In North Dakota, certified death certificates are issued by North Dakota Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records. The state fee is $15 for the first certified copy and $10 for each additional copy.
Here is who can order a certified copy, how to order it, and how long it takes, taken from the office’s own pages. Fees and times change, so check the office’s page before you pay.
How much a death certificate costs in North Dakota
| Item | State fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $15 |
| Each additional copy | $10 |
'$15.00 for the 1st copy and $10.00 for each additional copy when ordered at the same time.'.
Who can order a certified copy
Complete death record (with cause of death and SSN): a relative (current or surviving spouse, parent or legal guardian, child, grandparent, grandchild, or genetic sibling), an authorized representative, a funeral director reporting the facts of death, or by court order; Facts-of-death copy (SSN but no cause of death): anyone eligible for the complete record, or a licensed attorney needing it for a bona fide legal determination; Certified informational copy (no cause of death or SSN): the general public.
A non-certified informational copy is also available. It cannot be used for legal or financial purposes such as closing accounts or claiming benefits.
How to order
- Online (state site)
- In person
Not addressed on the state death records page.
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How long it takes
'Once received in our office, copies are usually mailed in 3 to 5 business days (this does not include the return mail time).' Online orders with 'Web Order Pickup' are usually ready in 'less than two hours'.
The funeral home’s role
State page: a certified copy of the complete death record 'may be issued to … a funeral director reporting the facts of death'.
ND issues three certified versions (complete, facts of death, informational); 'Our office does not issue uncertified copies.' In-person visits are by appointment (call first).
How many copies to order
Most banks, insurers, pension plans and government agencies each want their own certified copy. Count the accounts and policies before you order, because ordering more later means another application and fee. How many death certificates you need has a worksheet.
Who decides the funeral in North Dakota
State law sets who has the right to make funeral arrangements. See who has the right to make funeral decisions in North Dakota.
Related guides
- What to do when someone dies: the first 24 hours
- Who to call when someone dies, and in what order
- How much a funeral costs, line by line
- Help paying for a funeral: Social Security, VA and FEMA
- Official funeral resources for every state
Sources
- North Dakota Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records
- CDC: Where to Write for Vital Records (North Dakota)
Checked 2026-09-24. General information, not legal advice.