Minnesota Marriage License Requirements
Minnesota is different. marriage under 18 fully banned, no exceptions
In Minnesota, applicants for a marriage license must present a government-issued photo identification, provide their Social Security number, and submit proof of age. The state imposes a strict minimum age requirement of 18 years, with no exceptions or provisions for parental consent or emancipation—a restriction established by state law in 2020. No blood test is required. Two witnesses aged 16 or older must be present at the time of application. Residency within the state is not required.
The statutory filing fee is $115, though this amount reduces to $40 for couples who complete a registered 12-hour premarital course. Individuals seeking a marriage license should contact their county clerk's office to confirm current eligibility requirements, procedures, and fees, or consult the state's official statutes and resources.
| 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 |
Confirm locally. Requirements come from public-record state law and can change. Verify with the issuing county clerk or state .gov. Informational only — not legal advice.
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