Are Minnesota Marriage Records Public?
Pursuant to the Minnesota Data Practices Act, marriage records are mostly open and accessible to the public. Members of the public can inspect and copy these records. However, Minnesota restricts access to certain marriage records. For example, certified copies of marriage certificates are only available to eligible individuals.
Family Court records can include marriage records and divorce records. These records contain the personal information of those involved, and their maintenance is critical should anyone wish to make changes. Because of this, marriage and divorce records can be more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records and may not be available through government sources or third-party public record websites.
How to Find Minnesota Marriage Records
Minnesota marriage records are official documents that authorize and validate marriages under the state's laws. These records are issued in the counties where they are requested and granted. In 2013, same-sex marriages became legal in Minnesota. Therefore, records of same-sex marriages from then are available.
How to Find Out if Someone is Married in Minnesota
Marriage records are public records in Minnesota, so to find out if someone is married, one can search the Minnesota Official Marriage System for their marriage certificate. You can also go to the court in the county where the marriage is likely to have happened and search the public marriage records for a marriage certificate.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in Minnesota?
Minnesota marriage records include vital and legal documents issued by government officials to recognize state-approved marriages. These include marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Minnesota marriage licenses permit marriage ceremonies to proceed, while marriage certificates issued in the state recognize authorized unions. Both types of marriage records provide the names of the couples seeking marital union, the dates of marriage ceremonies, and where they occurred.
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third-party, public record websites can also provide these types of records. However because third-party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Further, marriage and divorce records are considered highly private and are often sealed, meaning the availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Minnesota
Anyone seeking to change their name after marriage in Minnesota must first locate their certified marriage license. Then, the party can facilitate a name change through the Social Security Administration (SSA) by completing and submitting an application form. They will also need to attach a photo ID and a copy of their marriage certificate to the form. Parties in Minnesota should also remember to inform any Minnesota Driver and Vehicles Services upon changing their names after marriage so that this change can reflect on their driver's license. To do this, they must either apply for a renewal or duplicate a license and visit the local office. Parties should make sure to provide their current Minnesota driver's license and a copy of their marriage certificate to complete this process.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in Minnesota?
A Minnesota marriage certificate is a vital record that proves the validity of a marriage solemnized in the state. In addition to validating the union, it also identifies the couple and the officiant and states when and where the marriage ceremony occurred. A marriage certificate is available at the county where the preceding marriage license was issued.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in Minnesota?
A request for a Minnesota marriage certificate can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. Accepted request methods vary by county. To obtain a marriage certificate in person, a requester has to visit the Vital Records Office in the county where the marriage license was obtained. Minnesota charges $9 for each copy of a marriage certificate. County Vital Records Offices require requesters to provide the couples' names on the records they seek and the dates of the marriage events recorded. If the requester does not have this information, they must pay an extra search fee of $20 per hour.
To obtain a marriage certificate online, a requester may visit the Minnesota Official Marriage System. However, this database contains incomplete information as the records of some counties are not added. To use the search tool to find available information, provide the following details about the marriage record:
- County
- Bride and groom names
- Date of marriage
What is Considered a Marriage License in Minnesota?
Minnesota marriage licenses are documents that grant permission for the solemnization of marriages. A marriage license is, therefore, required to conduct a valid marriage ceremony in the state. Note that a Minnesota marriage license is only valid within the state. However, once obtained, this license can be used in any county of the state and not only the one where it was obtained. State officials issue marriage licenses to intending couples upon request as long as they fulfill the state’s requirements for marital unions. After the conclusion of a marriage ceremony, the license is returned to the county for a marriage certificate.
Minnesota Marriage License Requirements in Minnesota
In Minnesota, a major requirement for a marriage license is that both parties must be 18 years old and above. This is essential and must be proven with a valid ID, and both parties must be present. In addition, both parties must provide information such as:
- Legal names of both parties
- Dates of birth
- State or country in which each person was born
- The current address of each person
- Social security number
- Correct information on previous marriage(s).
- If either party has been married before and gotten a divorce, a divorce certificate must be provided.
- The full names both parties would bear after the marriage, in case there is a need for a change of name.
- The address both parties would live after the marriage.
- Mailing address for the marriage certificate to be sent after the wedding.
Marriage licenses in Minnesota are valid for six months, and there is no longer a waiting period before they are issued.
Minnesota Formal Marriage License
The regular marriage licenses requested and obtained from county officials are formal marriage licenses. These are only available for unions solemnized after meeting the state’s requirements for marriage. Formal marriage licenses are official records, and only couples issued these documents can obtain marriage certificates in Minnesota.
Minnesota Common-Law Marriage License
Common-law marriage is an informal union between two people with long-term living arrangements. These people must also present themselves to their community as a couple. However, Minnesota abolished common-law marriages in 1941. Therefore, it no longer issues licenses or certificates for this marital union. The state does recognize common-law marriages legally contracted in other states that approve this type of marriage.
How to Get a Marriage License in Minnesota
To obtain a marriage license in Minnesota, both interested parties must physically be present and apply in any county in Minnesota. If one party cannot be present, they must inform the county clerk’s office before applying. A Supplemental Marriage License Application may be submitted on behalf of the absent party by the other party.
Both parties should be 18 years or older. Where any interested parties are between 16 and 17 years of age, parental consent or judicial approval from their resident county must be obtained and provided. Proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID, is also required from each party applying for a marriage license. There is no need for a premarital blood test when applying for this license in Minnesota. Similarly, both parties do not have to be residents of the county of application or the state.
Signatures and payments must be made within 90 days of filling out the forms. Payments can be made through money order payable, cash, credit, or debit cards. In accordance with Minnesota Statute M.S. 517.08 (b), a marriage license costs $40 with a complete Premarital Education and $115 without Premarital Education. This fee is to be paid at the time of application. The license issued is only valid for six months. If the marriage is not held during this time, the intending couple must apply for a new license.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage License in Minnesota?
There is no waiting period for a marriage license in Minnesota anymore, so intending couples can get their license the same day they apply, provided they stick to the guidelines, provide correct information and pay.
