How to Get a Copy of a North Dakota Marriage Certificate in Minutes

Marriage certificates (also called marriage records) are vital documents. In addition to using it to prove your identity, you need a certified copy of your North Dakota marriage certificate in order to:

• Change your name on your bank account(s) and passport
• Open a joint bank account with your spouse
• Prove your marriage to mortgage lenders
• Provide proof of marriage for children's custody paperwork
• And many other things

But how do you get a copy of your marriage certificate if yours has been lost or destroyed? DoNotPay can help you fill out the paperwork to get a copy of your marriage certificate, and even send a check on your behalf.

The Difference Between a Marriage Certificate and a Marriage License

To be legally married in North Dakota, you need both a marriage license and a marriage certificate. A marriage license is the paperwork you file with the county court that allows you to get married, while a marriage certificate is the proof that you are married. This means that you obtain a marriage license before your wedding, and you get your marriage certificate afterward. Marriage licenses are generally only valid for 60 days after filing, while a marriage certificate is valid until death or divorce.

Who Can Get a Marriage Certificate Copy in North Dakota?

Because North Dakota is an open record state regarding marriage records, anyone who can provide sufficient identification for a record search can receive a certified copy of a marriage certificate in North Dakota. This is generally as simple as providing a driver's license or passport. Do note that in order to obtain a marriage license in North Dakota, you have to be 18 years old or older.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Marriage Certificate Copy in North Dakota?

The state of North Dakota leaves the cost of getting a certified copy of a marriage certificate up to the county. This cost can range from $5 to $10 depending on the county the marriage occurred in, and you will usually pay less for additional copies. Check with the court clerk in the county the marriage occurred in for a more specific figure. Note that some counties also charge convenience fees for paying with credit cards.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in North Dakota?

The amount of time it takes to get a copy of your marriage certificate in North Dakota varies based on the county. In general, you can visit the county courthouse in person and leave with a certified copy of the marriage certificate that same day.

What Documents Do I Need to Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in North Dakota?

Marriage records in North Dakota are considered public. That means that all you need to provide when you apply for a copy of a marriage certificate is proper identification, such as a driver's license.

How to Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in North Dakota by Yourself

If you're near the North Dakota county the wedding happened in, you can go to the appropriate office in that county to apply for a copy of a marriage certificate. If you aren't able to visit the county courthouse in person, you should contact them by phone to find out how they want you to proceed. That said, the general process of getting a marriage certificate copy in North Dakota is the same regardless of the county: you reach out to the county courthouse to get a copy, you pay them, and they will send you a copy of the marriage record.

How to Get a Copy of a Marriage Certificate in North Dakota With DoNotPay

If you want to order a marriage certificate copy in North Dakota but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 7 easy steps:

1. Go to the Certificates of Marriage product on DoNotPay.

2. Select whether the certificate belongs to you or a relative/loved one. If it belongs to someone else, enter the details of both people on the certificate and select/upload evidence that proves your relationship with them. If the certificate is yours, enter the details of your spouse.

3. Enter the city, state, and county where the marriage certificate was issued as well as the date it was issued.

4. Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.

5. Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.

6. Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.

7. If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail-in your request form with a check on your behalf.

And that's it! Your marriage certificate copy request will be sent and on its way. You should hear back from them within a few weeks with updates once your request has been processed.

Why You Should Use DoNotPay To Order a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate

DoNotPay is the best way to get your North Dakota marriage record for a variety of reasons:

• Saves You Time - You don't have to wait on hold with the county court or even get on the phone at all.
• Saves You Money - You don't have to pay for postage or go to the courthouse, and you can pay digitally without incurring a convenience charge.
• Saves You Hassle - You don't have to worry about what the procedures are for your specific county. DoNotPay takes care of all of it at once.

What Else Can DoNotPay Do for You?

DoNotPay does more than help you get marriage records online. With DoNotPay, you can:

1. Reduce your property taxes
2. Appeal parking tickets
3. Create virtual credit cards so you aren't charged for free trials
4. Fight text and email spam
5. File complaints against any company

Getting your marriage certificate in North Dakota can be tricky, but DoNotPay is there to help you every step of the way and beyond.