How to Get an Apostille in North Dakota

Educational information, not legal advice. Fees, addresses and processing times reflect the North Dakota Secretary of State and can change. Confirm current details on the official sos.nd.gov page before you mail anything.

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Who issues apostilles in North Dakota?

Apostilles in North Dakota are issued by the Secretary of State, through the Notary and Authentications unit in Bismarck. The office authenticates the signature and seal of a North Dakota notary or public official, issuing an apostille for Hague Convention countries and a certification for the rest. It handles North Dakota documents only, so a document issued or notarized in another state goes to that state. A private document such as a power of attorney must be notarized by a North Dakota notary first, while vital records must be certified copies from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services or, for marriage records, a county recorder; divorce decrees come certified by the clerk of the District Court. All signatures must be original, not photocopies.

How much does a North Dakota apostille cost?

A North Dakota apostille costs $10 per document. Payment is by check or money order payable to the Secretary of State, or by card, and it is important to send the correct amount, since a request without satisfactory payment will not be processed. As always, the $10 is the state charge only, and any private service adds its own handling fee on top, which is the larger part of the flat rates you see advertised. Because the fee is a simple flat amount and processing is quick, North Dakota is inexpensive to handle yourself once you have a properly notarized or certified document. Double-check the current fee before you pay, as it can change.

How long does a North Dakota apostille take?

A North Dakota apostille is usually processed within about three business days of the office receiving it, provided all the required information and the payment are satisfactory, and it is then returned by United States Postal Service first-class mail. If you prefer a faster return, such as overnight or priority delivery, submit a prepaid and pre-addressed shipping label with your request. Add mail transit in each direction when planning around a foreign deadline. If you would rather visit in person, the office encourages you to call the Notary Unit to make an appointment first, so a staff member is available to help when you arrive.

Can North Dakota apostille an FBI background check?

No, North Dakota cannot apostille an FBI background check, because it is a federal document authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Sending a federal report to Bismarck means it comes back unprocessed. The North Dakota Secretary of State authenticates documents issued or notarized in North Dakota, such as a North Dakota birth certificate from the Department of Health and Human Services or a power of attorney notarized by a North Dakota notary. Out-of-state and federal documents are routed to their own offices instead.

By the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: North Dakota Secretary of State, Notary/Apostille, Apostille and Certification (sos.nd.gov). Look up the current fee and address on the official site before you file.