North Dakota Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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North Dakota Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

10 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
6 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
12%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

North Dakota has a 12% post-judgment interest rate — among the highest in the country — and a 10-year judgment lien. Wage garnishment is available with standard limits, and the homestead exemption of $100,000 is moderate. Creditors with judgments benefit significantly from the high interest accrual.

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 6 years NDCC §28-01-16
Open Account / Credit Card 6 years NDCC §28-01-16
Oral Contract 6 years NDCC §28-01-16
Promissory Note 6 years NDCC §28-01-16
Judgment Lien 10 years (renewable) NDCC §28-20-13

North Dakota’s 6-year SOL for most contract claims provides a reasonable window for creditors to file suit. Partial payments restart the limitations period.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

North Dakota post-judgment interest accrues at 12% per annum under NDCC §28-20-34. Interest is simple and begins on the judgment date.

Judgment Recovery Methods in North Dakota

Wage Garnishment yes
North Dakota allows wage garnishment of 25% of disposable earnings under NDCC §32-09.1-04. Employer receives garnishment summons and must withhold funds.
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account garnishments are available after judgment under NDCC §32-09.1-01. Non-exempt funds must be held pending exemption review.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
Docketing a judgment in the district court creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (NDCC §28-20-13). Lien lasts 10 years.
Turnover Order yes
North Dakota courts may issue supplemental orders requiring debtors to appear and disclose non-exempt assets under NDCC §28-25-02.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution allow the sheriff to levy on non-exempt personal property (NDCC §28-23-01).
Vehicle Levy yes
North Dakota exempts one motor vehicle up to $7,500 in equity under NDCC §28-22-03.1. Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead $100,000 NDCC §47-18-01
Motor Vehicle $7,500 equity NDCC §28-22-03.1
Wages 75% of disposable earnings NDCC §32-09.1-03
Personal Property $7,500 general NDCC §28-22-02
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans NDCC §28-22-03.1

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official North Dakota Resources

North Dakota Courts – ND CourtIndexCivil case search statewideNorth Dakota SOS – Business SearchEntity & registered agent lookupNorth Dakota County Recorder – Property RecordsReal property & lien filingsNorth Dakota Century Code – LegislatureOfficial state statutes

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed North Dakota attorney before taking collection action.