How to Get a Marriage License in Minnesota

An important step in making your marriage legal is obtaining a marriage license. Following are guidelines on how to obtain a marriage license if you plan to wed in Minnesota.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate, if applicable
• Marriage license application
• Valid identification
• Pen
• Cash

1. Apply for the marriage license in person at any county registrar in Minnesota. A marriage license may be issued in any county and is valid anywhere in the State of Minnesota. Residency is not required. In some counties, both applicants are required to appear in person at the same time.
2. Present proof of age and identity. A driver's license, state-issued birth certificate or passport are acceptable forms of identification for this purpose.
3. Fill out the application. Applicants may also be asked to provide Social Security numbers; names of dependent children; and father's and mother's full name (maiden) and state of birth for both applicants.
4. Pay the license fee and head to the altar. There is 5-day waiting period, and the marriage license is valid for 6 months from date of issuance.
5. Bring the certified document, if either applicant has been married previously, that ended his or her last marriage, such as a divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• Effective July 1, 2001, couples applying for a marriage license in Minnesota may qualify for a reduced fee if they have completed at least 12 hours of premarital education. Check with the county registrar for details.
• Blood tests are not required in Minnesota.
• Marriage license requirements often change. Verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel arrangements.

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