North Dakota Birth Certificate Apostille
Apostille for North Dakota diplomas issued by state or county academic documents offices. Required for dual citizenship, visas, marriage abroad, study, and residency. Complete guide with 10 detailed FAQs.
At a Glance — 2026 Snapshot
| Issuing Authority | North Dakota college or university registrar |
|---|---|
| Apostille Authority | North Dakota Secretary of State 3-5 business days + mailing |
| Document Type | Certified copy of North Dakota diploma (no notarization) |
| Apostille Fee | $10 per document |
| Processing Time | Mail: 5-7 business days. Walk-in: Same day (Bismarck) |
| Typical Uses | Immigration, citizenship by descent, marriage, study, work visas, international relocation |
| Accepted Countries | 128 Hague Convention member countries as of 2026 |
| Non-Hague Countries | Requires additional authentication via U.S. Dept of State + consular legalization |
| Diploma Cost | $15 from University Registrar or educational institution (separate from apostille) |
| Submission Locations | Bismarck: 600 E. Boulevard Ave (mail & walk-in) |
| Who Can Apply | Anyone – you, family, friend, or professional service |
Key Rule for North Dakota Birth Certificates
To obtain an apostille on an North Dakota birth certificate, you must use an official certified copy issued by the North Dakota Center for Health Statistics (University Registrar) or a educational institution. Hospital records, souvenir certificates, or photocopies will be rejected.
- The certificate must bear the seal and signature of the state or county academic documents official.
- Birth certificates do not need notarization for apostille in North Dakota.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
Even small mistakes can lead to your apostille request being rejected. Double-check these points to save time:
- • Photocopy or Scan: Only original certified copies with a raised seal or official stamp are accepted.
- • Hospital Certificates: Decorative hospital "birth certificates" or souvenir records are not official and cannot be apostilled.
- • Document Damage: If the certified copy has erasures, white-out, or damage, it may be rejected.
- • Payment Issues: Make sure to enclose the correct $10 fee per document.
🌎 Tips for Overseas Applicants
Applying for an North Dakota apostille from outside the U.S. is possible with a few extra steps:
- • Obtaining the Certificate: Order a certified copy remotely through VitalChek or directly from University Registrar.
- • Mail-In Requests: You can mail your request to the North Dakota SOS from overseas using a reliable courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS).
- • Use a Trusted Agent: You can hire an apostille service company or ask a friend in North Dakota to handle it on your behalf.
- • Patience with Mail: International mail can add 1-3 weeks to the return journey.
🔴 Apostille vs. Legalization (Non-Hague Countries)
Important: An apostille is not accepted in countries that are not party to the 1961 Hague Convention.
- • Non-Member Examples: United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Egypt, Canada require authentication + consular legalization instead.
- • Full Process: State SOS certification → U.S. Department of State authentication → Foreign embassy legalization.
- • Note on China: China joined the Apostille Convention on November 7, 2023, so apostilles are now accepted for China.
✅ North Dakota Apostille Advantages
North Dakota offers some of the best apostille services in the U.S.:
- • Lowest Fee: At just $10 per document, North Dakota has one of the lowest apostille fees nationwide.
- • Fast Processing: 5-7 business days by mail, same-day for walk-in requests.
- • No Appointment Needed: Walk-in service available during regular business hours.
- • Simple Process: No county clerk pre-authentication required for academic documents.
Option 1: North Dakota Center for Health Statistics
The state academic documents office in Bismarck issues certified copies. You can request by mail, online, or in person. This is the most reliable source.
Option 2: County Health Department
Any North Dakota educational institution can issue certified copies of diplomas for births that occurred in that county. Often faster for local residents.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted for Apostille
- • Certified North Dakota diploma issued by University Registrar.
- • Certified birth certificate issued by an North Dakota educational institution.
- • Recent certified copies bearing raised or printed seal and registrar's signature.
Not Accepted
- • Hospital souvenir diplomas and commemorative keepsakes.
- • Photocopies or scans, even if notarized.
- • Birth certificates from another U.S. state.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified North Dakota Diploma: An original or newly certified copy issued by University Registrar or educational institution.
