North Dakota marriage license

Preparing for your special day in North Dakota involves understanding the essential steps for obtaining a marriage license. Whether you are a resident or planning a destination wedding in the Peace Garden State, familiarizing yourself with the North Dakota marriage license requirements will ensure a smooth process towards your union.

From the necessary documentation to the fees and validity of the license, this article will guide you through the entire process. With this information at hand, you can focus on the more exciting aspects of wedding planning, knowing that the legalities are taken care of.

North Dakota marriage license requirements

The requirements to obtain a marriage license in North Dakota are straightforward yet important to follow. Both parties must appear in person at the county auditor’s office and present valid identification. This typically includes a driver’s license or a state-issued ID card. If one party cannot be present, certain exceptions may apply, which should be discussed with the county auditor.

It’s also necessary for both individuals to provide their social security numbers if they have one. Another key requirement is that both applicants must be of legal age, which is 18 years or older. Those aged 16-17 must have parental consent in the form of a notarized statement to proceed with the application.

If either applicant has been previously married, they must supply a certified copy of the divorce decree from their most recent marriage. This ensures that the previous marriage has been legally dissolved and that they are free to enter into a new marriage contract.

What is the application process for a North Dakota marriage license?

The application process for a marriage license in North Dakota is designed to be straightforward. Couples must visit the county auditor’s office together to fill out and sign the marriage license application. There, they will be asked a series of questions about their legal capacity to marry.

Once the application is completed, the couple pays the required fee, and the county auditor will issue the marriage license. This license authorizes a qualified officiant to perform the marriage ceremony within the state.

After the ceremony, the officiant and the couple must sign the license before it is returned to the county auditor’s office. The office will then file the license and make the marriage legal and official.

What documents are needed to apply for a North Dakota marriage license?

To apply for a North Dakota marriage license, applicants must provide a variety of documents. A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is required to verify the identity and age of both parties. Here is a list of the potential documents you might need:

• Valid photo identification (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
• Social security card or number
• Certified copy of the birth certificate (may be required for proof of age)
• If applicable, a certified copy of the divorce decree
• Notarized parental consent forms for applicants aged 16-18

How much does a North Dakota marriage license cost?

The cost of obtaining a marriage license in North Dakota is typically $65 if paid in cash. Should you choose to pay with a credit card, the fee increases to $68, with an additional processing fee. Remember that this fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of the application. There may also be additional costs for certified copies of the marriage certificate following the ceremony.

It’s important to note that the fees can vary slightly from county to county, so it’s a good idea to verify the exact amount with the local county auditor’s office where you plan to apply.

How long is a North Dakota marriage license valid?

A North Dakota marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. This means that the wedding ceremony must take place within this two-month period, or the license will expire. In the event of an expired license, couples will need to reapply and pay the fee again to obtain a new one.

If you are planning your wedding, make sure to schedule the ceremony within this 60-day timeframe to avoid any legal complications or the need for a new license.

Can you apply for a North Dakota marriage license online?

Currently, North Dakota does not offer the option to fully apply for a marriage license online. Applicants must appear in person at the local county auditor’s office to complete the necessary paperwork. However, some counties may offer printable application forms on their websites that can be filled out ahead of time to expedite the process when you arrive at the office.

Always verify the most current procedures with the county auditor’s office to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What are the age requirements for a North Dakota marriage license?

In North Dakota, individuals who are 18 years of age or older can apply for a marriage license without parental consent. For those who are 16 or 17 years old, marriage is still a possibility with notarized parental consent. This consent must be in writing and presented at the time of the application.

It’s important to understand that the state has strict rules governing these age requirements to ensure the legality and consent of all parties involved in a marriage.

Marriage License Procedures in North Dakota

Obtaining a marriage license in North Dakota involves several steps. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the necessary requirements, office locations, hours of operation, and useful web links to assist you.

County Recorder Offices

Marriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder’s Office in each county. Below are some of the County Recorder offices in North Dakota:

Cass County

• Address: 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103
• Phone: 701-241-5600
• Office Hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Website: Cass County Marriage License Information

Burleigh County

• Address: 221 North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501
• Phone: 701-222-6749
• Office Hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Website: Burleigh County Marriage License Information

Grand Forks County

• Address: 151 South 4th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201
• Phone: 701-780-8251
• Office Hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Website: Grand Forks County Marriage License Information

Ward County

• Address: 225 3rd Street SE, Minot, ND 58701
• Phone: 701-857-6410
• Office Hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Website: Ward County Marriage License Information

Stark County

• Address: 51 3rd Street East, Dickinson, ND 58601
• Phone: 701-456-7645
• Office Hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Website: Stark County Marriage License Information

Additional Information

• Officiants: Marriages may be solemnized by clergy, judges, justices of the peace, and certain public officials.
• Residency: There are no residency requirements; non-residents can apply for a marriage license in North Dakota.

For more detailed information, please refer to the North Dakota Century Code.

Note: It is advisable to contact the County Recorder’s Office in the county where you plan to obtain your marriage license to confirm specific requirements and office hours, as they may vary.

Related Questions on North Dakota Marriage Licenses

What do you need to get a marriage license in North Dakota?

To get a marriage license in North Dakota, couples need valid photo IDs, their social security numbers, and the applicable fee. If previously married, a certified divorce decree must be presented.

Applicants must appear in person at the county auditor’s office to complete the process. It’s also wise to check with the specific county for any additional requirements or forms that might be necessary.

Can you get married same day in North Dakota?

While North Dakota does not impose a waiting period between the issuance of the marriage license and the wedding ceremony, it may not always be possible to get married on the same day. This depends on the availability of an officiant and meeting all requirements for the license application.

Therefore, it’s advisable to plan accordingly and not rely on a same-day service without prior arrangements.

How much does it cost to get married in North Dakota?

The fee for a marriage license in North Dakota is around $65 if paid in cash, and slightly higher if paid by credit card. Additional costs may include fees for certified copies of the marriage certificate and any optional services such as premarital counseling or a name change kit.

Budgeting for these expenses in advance will help keep your wedding planning stress-free.

Who can officiate a wedding in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, ordained ministers, judges, and various other officials are authorized to officiate weddings. Couples should ensure that their chosen officiant is legally recognized by the state to perform the ceremony.

It’s also a good practice to discuss any specific legal or ceremonial requirements with the officiant well before the wedding day.

John Peterson

John Peterson is a U.S. immigration and citizenship expert with over 15 years of experience. He has dedicated his career to helping immigrants and citizens understand and navigate the legal and administrative processes related to visas and passports. John has worked in various organizations, providing personalized guidance and assistance to thousands of people. His passion for community service and deep knowledge of immigration laws make John a key figure at USHelp.info.