The state's collection of North Dakota birth records typically starts in 1907, with a comprehensive registration of births starting in 1924. There may also be some older records to 1893, but that will depend on the area where the birth occurred.
There has been new legislation in North Dakota in recent years, making it more difficult to acquire copies of birth records in order to prevent identity fraud. If you have done business with the Vital Records department in the past, you should be aware that the regulations have changed.
Now you can only request a certified copy of a North Dakota birth record if the record is yours, or your own child. No other relationships are considered acceptable unless the person is also deceased. In that case, you are able to make your request providing you are an immediate relative (parent, child, grandparent, grandchild). You will be expected to provide a copy of the death record in this case though. Anyone operating in a legal capacity is also permitted in making a request for a birth record.
You will need to provide your own identification when submitting your request forms, in the form of a clear photo copy of a government issued photo ID (copies of both sides). Driver's license, Tribal ID cards, passports would all qualify. If you don't have one, you will need 2 pieces of non-photo ID, such as a Social Security card, bank statement or pay stub.
Request forms for North Dakota birth records are available at the Department of Health website (http://www.ndhealth.gov/vital/forms/birth.pdf), which also include the latest fees and submission instructions. Currently the cost to get a North Dakota birth record retrieved is $7 USD and any additional copies you order at the same time are $4 apiece. You can pay the fees by check or money order made out to "ND Department of Health", or include your credit card information to pay that way.
If they are unable to retrieve the North Dakota birth record you are seeking, your fees are not refunded. So provide the most accurate information you can get.
The forms will need the person's full name, date of birth, place of birth, and the full names of the person's parents. You also have to provide your own contact information, and include your ID documentation.
You can take your forms to their office at the State Capitol building in Bismark. They are in room 118 of the Judicial Wing. In-person requests are often filled while you wait. Otherwise, you can send your request to the Division of Vital Records, 600 E. Boulevard Ave, Dept 301, Bismark ND, 58505-0200 USA. Mailed records requests take 5 to 7 days once they reach the office.
Depending on the county and the year, a North Dakota birth record can provide a person's full name, sex, place and date of birth, parents names and sometimes their race.
For records beyond what Vital Records has in store, you can also try the State Historical Society (http://history.nd.gov/archives/index.html) for census records and old newspaper birth announcements.
Requesting North Dakota birth certificates by mail can be accomplished through these steps:
Step 1.
A North Dakota Birth Certificate application can be printed and filled out to make a request by mail.
Step 2.
You will need to include a copy of a photo ID issued by the state or federal government or the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Step 3.
Mail in the above documents along with a check or money order covering the $7 search fee.
If you have further questions regarding accessing North Dakota birth records, you can contact the office below:
North Dakota Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
600 E. Boulevard Ave. – Dept 301
Bismark, ND 58505-0200
(701) 328-2360
Requesting North Dakota Birth Records
You can obtain North Dakota birth records through the North Dakota Department of Health. Access to these records is limited, and identification is now required when making a request.
Ways To Place Your Order
To place an order for North Dakota birth records, you can visit the Department in person, make a request by mail, or use your credit card and order online or by fax. Credit card orders are subject to an additional processing fee.
Records Are Not Public
North Dakota birth records are not considered part of the public record, meaning that there are limitations as to who can access them. To be able to request North Dakota birth records, you must be the person named on the record and at least 16 years of age, or the mother or father listed on the record. Otherwise, you will need legal documentation authorizing your request.
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