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1. How do I get a civil marriage license?

If you are getting married in Minnesota, you need to purchase a license in Minnesota. Both the applicants need to apply for a license, show picture ID and provide Social Security numbers, if applicable, and pay a fee. The license is good for 6 months. If either party has been previously married and the marriage was terminated (death, divorce or annulment), the date of termination and by what court, if applicable, needs to be included.

You must be 18 years of age or older to get a Civil Marriage License in Minnesota without parental consent. A 16-17 year old can obtain a Civil Marriage License if the two applicants each complete a set of forms and the underage party’s parents fill out a set of forms. A judge will review the forms and may meet with the applicants and parents. If the judge approves the marriage, a license will be issued. For more information, please see our Marriage License Application page.

2. Can I get a reduced civil marriage license fee?

You can save a portion of the fee on your marriage license if you bring in a “Reduced Marriage Fee Educators Statement” when you apply for your license. The statement needs to be signed by a licensed or ordained minister or a person authorized to solemnize marriage under Minnesota Statutes, section 148B.33.

Reduced Marriage Fees

3. Can I get a copy of a birth certificate?

The Recorder’s Office can make certified copies of most Minnesota births. A requester can apply for a certified copy of their own record or their child's, their parent's, their grandchild's or grandparent’s record by filling out a birth application form and showing a government issued picture ID. A requester can also obtain a certified birth record under certain other legal circumstances. Call the Recorder’s Office to determine if they have the record available 218-327-2856.

Learn how to order a birth certificate.

4. Can I get a copy of a death certificate?

The Recorder’s Office can make certified copies of Death Records if the person was deceased after 1997 in any County in Minnesota. If the person died before 1997, you would need to go to the County in which they died in. A requester can apply for copy of their spouse, parent, grandparent or sibling’s record by filling out a death application form and showing a government issued picture ID. A requester can also obtain a certified birth record under certain other legal circumstances. Call the Recorder’s Office to determine if they have the record available or other legal circumstances 218-327-2856.

For more information, please see our Death Certificate page.