George Boyle
Planning a wedding in Minnesota? There are a few things you'll need to do to make it official, including obtaining a marriage license. Here's what you need to know about the process and timing to ensure a smooth journey to your big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of marriage license | $115 |
| Reduced fee | $40 (after completing 12 hours of premarital counseling) |
| Validity of marriage license | 6 months from the date |
| Documents required | Identification (driver's license, state ID, passport), full legal name, address, telephone numbers, social security numbers, after-marriage name(s) and address |
| Additional documents for name change | Additional form to be submitted 30 days before the application |
| Additional documents for divorced/widowed individuals | Date and place of former marriage(s) |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Authorized officiants | Court administrator, former court commissioner, residential school superintendent of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, licensed or ordained minister of any religious denomination |
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What You'll Learn
The marriage license is valid for six months
In Minnesota, a marriage license is valid for six months from the date on it. This means that you must have your wedding ceremony within six months of obtaining your marriage license, or it will expire and you will have to reapply. Each applicant must be 18 years of age or older (with parental consent) and present valid identification. Both parties must be present to apply for the license, though there are provisions for when one party cannot be present. The license can be obtained from any county within Minnesota, and the cost is typically $115, with reduced fees available for those who complete premarital counseling.
It is important to note that the marriage license is only valid for weddings taking place within the state of Minnesota. If you are a resident of Minnesota but plan to get married in another state, you will need to apply for a marriage license in that state. Additionally, if you have a felony conviction and wish to change your name when you marry, there is a separate form that must be completed before obtaining your marriage license. The county attorney has 30 days to object to your name change, so this should be done well in advance of your planned marriage license application.
Once you have obtained your marriage license, you can be married by a court administrator, a former court commissioner employed by the court system, the residential school superintendent of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, or a licensed or ordained minister of any religious denomination. The person officiating your wedding must be over the age of 21. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the county, and a marriage certificate will be issued.
It is recommended that you contact your county service center well in advance of your wedding to find out their schedule and any specific requirements. The process of obtaining a marriage license can vary from county to county, and some may require an appointment or offer online pre-application.
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Both parties must be present to apply
When applying for a marriage license in Minnesota, both parties must be present. This is a crucial requirement for the application process. If, for any reason, one party cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Supplemental Marriage License Application and a completed, notarized Marriage License Application. This ensures that both individuals are legally and consciously involved in the process of obtaining a marriage license.
The presence of both parties during the application process is essential to confirm their consent and awareness of the legal proceedings. By being physically present, each individual can provide their full legal name, address, telephone numbers, and social security numbers (if applicable). Additionally, they can confirm their chosen names and address after the marriage. This step is particularly important if either party intends to change their name through the marriage, as it allows them to express their wishes clearly and officially.
The requirement for both parties to be present also aligns with the broader legal framework of marriage in Minnesota. For instance, Minnesota law requires individuals to be over the age of 18 and capable of making their own decisions to enter into a legal marriage. By having both parties present, officials can verify the age and capacity of each individual. This step helps ensure that the marriage complies with the legal age requirements and that both parties are entering the union of their own volition.
Furthermore, the presence of both parties allows for the necessary identification checks. Applicants must provide valid identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. This helps prevent identity fraud and ensures that the marriage license is issued to the correct individuals. It adds a layer of security and authenticity to the process, further safeguarding the interests of both parties.
In conclusion, the requirement for both parties to be present when applying for a marriage license in Minnesota is a critical aspect of the legal process. It ensures that both individuals are actively involved in the proceedings, provides an opportunity to express name change intentions, confirms their consent and age requirements, and allows for necessary identification checks. By adhering to this requirement, couples can confidently take a significant step toward legalizing their union in the state of Minnesota.
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Applicants must be 18 years old
To obtain a marriage license in Minnesota, applicants must be at least 18 years old. This is a firm requirement, and Minnesota does not recognize marriages involving a minor who travelled out of state to marry. If you are under 18 and interested in marriage, you must call a dedicated number for further information.
