What Are North Dakota Marriage Records?

North Dakota marriage records are vital records documenting marriages within the state. They serve as official evidence of marriage and have been meticulously upheld by state authorities since 1925.

The two primary categories of marriage records in North Dakota are marriage licenses and marriage certificates.

A marriage license is a document that permits couples to enter into a legally binding marriage. The application process for acquiring this document is found in North Dakota Century Code Section 14-03-17.

In contrast, a marriage certificate validates that a marriage ceremony has taken place. It confirms that the couple has fulfilled all legal prerequisites to be recognized as lawfully married individuals.

Both marriage licenses and certificates include details such as the complete names of the spouses, the marriage date and venue, the officiant's name, the parents of the spouses, and the witnesses present.

The information contained in the state marriage records is crucial for various purposes. These records act as irrefutable legal proof of marital status, often essential for accessing benefits like pensions, Social Security, and disability benefits. Moreover, they are imperative for legal proceedings such as adoptions and obtaining specific government-issued documents.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In North Dakota, marriage certificates are generally considered public records as outlined in the North Dakota Century Code Section 44-04-18. This accessibility allows any member of the public to access, view, and obtain copies of marriage records within the state.

While open to the public, state law restricts sensitive information from being accessed by the public to safeguard individuals' privacy. Among the information being redacted are Social Security numbers, financial account details, and other personal identifiers.

Besides that, the state's privacy law stipulates that certified copies of marriage certificates are only available to specific individuals. These include the couple named on the certificate, their immediate relatives, and legal representatives.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in North Dakota?

Marriage records in North Dakota are maintained by the county recorder's office or the clerk of court in each county. These offices maintain marriage records dating back to 1925, with some having older records. Those wishing access to these vital records can connect with these county agencies.

Since different county offices maintain marriage records, the process for accessing them can vary. To streamline the search process for these documents, individuals can follow the general procedure below:

• Determine the county where the marriage license was issued to locate the record custodian.
• Review eligibility requirements, especially if seeking certified copies of the records.
• Collect all necessary information for the request, including the full names of the spouses, date, and location of the marriage.
• Submit the request to the custodian office through the mail, in-person visit, or online application.
• Present a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to cover any associated fees.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

North Dakota issues two types of marriage certificates, namely certified copy and informational copy.

A certified marriage certificate is an official document with a raised seal, signature, or stamp that verifies its authenticity. It serves as legal proof of the marriage and is often required for legal purposes. Meanwhile, an informational copy contains the same information as the certified copy. However, it does not have the same legal standing and is not suitable for official purposes.

To obtain certified copies of marriage certificates in North Dakota, refer to one of the options below:

Online

To search for certified marriage certificates in North Dakota online, follow these steps:

• Identify the county recorder or clerk in the county where the marriage license was issued.
• Navigate the website of the relevant county recorder or clerk's office for online options. Most counties index their marriage records on the North Dakota Recorder's Information Network (NDRIN) platform.
• Access the online portal of the appropriate county recorder or clerk's office or the NDRIN portal. Provide the required details to conduct a successful search, such as:
  • Names of both spouses, including maiden names
  • Date of marriage
  • The location where the marriage license was issued
  • Purpose of the request, if applicable
• Pay the applicable fees, which vary per county. Also, pay the relevant subscription charges for NDRIN, which are $7 per day or $30 per month.

In Person

The procedure for searching for a North Dakota marriage certificate in person is as follows:

• Determine the appropriate county recorder's office or clerk that issued the marriage license.
• Visit the office of the correct custodian during office hours.
• Request the office by filling out a request form or providing the office personnel with the following:
  • Full names of individuals on the certificate
  • Date of marriage
  • Location of marriage
  • Photocopy of valid identification document, if applicable
• Pay the required fee. The exact amount can vary per county, so it is best to consult the office staff in person to learn about the up-to-date fees.

By Mail

Those interested in requesting a marriage certificate by mail in North Dakota can navigate the following procedure:

• Identify the county where the marriage license was issued and visit its county recorder's or clerk's office website.
• Browse the website and look for the marriage certificate request form.
• Fill out the form by furnishing the required information. If there is no request form on the county recorder or clerk's website, make a written request by including the following:
  • Full names of both parties at the time of marriage
  • Date of marriage
  • Place of marriage
  • Purpose of the request
  • The requester's contact information
• Attach a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
• Include a check or money order to cover the applicable fee, which varies from county to county.
• Mail the complete package to the mailing address of the county recorder or clerk's office.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Like marriage certificates, marriage licenses in North Dakota are maintained by the county recorder or clerk's office. To access or procure a copy, individuals must determine the county where the license was issued. Once the issuing county is identified, they should contact the recorder's or clerk's office to inquire about the process for searching for a marriage license.

