What to Do When Someone Dies in North Dakota
A complete guide to death certificates, probate, estate taxes, and funeral costs in North Dakota. Everything you need to know about handling a death in the state of North Dakota.
Quick Facts: North Dakota
Death Certificates in North Dakota
Cost Per Certified Copy
The first certified copy costs $7. Additional copies cost $5 each.
How Many to Order
We recommend ordering 10 to 15 copies. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, the DMV, employers, and other institutions typically require original certified copies. Ordering extras upfront saves time and money compared to requesting more later. Ten copies in North Dakota would cost approximately $52.
Where to Order
Death certificates in North Dakota are issued by the North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. Your funeral home will typically order the initial copies for you as part of their services.
Visit North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital RecordsFiling Deadline
In North Dakota, a death must be registered within 3 days. The funeral home or attending physician typically handles the filing.
Probate in North Dakota
Small Estate Threshold
Estates valued under $50,000 may qualify for simplified probate or a small estate affidavit. Estates under $50,000 may use small estate affidavit after 30 days.
Typical Timeline
Probate in North Dakota typically takes 6-12 months. The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether anyone contests the will, and the court's caseload.
Small Estate Affidavit
If the estate is valued below the small estate threshold of $50,000, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of going through formal probate. This is a simplified process that allows heirs to collect assets by presenting a sworn statement to banks and other institutions. Waiting periods and specific requirements vary, so check with the District Court in your county for exact procedures.
Uniform Probate Code State
North Dakota has adopted the Uniform Probate Code (UPC), which standardizes and simplifies probate procedures. UPC states generally offer more streamlined processes, including simplified procedures for small estates and informal probate options.
Key Things to Know in North Dakota
Uniform Probate Code
North Dakota follows the Uniform Probate Code, which provides a standardized and generally more efficient probate process. Benefits include informal probate options, simplified small estate procedures, and consistent rules for intestate succession (when someone dies without a will).
State-Specific Notes
North Dakota adopted the Uniform Probate Code. The state has some of the lowest death certificate costs in the country. Informal probate is available for uncontested estates.
No State Death Taxes
North Dakota does not have a state estate tax or inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax applies, and it only affects estates exceeding $13.61 million.
Funeral Costs in North Dakota
These are median costs in North Dakota. Actual costs vary significantly based on the funeral home, location within the state, and services selected. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide itemized pricing when you ask. You are not required to purchase a package and can choose individual services.
Major Cities in North Dakota
Get a Personalized Checklist for North Dakota
Answer a few questions about your situation and get a step-by-step guide customized for North Dakota, with only the tasks that apply to you.
Get Your Free Personalized GuideRelated Guides
Probate Guide
How probate works, when you can skip it, and what it costs in your state.
Estate Tax
Federal and state estate tax thresholds, exemptions, and filing deadlines.
Funeral Costs
Average funeral costs by type and practical ways to reduce expenses.
Master Checklist
Track every task from day one through closing the estate.