2026 Guide Bismarck, ND Burleigh County

Legal Costs in Bismarck, ND (2026)

Filing fees for LLCs, divorce, small claims, and notary services in Bismarck — all sourced from official North Dakota state records.

$135

LLC filing fee

$80

Divorce fee

$15,000

Small claims max

Notary fee cap

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

Bismarck is a city in Burleigh County, North Dakota. Whether you're starting a business, filing a small claims case, or going through a divorce, the fees you pay are set at the North Dakota state level — not the city or county level — with limited exceptions for county-specific court fees. Forming an LLC costs $135 in state filing fees. Small claims cases can be filed for disputes up to $15,000 in the Small Claims Court. Divorce filing fees in North Dakota start at $80. All figures on this page are verified from official North Dakota government sources and updated for 2026.

Form an LLC in Bismarck, ND

To form an LLC with a Bismarck address, you file with the North Dakota Secretary of State — not the city or county. The state filing fee is $135. Standard processing takes 5 business days. There is also an annual report fee of $50.

State filing fee	$135
Annual report fee	$50
Standard processing	5 business days
Expedited processing	1
Publication cost	Not required

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Small Claims Court in Bismarck

Small claims cases in Bismarck are heard at the Small Claims Court in Burleigh County. The maximum you can sue for is $15,000. Filing fees range from $35–$65 depending on the claim amount.

Court name	Small Claims Court
Filing location	Burleigh County
Maximum claim limit	$15,000
Filing fee	$35–$65
Written contract SOL	6 years
Oral contract SOL	6 years

Full North Dakota small claims guide →

Where to File in Bismarck

Burleigh County Courthouse

Address

514 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501

Phone

(701) 222-6690

Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Official Website

www.ndcourts.gov

Always call ahead to verify hours and accepted payment methods before visiting. Hours may vary on holidays.

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Filing for Divorce in Bismarck

Divorce petitions in Bismarck are filed at the Burleigh County courthouse. The North Dakota state filing fee is $80. Sheriff service costs $30.

Filing location	Burleigh County Courthouse
Filing fee	$80 (North Dakota state)
Sheriff service fee	$30
Children surcharge	None
Parenting class	Not required
Certified copy fee	$5

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Find a Notary in Bismarck, ND

North Dakota caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act ($5 for remote online notarization). Common places to find a notary in Bismarck: your bank (often free for account holders), UPS Store, FedEx Office, public libraries, and law offices.

North Dakota also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) — get documents notarized via video call from anywhere, capped at $5. Useful if you can't travel to a Bismarck notary in person.

Acknowledgment fee cap	$5
Jurat fee cap	$5
RON (remote online)	$5
State fee law	Yes — fee cap enforced

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Bismarck, ND?

Forming an LLC in Bismarck costs $135 for the North Dakota state filing fee. The annual report fee is $50/year. This is a statewide fee — the same amount regardless of which city you're in. Use a registered agent service for privacy and compliance.

Where is the small claims court in Bismarck?

Small claims cases in Bismarck are filed in the Small Claims Court serving Burleigh County. Contact the Burleigh County courthouse to confirm the address, hours, and accepted payment methods before you go. The maximum claim limit is $15,000 and the filing fee is $35–$65.

How much does a notary cost in Bismarck?

In Bismarck, notary fees are capped at $5 per notarial act. Typical in-person fees at UPS Store or FedEx are $10–$15 per signature. Many banks offer free notary service to account holders. For RON (remote online notarization), the cap is $5.

How do I file for divorce in Bismarck?

To file for divorce in Bismarck, file your petition at the Burleigh County courthouse. The North Dakota base divorce filing fee is $80. You must meet North Dakota's residency requirement (typically 6+ months in the state). For uncontested divorces, online services can prepare all your paperwork.

What is the small claims limit in Bismarck?

The small claims limit in Bismarck is $15,000 — the maximum you can sue for in Small Claims Court in North Dakota. This limit applies throughout the state regardless of city. Filing fees are $35–$65. If your claim exceeds the limit, you can reduce it to qualify for small claims or file in a higher civil court.

Where do I file small claims in Burleigh County?

Small claims cases in Burleigh County are filed at the local courthouse in Burleigh County. The North Dakota small claims court (Small Claims Court) handles all monetary disputes up to $15,000. Filing fees are $35–$65. Contact the Burleigh County court clerk for the current address, hours, and filing procedures.