N.D. Cent. Code § 15-39.1-11: Vesting of rights

When a tier one member has earned three years of service credit in this state, that member has a vested right to a retirement annuity but is not entitled to payments under this chapter until the member meets the requirements set forth in section 15-39.1-10 or 15-39.1-12. When a tier two member has earned five years of service credit in this state, that member has a vested right to a retirement annuity but is not entitled to payments under this chapter until the member meets the requirements set forth in section 15-39.1-10 or 15-39.1-12. When a tier one or tier two member has attained normal retirement age that member has a vested right to a retirement annuity under this chapter.