North Dakota's death certificate ordering is centralized through the Division of Vital Records in Bismarck. This guide walks through every option, the actual cost, and who's eligible to request a copy.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in North Dakota?
Death certificates in North Dakota are issued by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records, located in Bismarck. Website: hhs.nd.gov/vital.
How to Order a Death Certificate in North Dakota
- Online: Order through VitalChek or the Division's own online ordering option. Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks.
- By mail: Download and complete the death record request application, include a check or money order payable to ND DHHS for the required fees, and include a legible photocopy of an acceptable photo ID (or two secondary ID documents if you lack a primary photo ID). Mail to: Vital Records, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 325, Bismarck, ND 58505-0250.
- In person — Bismarck: By appointment — call (701) 328-2360 to schedule.
- Through the funeral home: Funeral directors routinely order certified copies for the family.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in North Dakota?
The fee is $15 for the search, which includes your first certified copy, and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Pro tip
Order all the copies you'll need in a single request — additional copies are $10 each rather than the full $15 search fee, so batching your order saves money over placing several smaller ones.
What will it cost in North Dakota?
- First certified copy
- $15
- Each additional copy
- $10
- Total for 10 copies
- $105
- Typical across all states
- $137Below average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most North Dakota families need 6–10 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the district court (for probate), Social Security, vehicle titles, and real estate transfers.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in North Dakota.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in North Dakota?
North Dakota restricts complete death records to a defined list of relatives under NDCC 23.02-1: the decedent's current or surviving spouse, a parent or legal guardian, a child, a grandparent, or a grandchild — as well as an authorized representative, a funeral director reporting the facts of death, or by court order. A version of the record with the facts of death (but not cause of death) is also available to any licensed attorney with a bona fide legal need, and a demographic-only informational copy is available to the general public. A photo ID is required for all requests.
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in North Dakota. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in North Dakota may change. Consult a licensed North Dakota attorney for guidance specific to your situation.