Do I need a marriage license to get married in North Dakota?

Yes, all couples must get a marriage license before their wedding for the marriage to be legal in North Dakota. Both the bride and groom must apply for the license together and in person. Once you receive your license, you must formally solemnize your vows for the marriage to be official. After the wedding, the marriage officiant will return the marriage license to the county that issued it and your marriage will be recorded as an official legal event in North Dakota.

 

CLICK THE LINK TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE The links below will take you to the county website where the city is located. Not all counties have forms on their site and might only list a contact and phone number.

Bismarck

Fargo

Where do we go to apply for our marriage license?

In North Dakota, marriage licenses are issued at the county level, though the name of the office responsible for issuing the license depends on the county. For example, licenses are issued by the Treasurer’s Office in Cass County and the County Recorder in Morton County. Information on where to apply can be found on your county’s website. If you are a resident of North Dakota, you can apply in any county and the license will be good throughout the state. However, if neither the bride nor groom are residents of North Dakota, you need to apply for your license in the county where the wedding will occur.

Is any documentation required to apply for a North Dakota marriage license?

Yes, both applicants will need to present ID to verify age and identity. This can be a passport, certified birth certificate, or another form of state issued ID but most counties in North Dakota prefer a driver’s license. In addition to ID, if this is not your first marriage most counties also require you to provide proof that you previous marriage was legally terminated. This means you will need to present a certified copy of the final divorce decree in the case of divorce, or a certified copy of your former spouse’s death certificate if you are a widow or widower.

How much does a marriage license cost in North Dakota?

The current fee for a marriage license throughout the state of North Dakota is $65. Some counties only accept cash, while others such as Cass County do accept checks as well. It is best to check with the county where you plan to apply to verify the license fee and the accepted method of payment.