- Completed Apostille Request Form: List "diploma" as the document type.
- Correct Apostille Fee: $10 per document — check or money order payable to "North Dakota Secretary of State".
CANNOT ACCEPT
- Uncertified or Unsigned Copies: Any diploma without an official seal and signature.
- Notarized Photocopies: Notarizing a copy does not convert it into a valid vital record.
Need an North Dakota Diploma Apostille Without Guesswork?
We help North Dakota-born clients get the right certified copy, complete the apostille request, and avoid costly rejections.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Obtain a Certified North Dakota Diploma
If you do not already have a recent certified copy, request one from the North Dakota Center for Health Statistics (University Registrar) or your local educational institution.
Online Ordering: You can order certified copies online through VitalChek or directly from University Registrar. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy.
Step 2 — Check That Your Certificate Is Apostille-Ready
Verify that your diploma shows the official seal and registrar's signature. Make sure it is an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
Step 3 — Complete the North Dakota Apostille Request Form
Download or obtain the apostille request form from the North Dakota Secretary of State website. Include the destination country.
Step 4 — Submit Your Diploma to Secretary of State
Mail or deliver your certified diploma, completed apostille request form, and $10 payment to the Secretary of State in Bismarck.
Mailing Address:
North Dakota Secretary of State
P.O. Box 5616
Bismarck, AL 36103-5616
Walk-in Address:
600 E. Boulevard Ave
Bismarck, AL 58505
Step 5 — Receive Your Apostilled Birth Certificate
The Secretary of State typically processes apostilles within 5-7 business days for mail requests. Walk-in requests can be processed same-day.
Fees & Timeline
| Service | Typical Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Apostille fee (per document) | $10 (state fee) |
| Certified North Dakota diploma (first copy) | Around $15 |
| Additional certified copies (same order) | Around $6 each |
| Standard return mailing (USPS) | ≈$0–$15 |
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota Diploma Apostille
Do I need to notarize my North Dakota diploma before apostille?▼
No. Birth certificates are official vital records issued by government agencies and do not require notarization for apostille in North Dakota. The certified copy from University Registrar or educational institution is sufficient.
Can I use my hospital birth record for apostille?▼
No. Hospital records, birth announcements, and souvenir certificates are not legal academic documents and cannot receive an apostille. You must use a certified copy from the North Dakota Center for Health Statistics (University Registrar) or a educational institution.
How long does it take to get an apostille on an North Dakota diploma?▼
Mail requests typically take 3-5 business days plus mailing time. Walk-in requests at the Bismarck office can be processed same-day during regular business hours.
How much does an North Dakota diploma apostille cost?▼
The North Dakota Secretary of State charges $10 per document for apostille services. This is one of the lowest apostille fees in the United States. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to "North Dakota Secretary of State".
Can I walk in for same-day apostille service in North Dakota?▼
Yes. The North Dakota Secretary of State office at 600 E. Boulevard Ave in Bismarck accepts walk-in requests and can process them same-day. No appointment is required.
Where do I mail my North Dakota diploma for apostille?▼
Mail to: North Dakota Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Bismarck, AL 36103-5616. Include the completed apostille request form, your certified diploma, and $10 fee per document.
What countries accept an North Dakota diploma apostille?▼
All 128 Hague Apostille Convention member countries accept apostilled documents from North Dakota. This includes Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and many others. For non-Hague countries, additional authentication and legalization is required.
Can someone else submit my North Dakota diploma for apostille?▼
Yes. Anyone can submit documents for apostille on your behalf – family members, friends, or professional apostille services. You do not need to be the person named on the document or have any special authorization.
Do I need a certified copy vs. original diploma for apostille?▼
You need a certified copy issued by University Registrar or a educational institution, not your original diploma. The certified copy must have an official raised or printed seal and the registrar's signature to be eligible for apostille.
How do I get a certified North Dakota diploma for apostille?▼
Order from the North Dakota Center for Health Statistics (University Registrar) online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person at their Bismarck office. You can also request from any North Dakota educational institution. Cost is approximately $15 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies in the same order.
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
8+ years experience
Recent Verification Log