Schedule an appointment
Marriage licenses can be completed by appointment by following these steps:
-
Complete an online form.
- After receiving the confirmation number, reserve an appointment online.
Reserve your appointment
You may apply for a marriage license in any county in Minnesota regardless of residence or where the ceremony takes place, if you are going to be married within the geographical borders of Minnesota.
After a license is issued, it is valid for six months.
According to
Minnesota Statute 259.13, an applicant who has
a felony conviction can't change their name through the marriage license process. They can use a different name after marriage as long as additional name change requirements are met.
Walk-ins available
Service and license centers are open for walk-ins. However, making an appointment is encouraged.
View walk-in wait times
Fees
Marriage license: $125
Reduced price - Marriage license with 12 hours of premarital education and a completed and signed
Statement of Premarital Education: $50
Contact your premarital educator for information on premarital education.
Payment options
Cash, check, money orders, and credit or debit cards (Discover, Visa or MasterCard) are accepted. A 2.49-percent convenience fee is charged for credit and debit cards on this county service.
Both parties must sign the application
Both parties applying for the marriage license must sign the application.
In most cases, both parties must be present at the time of application, but there are exceptions. Email
nscservicedesk@co.dakota.mn.us or call 651-554-6531 to see if both parties are required. Exceptions are outlined in
Minnesota Statute 517.08.
Accepted forms of proof of age include:
- An original or certified copy of a birth certificate or birth record
- A driver’s license or other identification card issued by a government entity or school
- A school record, immigration record, naturalization record, court record, or other document or record issued by a government entity that contains the date of birth of a party
If you have completed an online form, you can go to any location to sign it. The application will be available to sign immediately after you send it electronically. Make sure you have your form confirmation number or say that you’ve completed the form online.
Applications
You can complete a marriage license application online.
Complete a Marriage License Application
No officiant or judge present
When you arrive to apply for your marriage license, an officiant or judge will not be present. You must arrange that service separately with the
Minnesota Judicial
Branch.