How to Get a Marriage License in Minnesota
Minnesota marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- $115 ($40 with a 12-hr premarital course) — county-collected statutory fee
- Waiting period
- none
- Minimum age
- 18 (Minnesota bans all marriage under 18 — no exceptions, 2020 law)
- Blood test
- no
Minnesota is different. marriage under 18 fully banned, no exceptions
Confirm the fee before you go. The marriage-license fee in this state is set by the county and varies, so the figure above is a representative range — check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
Couples seeking to marry in Minnesota must apply for a marriage license through their county's Court Administrator or Local Registrar office. The state's marriage statute requires applicants to be at least 18 years old—Minnesota enforces an absolute ban on marriage under 18 with no exceptions, a rule established by law in 2020. Both parties must present a government-issued photo ID, provide their Social Security number, and furnish proof of age. Minnesota does not impose a residency requirement. The license remains valid for six months from issuance, and the state does not require a waiting period or blood tests before marriage.
The marriage license fee is $115 in all Minnesota counties, though this amount is set by individual counties under state statute and may vary; the fee reduces to $40 if at least one party completes a registered 12-hour premarital course. Two witnesses aged 16 or older must be present when the license is finalized. Some counties offer online application options, but applicants should confirm current fees, eligibility rules, and application procedures directly with their county Court Administrator or on the official county clerk's website, as regulations and processes may change.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| License fee | $115 ($40 with a 12-hr premarital course) — county-collected statutory fee |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | none |
| License validity | 6 months |
| ID required | government photo ID; SSN; proof of age |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 (Minnesota bans all marriage under 18 — no exceptions, 2020 law) |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (16+) |
| Online option | some counties offer online application; finalized at the County Clerk/Court Administrator |
| Where to apply | County Court Administrator / Local Registrar (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full Minnesota requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Minnesota marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.