North Dakota Public Records

North Dakota is one of the least populated of the United States, even though it is one of the larger states in terms of actual size. The state was first explored by French Canadians in 1738, after being inhabited by various Native American tribes long before that time. When the state was explored by Lewis and Clark in 1804, it was considered primarily French territory, although the Spanish also inhabited certain areas by that time. North Dakota became an official part of the United States of America in 1889, the same year as its southern neighbor, South Dakota.

The history of North Dakota can be traced through the vital records that document those who have been born, married or died in the state since its humble beginnings.  Launching a public records search in North Dakota typically involves a few key government offices in the state. Fortunately, vital records searches are primarily streamlined here, for faster, more efficient research and retrieval of key documents. Those who need to find North Dakota public records for personal, legal or academic reasons may make the process much easier by learning where these records are primarily held and what is required to search for and retrieve specific documents in question.

As you begin a public records search in North Dakota, keep these helpful hints in mind:

Eligibility in a North Dakota Public Records Search

Access to official copies of birth and death records is restricted under North Dakota state law to protect the identity of the persons on the documents. Certified copies of North Dakota birth certificates may be requested by the person on the certificate or either parent of that person. If the person on the certificate is deceased, the document may also be requested by an immediate relative or personal representative of one of these parties.

Access to North Dakota death certificates is also restricted to relatives, personal representatives of the deceased or funeral directors.

Informational copies of either of these ND vital records are available to the general public, but informational copies cannot be used for identification or for legal purposes. Informational death certificates will also omit the cause of death and the social security number of the deceased.

North Dakota Public Records Locations

The first place to begin a North Dakota public records search is through the state’s Department of Health. This office holds all of the birth and death records for North Dakota.  

ND marriage and divorce records must be requested from the county where the event took place.

The North Dakota Department of Health provides access to these files in person, by mail and fax, or online. Faster service may also be available through the individual county offices, which also hold all the vital records for North Dakota of events that specifically occurred in that county.

Other ND public records, such as military and census records, may be found at the State Historical Society of North Dakota. This organization also offers a wealth of additional information for serious researchers and genealogists, including naturalization records, a biographical index and family genealogies.

This office also has access to the North Dakota death index, where interested parties can research those who died in the state, dating back generations. Those interested in accessing these files may visit the reading room in person of the State Historical Society, or send requests by mail or email. 

Launching a North Dakota Public Records Online

For those conducting research outside of the state, there are options for online North Dakota public record searches.  The North Dakota Department of Health has created its own online service for interested individuals to find and retrieve documents for research or personal use. The service is available through the Department of Health website, and it does require individuals to set up a personal account before they can access the archives.