Getting A North Dakota Marriage License

Below is the information on what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the marriage laws before filling out the marriage license forms.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document that allows you to officially be married under the law. Always check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

Licenses are usually not valid for more than 30 days so you'll typically need to apply for your marriage license within one month of your wedding ceremony. You need to submit your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

IMPORTANT: You are not officially married when you receive a marriage license. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your officiant your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license. If application is mailed or faxed in, it must be witnessed by a Notary Public.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of North Dakota.

Waiting Period: 3 days.

If Divorced: If divorced within the last 60 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree is needed.

Fees: Cash Only! $25

Other Tests: No tests

Under 18: Need certified copy of birth certificate, both parents must be present with identification, or if you have a legal guardian they must be present with a court order and identification.

Officiants: The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state may perform marriages. Ministers must provide marriage certificates to the couple married and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner.

Valid: License is valid for 90 days anywhere in North Dakota.
The license can only be used within the State of North Dakota.

IMPORTANT: State and county marriage license requirements can change so make sure you check with your local town clerk. This information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any plans.

Adams County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 469 Hettinger, ND 58639 701-567-2460
Barnes County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 684 Valley City, ND 58072 701-845-8506
Benson County Register of Deeds 311 B Ave South Minnewaukan, ND 58351 701-473-5332
Billings County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 138 Medora, ND 58645 701-623-4491
Bottineau County Register of Deeds 314 West 5th St Bottineau, ND 58318 701-228-2786
Bowman County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 379 Bowman, ND 58623 701-523-3450
Burke County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 219 Bowbells, ND 58721 701-377-2818
Burleigh County Register of Deeds 221 N 5th St Bismark, ND 58502 701-222-6749
Cass County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 2806 Fargo, ND 58108 701-241-5620
Cavalier County Register of Deeds 901 3rd St Langdon, ND 58249 701-256-2136
Dickey County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 148 Ellendale, ND 58436 701-349-3029
Divide County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 68 Crosby, ND 58730 701-965-6661
Dunn CountyClerk of Courts P.O. Box 106 Manning, ND 58642 701-573-4447
Eddy County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 689 New Rockford, ND 58356 701-947-2813
Emmons County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 905 Linton, ND 58552 701-254-4812
Foster County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 257 Carrington, ND 58421 701-652-2491
Golden ValleyRegister of Deeds P.O. Box 596 Beach, ND 58621 701-872-4352
Grand Forks CountyClerk of Courts P.O. Box 6 Grand Forks, ND 58206 701-780-8251
Grant County Register of Deeds Box 258 Carson, ND 58529 701-622-3544
Griggs County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 237 Cooperstown, ND 58425 701-797-2771
Hettinger County Register of Deeds Office P.O. Box 668 Mott, ND 58646 701-824-2545
LaMoure County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 156 La Moure, ND 58458 701-883-5301
McHenry County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 57 Towner, ND 58788 701-537-5634
McIntosh County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 179 Ashley, ND 58413 701-288-3589
McKenzie CountyClerk of Courts P.O. Box 523 Watford City, ND 58854 701-842-3452
McLean County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 219 Washburn, ND 58577 701-462-8541
Mercer County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 39 Stanton, ND 58571 701-745-3272
Morton CountyDistrict Court Marriage License 210 2nd Ave N.W. Mandan, ND 58554 701-667-3355
Mountrail County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 69 Stanley, ND 58784 701-628-2945
Nelson County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 565 Lakota, ND 58344 701-247-2433
Oliver County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 125 Center, ND 58530 701-794-8777
Pembina County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 147 Cavalier, ND 58220 701-265-4373
Pierce County Register of Deeds 240 S.E. 2nd St Rugby, ND 58368 701-776-5206
Ramsey County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 863 Devils Lake, ND 58301 701-662-7018
Ransom County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 666 Lisbon, ND 58054 701-683-5823
Renville County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 68 Mohall, ND 58761 701-756-6398
Richland County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 995 Wahpeton, ND 58074 701-642-7800
Rolette County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 276 Rolla, ND 58367 701-477-3166
Sargent County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 176 Forman, ND 58032 701-724-6241
Slope County Register of Deeds P.O. Box Jj Amidon, ND 58620 701-879-6275
Stark County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 130 Dickinson, ND 58601 701-264-7645
Steele County Register of Deed P.O. Box 296 Finley, ND 58230 701-524-2152
Stutsman County Register of Deeds 511 2nd Ave S.E. Jamestown, ND 58401 701-252-9034
Towner County Register of Deeds 310 2nd St Cando, ND 58324 701-968-4343
Traill County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 399 Hillsboro, ND 58045 701-436-4457
Walsh County Register of Deeds 600 Cooper Ave Grafton, ND 58237 701-352-2380
Ward CountyDistrict Court-Marriage 315 3rd St South East Minot, ND 58701 701-857-6410
Wells County Register of Deeds P.O. Box 125 Fessenden, ND 58438 701-547-3141
Williams County Register of Deeds 205 E Broadway Williston, ND 58802 701-572-1729