Longest wait in the US (5 days). 6-month validity. Waivable by district court.
Minnesota Marriage License — State Rules
Minnesota has the longest mandatory waiting period in the United States at 5 days, but also a generous 6-month validity window. The 5-day wait is waivable by a district court judge — this requires a written petition and brief court appearance, usually resolved within 1–2 business days.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Vital Records |
| Waiting period | 5 days (waivable by district court) |
| License validity | 6 months |
| Fee range | $85–$115 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 2 required |
| Residency required? | No — Minnesota has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Minnesota does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Vital Records
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $85–$115. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Minnesota County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
County-by-county guides for all Minnesota counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — Minnesota
No. Minnesota has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Minnesota marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Minnesota.
The waiting period in Minnesota is 5 days (waivable by district court). This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A Minnesota marriage license is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A Minnesota marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Minnesota. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.