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Copy of Marriage License North Dakota



A brief guide to obtaining a copy of marriage license in North Dakota

Two people who wish to live as man and wife cannot do so through a common law marriage. to be recognized by the state as being in a legally binding relationship, copies of marriage license in North Dakota must be obtained as the first condition of undergoing a ceremony. 

In cases where both parties are over the age of 18, this will not be difficult to do. In order to obtain a copy of marriage license in North Dakota, both parties must appear in person at the local circuit court office. You will need to present government-issued photo identification proving that you are a legal American citizen. Legal aliens will need their passport or home country's photo ID, along with a copy of their visa, before they can be issued copies of marriage license in North Dakota.

If one or both spouses are age 16 or 17, their parents or guardians will need to be present at this time. Before a copy of marriage license in North Dakota can be issued, these parties need to give their written consent to the relationship. Regardless of their wishes, no person under the age of 16 can be legally married.

When or both spouses have been previously married, they must provide their divorce decree before copies of marriage license in North Dakota can be issued. This is to guard against the possibility of bigamous marriages. When filling out the forms required to obtain a copy of marriage license in North Dakota, both parties must provide all names, including those from past marriages. In addition, you will need to provide your Social Security number if you are an American citizen to obtain copies of marriage license in North Dakota.

You must be sober when applying for this document. A copy of marriage license in North Dakota cannot be issued if one or both parties is intoxicated. The same conditions apply at the time the marriage ceremony is performed.

Once you have obtained copies of marriage license in North Dakota, you may proceed with the ceremony. After this has concluded, a marriage certificate will be filled out, which must be signed by two witnesses to the ceremony. Without this document, a copy of marriage license in North Dakota is not sufficient proof of a relationship. Both documents must be returned to the official who issued them within five days of the ceremony. Failure to return copies of marriage license in North Dakota is a violation of the law.

You will be given copies of these documents, while the official will keep the originals. These documents are kept on file. Copies may be obtained at a later date if your marriage must be established prior to receiving a divorce or when you are claiming an inheritance after your spouse's death. However, it is best to make sure your marital records are in order at all time should you need to produce them.

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