Marriage License Fees

North Dakota · 2026

North Dakota Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in North Dakota costs up to $65, depending on the county, and there is no waiting period. The license is good for 60 days.

North Dakota marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 3 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Cass County$65$10$30No waiting period
Burleigh County$65$5$30No waiting period
Grand Forks County$65——No waiting period

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

North Dakota marriage license rules

License fee

up to $65 (N.D.C.C. 14-03-22)

State law lets the county charge up to $30 plus a $35 supplemental fee for the domestic violence prevention fund, so up to $65. Cass County charges $65.

Source: ndlegis.gov

Waiting period

No waiting period

There is no waiting period.

Source: casscountynd.gov

How long the license is valid

60 days

The ceremony must take place within 60 days of the license being issued.

Source: ndlegis.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

16 with consent; 18 without

Adults 18 and older may marry. Ages 16 and 17 need parent or guardian consent, and no license is issued under 16.

Source: ndlegis.gov

What to bring

Cass County asks for ID proving date of birth. State law requires each applicant's Social Security number on the application.

Source: casscountynd.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

Stutsman and Williams counties require both applicants in person; Cass County allows an online application.

Source: stutsmancounty.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

Cass County takes applications and payment online; Williams County issues licenses only in person, so it depends on the county.

Official online application

Source: casscountynd.gov

Who can officiate

Judges, municipal judges, recorders, ordained clergy and anyone authorized by a religious group's practices may officiate.

Source: ndlegis.gov

Witnesses

2 required

Two witnesses sign the license.

Source: casscountynd.gov

Out-of-state couples

Couples who do not live in North Dakota can get a license from the recorder of the county where the wedding will take place.

Source: ndlegis.gov

Who issues the license

County recorder

Licenses come from a county recorder (or another official the county commissioners designate).

Source: ndlegis.gov

Not in our data yet: premarital course discount, blood test, proxy marriage. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in North Dakota?

up to $65, depending on the county. State law lets the county charge up to $30 plus a $35 supplemental fee for the domestic violence prevention fund, so up to $65. Cass County charges $65.

Is there a waiting period in North Dakota?

No. There is no waiting period.

How long is a North Dakota marriage license valid?

60 days. The ceremony must take place within 60 days of the license being issued.

How old do you have to be to get married in North Dakota?

Adults 18 and older may marry. Ages 16 and 17 need parent or guardian consent, and no license is issued under 16.

Do you need witnesses to get married in North Dakota?

Two witnesses sign the license.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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