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North Dakota marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What North Dakota's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

North Dakota marriage license at a glance

Fee: $65 at the Cass County Finance Office (Fargo). Cash, check or card; cards add a fee. Other counties may charge less. Waiting period: None. You can marry right after the license is issued. How long it is valid: The license must be used within 60 days. Unused licenses expire with no refund.

North Dakota counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Cass County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

North Dakota marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $65 at the Cass County Finance Office (Fargo). Cash, check or card; cards add a fee. Other counties may charge less. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: None. You can marry right after the license is issued. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license must be used within 60 days. Unused licenses expire with no refund. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: The license may be used anywhere in North Dakota. Licenses are obtained in the state where you marry. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Two witnesses are needed for the ceremony to be legally valid. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Judges of courts of record, municipal judges, recorders, ordained ministers, priests and clergy of recognized denominations, and anyone authorized by the rituals of a religious persuasion. (Source: ndlegis.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Must be 18. Ages 16 and 17 need written consent of a parent or guardian, who must be present at application. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Both parties bring ID proving date of birth, such as a driver license, passport or certified birth certificate, and must know their Social Security number. Divorced applicants bring certified decrees. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Apply online or in person at the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo; both applicants must be present to pick up the license. Any North Dakota county office can issue one. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. Cass County has an online marriage license application, but both applicants must be present to pick up the license. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Request from the county that issued the license. Cass County Finance Office charges $10 per certified copy, available online or in person. (Source: casscountynd.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in North Dakota?

$65 at the Cass County Finance Office (Fargo). Cash, check or card; cards add a fee. Other counties may charge less. North Dakota counties set their own fee. The fee shown is from Cass County, the largest county; ask your county clerk for its fee.

Is there a waiting period to get married in North Dakota?

None. You can marry right after the license is issued.

How long is a North Dakota marriage license valid?

The license must be used within 60 days. Unused licenses expire with no refund.

Do you need witnesses to get married in North Dakota?

Two witnesses are needed for the ceremony to be legally valid.

Who can officiate a wedding in North Dakota?

Judges of courts of record, municipal judges, recorders, ordained ministers, priests and clergy of recognized denominations, and anyone authorized by the rituals of a religious persuasion.

How do you get a certified copy of a North Dakota marriage certificate?

Request from the county that issued the license. Cass County Finance Office charges $10 per certified copy, available online or in person.

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