Fargo residents need vital records for NDSU admissions, Sanford Health employment, passport applications for Canadian border crossings, and establishing North Dakota residency. From youth hockey registration to professional licensing in the state’s largest city, certified documents support education, healthcare careers, and international travel opportunities throughout the Red River Valley region.
Vital Records & Certificates in Fargo, North DakotaClerk of District Court
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Clerk of District Court. We also offer expedited passport services for Fargo residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Fargo residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Fargo
Birth certificates in Fargo are processed through the Clerk of District Court at 211 9th Street South in downtown Fargo. Whether your child was born at Sanford Medical Center Fargo, Essentia Health-Fargo, or another regional facility, certified copies are essential for school enrollment at West Fargo Schools, NDSU student registration, and youth hockey league participation. The Cass County office maintains records for all births occurring within the county boundaries. Processing typically requires 3-5 business days, with expedited service available for urgent passport applications or college enrollment deadlines.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Fargo
Couples planning ceremonies at the elegant Hotel Donaldson, the rustic Red River Zoo pavilion, or Sanctuary Events Center obtain marriage licenses from the Cass County Clerk of District Court downtown. North Dakota requires no waiting period, making Fargo popular for destination weddings. The courthouse office, just blocks from the historic Fargo Theatre and Plains Art Museum, handles all county marriages. Licenses remain valid for 60 days statewide.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Fargo
Death certificates are issued by the Cass County Clerk of District Court for deaths occurring in Fargo and surrounding communities. These documents are required for insurance claims, estate settlement, and Social Security benefit transfers. The 9th Street South office processes requests for deaths at local hospitals, nursing facilities, or private residences within county jurisdiction.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Fargo
Divorce decrees are maintained by the Cass County District Court system in Fargo. These certified documents are necessary for remarriage licenses, name change processes, and financial account modifications. Court staff can locate records using case numbers or party names from proceedings conducted in the county courthouse.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Fargo
Visit the Clerk of District Court at 211 9th Street South in downtown Fargo, easily accessible from Interstate 94 and 29. The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Street parking and metered spaces are available along 9th Street, with the First National Bank Building parking ramp nearby. The office accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards for all vital record fees.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Clerk of District Court
Address
211 9th St S, Fargo, ND 58103, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Cass County courthouse is located in downtown Fargo at 9th Street and 2nd Avenue South, three blocks from the Red River and easily reached via Broadway or Main Avenue.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Cass County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Fargo residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Fargo, North Dakota
How do I get to the Cass County clerk office from NDSU campus?
▼What’s the fastest way to get a birth certificate in Fargo?
▼Are appointments required at the Cass County courthouse?
▼Can I get vital records if I was born in West Fargo?
▼Where can I park near the Cass County courthouse in Fargo?
▼Do I need a birth certificate for NDSU enrollment?
▼Can I order Cass County death certificates online?
▼What if my marriage ceremony was at the Red River Zoo?
▼How late is the Fargo clerk office open?
▼Can I get rush service for passport applications in Fargo?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Fargo residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Cass County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs