Records in Bismarck handles death certificates for deaths that occurred anywhere in the state.
- Online: Order through VitalChek. Orders typically arrive in 2 to 3 weeks.
- By mail: Send a completed application with a check or money order payable to "ND Division of Vital Records." Include a copy of your ID. Mail orders take 3 to 5 weeks.
- In person: Visit the Division office in Bismarck. Same-day service may be available for records on file.
From your local public health unit
North Dakota has 28 local public health units that cover the state's 53 counties. Some of these can issue death certificates for deaths in their area. Contact your local unit for availability.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Local public health unit (in person) | Same day to 5 business days |
| VitalChek (online) | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Division of Vital Records (mail) | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Division of Vital Records (in person) | Same day |
For a rural, spread-out state like North Dakota, online ordering may be the most practical option for many residents.
How many copies do you need?
Order at least 8 to 10 certified copies. You will need one for each bank, insurance company, retirement account, and government agency you contact. Some institutions keep the copy you submit.
At $7 per copy, North Dakota is one of the cheapest states for death certificates. Order plenty of copies upfront.
For a complete breakdown of where you will need certified copies, see our guide on how to get death certificates.
Who can order?
North Dakota restricts certified death certificates to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- Grandparent or grandchild
- The executor or personal representative of the estate
- A legal guardian or attorney acting on behalf of the family
- Anyone with a court order
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and state your relationship to the deceased when ordering.
What to know about North Dakota specifically
$7 per copy is among the cheapest nationwide. At this price, there is no reason not to order extra copies. Ordering 10 or more is common and keeps your total cost under $100.
3-year probate filing deadline. North Dakota requires the will to be probated within 3 years of death. While that is more generous than some states, you should still get certified death certificates early to avoid delays.
Uniform Probate Code state. North Dakota has adopted the Uniform Probate Code. Estates with personal property under $100,000 (less liens and encumbrances) may qualify for a small estate affidavit. Probate is handled through the District Court. See our guide on how probate works in North Dakota for details.
You can track all of your estate tasks with our interactive checklist.
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