Marriage Licenses
Before you apply in person
Before you come into a service center, follow these steps to complete a marriage license:
- Complete an online Marriage License Application form.
- After receiving the confirmation number, reserve an appointment online.
You can get a marriage license anywhere in Minnesota if you will marry in the state.
After a license is issued, it is valid for six months.
Under state law (Minnesota Statute 259.13), a person with a felony cannot change their name with a marriage license. They must meet extra legal steps to use a different name after marriage.
Locations
- Administration Center - Hastings
- Northern Service Center - West St. Paul
- Western Service Center - Apple Valley
Walk-ins available
Service and license centers are open for walk-ins. However, making an appointment is encouraged.
Fees
Marriage license: $125
The reduced price for a marriage license is $50. Couples must complete 12 hours of premarital education and submit a signed form.
Sample Statement of Premarital Education (do not use)
Contact your premarital educator for information on premarital education. The Statement of Premarital Education must be on the educator's letterhead. It must follow the format shown in the sample.
Payment options
Cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards are accepted. Discover, Visa and 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 document from school, immigration, court, or the government that shows a person's birth date.
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.
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.