Home › North Dakota › How-To Guide
North Dakota · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS), Division of Vital Records (state level - Bismarck)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: ND birth records are restricted. Eligible: the person named (if adult), parents, legal guardian, legal representative, and others with documented legal interest.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. BY MAIL (Primary method): Complete the birth certificate application (available at hhs.nd.gov/vital or apps.nd.gov/doh/certificates); include photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID; check or money order payable to "ND Department of Health"; mail to: ND Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200; processing: 3-5 business days after receipt
  4. ONLINE (ND DOH online request tool): apps.nd.gov/doh/certificates - ND provides an online ordering portal for birth and death certificates; follow link from hhs.nd.gov/vital; additional fee for online processing
  5. PHONE/VitalChek: VitalChek is also an authorized vendor; additional service fees; vitalchek.com
  6. IN PERSON (Bismarck): NDHHS Vital Records office at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck; call ahead for hours; bring valid photo ID
  7. Submit with photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID
  8. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed birth certificate application
  • Photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another
  • Payment: check or money order payable to "ND Department of Health" for mail; card for online/VitalChek
Fee
$15 per certified copy (first copy); $10 each additional copy at same time (some sources indicate fee may have changed - verify current fees at hhs.nd.gov/vital or call (701) 328-2360)
Processing Time
Mail: 3-5 business days; online/VitalChek: expedited with additional fee; in-person: same day or next day typically
Online Option
Yes - ND DOH online portal (apps.nd.gov/doh/certificates) and VitalChek
Where to Go
NDHHS Vital Records, Bismarck (mail or in-person); online through apps.nd.gov or VitalChek
North Dakota Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Birth records restricted; eligible requesters only.
  • State records from 1870 (incomplete before 1920); complete from approximately 1923+.
  • ND is one of the few states with a convenient state-run online ordering portal (not just VitalChek).
  • For births before 1870 or very old/incomplete records: contact SHSND (State Historical Society of ND) at history.nd.gov.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
NDHHS Division of Vital Records - hhs.nd.gov/vital | (701) 328-2360 | 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200; Online ordering: apps.nd.gov/doh/certificates