North Dakota marriage license: cost and requirements
There is no waiting period and the license lasts 60 days. You need 2 witnesses.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North DakotaNorth Dakota summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Confirmed in the law or on the official website.
- Cost
- Up to $65: up to $30 for the license plus a $35 surcharge (14-03-22).
- Waiting period
- No waiting period: chapter 14-03 sets none.
- Validity
- 60 days: the wedding must take place with a license issued no more than 60 days earlier (14-03-10).
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses sign the certificate, besides the officiant (14-03-20).
How much is a marriage license in North Dakota?
Up to $65: up to $30 for the license plus a $35 surcharge (14-03-22).
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Birth certificate or other satisfactory proof of age, plus a sworn statement (14-03-17).
- Minimum age: 18. At 16 or 17: consent of parents or guardian. Under 16: prohibited (14-03-02).
- Other requirements: Certified copy of the divorce decree, if applicable. Serological testing was repealed in 1983.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
County recorder or another official designated by the board of commissioners: in the county where either of you or a parent lives, or where the wedding will be (NDCC 14-03-10).
Where it is valid: Anywhere in North Dakota (14-03-09).
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: No waiting period: chapter 14-03 sets none.
- Validity: 60 days: the wedding must take place with a license issued no more than 60 days earlier (14-03-10).
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: 2 witnesses sign the certificate, besides the officiant (14-03-20).
- Who can officiate: Judges of courts of record, municipal judges, recorders, ministers, priests and authorized clergy, or persons authorized by the rites of their religion (14-03-09).
North Dakota counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published North Dakota county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
How to get a marriage license in North Dakota
- Confirm where to apply: County recorder or another official designated by the board of commissioners: in the county where either of you or a parent lives, or where the wedding will be (NDCC 14-03-10).
- Gather your ID: Birth certificate or other satisfactory proof of age, plus a sworn statement (14-03-17).
- Get your payment ready: Up to $65: up to $30 for the license plus a $35 surcharge (14-03-22).
- Count the waiting period: No waiting period: chapter 14-03 sets none.
- Marry within the validity period: 60 days: the wedding must take place with a license issued no more than 60 days earlier (14-03-10).
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a North Dakota marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Anywhere in North Dakota (14-03-09).
What is the minimum age to marry in North Dakota?
18. At 16 or 17: consent of parents or guardian. Under 16: prohibited (14-03-02).
Who can officiate a wedding in North Dakota?
Judges of courts of record, municipal judges, recorders, ministers, priests and authorized clergy, or persons authorized by the rites of their religion (14-03-09).
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- North Dakota Legislative Assembly, NDCC ch. 14-03 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.