Once you meet the age requirement, you can apply for a marriage license in Minnesota. The process can vary from state to state, so it is important to be aware of the specific requirements in Minnesota. You can apply for a license in any county, and you do not have to apply in the county where the wedding will take place. This flexibility allows couples to choose the most convenient location for their application.
When applying for a marriage license, both parties must be present. If one party cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Supplemental Marriage License Application and a completed, notarized Marriage License Application. This ensures that both individuals are legally consenting to the marriage.
In addition to the age and application requirements, there are a few other key points to keep in mind. Firstly, there is no longer a waiting period for your marriage license in Minnesota. This means that you can typically make an appointment and receive your license during that appointment. Secondly, the marriage license is valid for six months from the date it is issued. If you do not use the license within this time frame, it will expire, and you will need to reapply. This validity period provides a generous window for couples to plan their wedding.
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The license costs $115
The cost of a marriage license in Minnesota is $115. This is the standard fee, which must be paid at the time of application. If you are unable to afford the standard fee, you may be eligible for a reduced fee of $40. To qualify for the reduced fee, you must complete 12 hours of premarital counseling. Statements from your counselor must be signed and notarized, and you must provide proof of counseling when you apply for the marriage license.
The marriage license is a legal document that you need to obtain before your wedding ceremony. It is valid for six months from the date of issue, and it must be used within this time frame. If you do not get married within six months, the license will expire, and you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. However, if you did not marry within the six-month period due to illness or another significant issue, you may be exempt from paying the fee a second time.
You can apply for a marriage license in any county within Minnesota. You are not required to apply in the county where the wedding will take place. To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and present valid identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Both parties must be present when applying for the license. If one party cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Supplemental Marriage License Application and a completed, notarized Marriage License Application.
Once you have obtained the marriage license, you can proceed with your wedding ceremony. The marriage license must be signed and returned to the county by the officiant, after which you will receive your marriage certificate. This certificate serves as proof of your legal marriage. It is important to note that a Minnesota marriage license is only valid within the state of Minnesota and cannot be used in any other state.
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You can apply in any county
When applying for a marriage license in Minnesota, you can apply in any county, regardless of the county where the wedding will take place. This means that you can head to any service center or DMV in any county within Minnesota.
The process of obtaining a marriage license can vary from state to state, so it is important to be aware of the specific requirements in Minnesota. Firstly, both parties must be present when applying for the license. If one party cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Supplemental Marriage License Application and a completed, notarized Marriage License Application.
Each applicant must provide their full legal name, address, telephone numbers, and social security numbers (if they have one). They must also state their name(s) and address after the marriage. A valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport, is required for each applicant. The cost of a marriage license in Minnesota is $115, and this fee must be paid when applying. However, you can apply for a reduced fee of $40 if you provide proof of at least 12 hours of premarital education or counseling by a church or counselor. Statements confirming premarital counseling must be signed and notarized.
It is important to note that the marriage license must be used within six months of being issued and is only valid in the state of Minnesota. If you do not get married within six months, you will need to reapply. Additionally, if you are planning to change your name as part of the marriage license process, there is a 30-day procedure that must be followed before the license can be issued with the name change. This also applies if you have a felony conviction and wish to change your name when you marry.
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Frequently asked questions
You must get your marriage license before your wedding. There is no waiting period for your marriage license in Minnesota, so you can go to a licensing office and get your license the same day. However, you must use the license within six months of it being issued, and it is only valid in the state of Minnesota.
You can get your marriage license from any service center or DMV in any county within Minnesota.
A marriage license in Minnesota costs \$115. You can apply for a reduced fee of \$40 if you provide proof of 12 hours of premarital education or counseling.
You must bring valid identification, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Both parties must be present to apply for the license. If one party cannot be present, they must provide a notarized Supplemental Marriage License Application and a completed, notarized Marriage License Application.
You must be over 18 to get married in Minnesota without parental consent. You must be married by someone authorized to perform marriages, such as a court administrator, a licensed or ordained minister, or a judge.
