North Dakota Laws

This page summarizes ten North Dakota laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

North Dakota Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In North Dakota, you generally have 6 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

North Dakota Comparative Negligence Laws

North Dakota follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

North Dakota Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in North Dakota is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. It applies to most employees, with exemptions for some types of jobs. Overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

North Dakota Final Paycheck Laws

In North Dakota, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday. The same deadline applies if you quit. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

North Dakota Small Claims Court Limits

In North Dakota, you can sue for up to $15,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims). Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

North Dakota Security Deposit Laws

North Dakota security deposit limit: 1 month's rent (more in limited cases, such as tenants with pets). The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 30 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

North Dakota Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in North Dakota, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 days' notice to vacate (unconditional) once rent is 3 days late. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

North Dakota Small Estate Affidavit

North Dakota small estate limit: $100,000 (since August 1, 2025). Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does North Dakota Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. North Dakota does not recognize common law marriages formed in North Dakota. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

North Dakota Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in North Dakota: 6 months of residence before the final decree (you can file earlier). Waiting period: none. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in North Dakota

Popular cities: Fargo · Grand Forks

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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