North Dakota Residency Requirements
Residency requirements for filing for divorce in North Dakota. Learn how long you need to live in the state, what counts as residency, and what to do if you just moved. Updated for 2026.
State Residency
6
months minimum
County Residency
months minimum
Note: Under N.D.C.C. § 14-05-17, the plaintiff must be a resident of North Dakota for at least six months immediately before commencing the action, or for at least six months immediately before the judgment of divorce is granted. Only the plaintiff (filing spouse) must meet the residency requirement; there is no residency requirement for the defendant.
North Dakota Residency Requirements Explained
Before you can file for divorce in North Dakota, at least one spouse must meet the state's residency requirement. This means you must have been a bona fide resident of North Dakota for a minimum of 6 months prior to filing your petition.
In addition to the state requirement, North Dakota also requires that you have lived in the county where you file for at least months. You must file in the county where you (or your spouse) reside.
The residency requirement applies to only one spouse. If your spouse lives in another state, you can still file in North Dakota as long as you personally meet the requirement.
How to Prove North Dakota Residency
If the court or your spouse challenges your residency, you may need to provide evidence. Common proof of residency includes:
Valid North Dakota driver's license or state ID
Active voter registration in North Dakota
Current lease agreement or mortgage for a North Dakota address
North Dakota state tax returns filed as a resident
Utility bills in your name at your current address
Pay stubs or employment verification in North Dakota
Bank statements showing a North Dakota address
Vehicle registered in North Dakota
Check your eligibility to file
Answer a few questions and Divorce.ai will confirm if you meet North Dakota's residency requirements.
Military Personnel & Residency
Active duty military members have special residency options for divorce. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), military members can claim residency in North Dakota if:
- •They are currently stationed in North Dakota
- •They maintain North Dakota as their legal domicile (home of record)
- •Their spouse lives in North Dakota
Military divorce may also involve unique considerations like military pension division, BAH, and deployment-related custody issues. Consult a military-experienced attorney if needed.
What If I Just Moved to North Dakota?
Start your countdown. Note the date you moved to North Dakota. You can file after 6 months from that date.
Prepare now. Use the waiting time to gather financial documents, complete your forms, and reach agreement with your spouse.
Consider your previous state. If you still meet the residency requirements in the state you left, you may be able to file there instead.
Emergency protections are available. If you need protection from domestic violence, you can file for a protective order regardless of residency status.
Don't wait to prepare
Start your North Dakota divorce paperwork now so you can file the day you meet residency requirements.
Where to File in North Dakota
Once you meet North Dakota's residency requirements, you must file for divorce in the correct court. In North Dakota, divorce is filed in the county where you or your spouse lives.
Filing Location Checklist
- ✓Confirm you meet the 6-month state residency requirement
- ✓Confirm you meet the -month county residency requirement
- ✓Identify the correct court for your county
- ✓Check local filing rules and any county-specific forms
- ✓Check if e-filing is available in your county