How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

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

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine eligibility: ND death records are restricted. Eligible: spouse, parent, child, and others with documented legal interest.
Choose your method:
BY MAIL: Complete the death certificate application (available at hhs.nd.gov/vital); include photocopy of valid photo ID; check or money order payable to "ND Department of Health"; mail to: NDHHS Division of Vital Records, 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200; processing: 3-5 business days
ONLINE: ND DOH online ordering portal at apps.nd.gov/doh/certificates; additional fee for online processing
PHONE/VitalChek: VitalChek authorized vendor; additional fees
IN PERSON (Bismarck): Call ahead for hours; bring valid photo ID
Submit with valid photo ID copy and proof of qualifying interest
Pay the fee

Details

Required Docs

Fee

$15 per first copy; $10 each additional copy at same time (verify current fees at hhs.nd.gov/vital or call (701) 328-2360)

Processing Time

Mail: 3-5 business days; online/VitalChek: expedited; in-person: same or next day

Online Option

Yes - apps.nd.gov/doh/certificates and VitalChek

Where to Go

NDHHS Vital Records, Bismarck (mail, in-person, or online)

North Dakota Notes

Death records from July 1893 (incomplete before 1920); complete from approximately 1923+.
Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one.
NOTE: Marriage records NOT issued by state vital records - see county Recorder/District Court Clerk.

Official Source

State Office

NDHHS Division of Vital Records - hhs.nd.gov/vital | (701) 328-2360 | 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200