Typically, the county recorder or clerk's office in North Dakota accommodates in-person requests for marriage licenses, with some offices providing online request options.

Some offices, like the Burleigh County Recorder, accept mail requests. It offers a Marriage License Certified Copy Request form for individuals to request marriage licenses efficiently without physical presence.

When submitting a request for a marriage license, essential information must be provided, such as the full names of both spouses before marriage, the marriage date, the desired number of certified copies, and the address for sending the copies.

Note that a valid photo ID may be necessary for identity verification, particularly for those requesting certified copies. Also, a fee is applicable but varies per county. In Burleigh County, the cost is $5 for one certified copy and $2 for each additional certified copy.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

When looking for the state's marriage records online, individuals can explore various resources beyond the official county recorder's websites.

The North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum offers an online database containing all the recorded marriage events in the state. The North Dakota Genealogical Society is also a valuable online source, especially for those researching historical marriage records.

For a broader search, commercial services like RecordsFinder grant access to public records in various states, including marriage records in North Dakota.

The mentioned resources require the input of specific details such as the full names of individuals on record, marriage dates, and locations to search records successfully. Some platforms also require a minimal fee to furnish a report.

Note that the information retrieved from these sources is intended for informational purposes only and is not suitable for legal use.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a type of marriage in which the details of the union are not made available to the public. It differs from a standard marriage, whose records are typically part of the public record umbrella.

The reasons couples may opt for a confidential marriage include the following:

• Privacy: Couples may wish to keep their union private, especially in cases involving public figures or sensitive personal matters.
• Security: It can help prevent unwanted attention or harassment.
• Cultural or personal preferences: Some may prefer confidential marriages due to cultural traditions or personal convictions.

In North Dakota, confidential marriage licenses are not legally recognized. All marriage records in the state are considered public records and can be accessed by any individual who follows the state's guidelines for obtaining such information.

While couples cannot make their marriage records confidential in North Dakota, they can take some steps to enhance their privacy. They can limit the information on the marriage license application, seek a court order to seal the record and refrain from publicizing the marriage.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

Couples intending to wed in North Dakota must first secure a marriage license from any county recorder's or clerk's office. The application process for this document is as follows:

The age of the majority to obtain a marriage license without parental consent is 18. Individuals aged 16 or 17 must secure the written and notarized consent of both parents or legal guardians. One of these guardians must be present during the application process and furnish evidence of their guardianship status.

Among the documents required when applying for a North Dakota marriage license are the following:

Both parties must visit any county recorder's office to apply for a marriage license. They must submit the required documentation and fill out a form that typically requires the following:

The fee for a marriage license in North Dakota is $65, payable at the time of application.

NOTE: The marriage license is only valid for 60 days upon its issuance. If the wedding event is not held during this timeframe, a new license application is required.

• Meet the State Criteria
• Prepare the Required Documents
  • A valid photo identification
  • Social Security number
  • Certified copy of divorce decree if either one of the couples is previously married
  • Certified death certificate if either one of the couples has a deceased former spouse
• Visit a County Recorder or Clerk's Office
  • Both parties' full names, birth dates, and addresses
  • Full name of parents of both parties
  • Expected date of marriage
  • Details of a previous marriage, if applicable
• Pay the Applicable Fee

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

It is not uncommon to discover mistakes on a marriage certificate in North Dakota, as minor errors can occur during the preparation or recording of these vital documents. Some typical mistakes that may appear on a marriage certificate include the following:

• Incorrect spelling of names
• Wrong dates
• Incorrect places of marriage
• Errors in the officiant's name or title

The mentioned errors can be corrected by following these steps:

• Identify the error and gather supporting documents that validate the correction.
• Contact the county recorder's office where the marriage license was originally filed and ask for guidance about their amendment process for marriage certificate errors.
• If applicable, fill out a correction or amendment form and submit it along with the supporting documents to the county recorder's office.
• Pay the amendment fee and wait for processing.

Are Marriage Records Under the North Dakota Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is a vital service aimed at safeguarding the privacy of individuals who have been victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. It provides a substitute address that is usable on official documents and records.

Unlike other states, North Dakota does not have ACP for marriage records. This means the state's marriage records remain accessible to the public without the added layers of confidentiality protection the ACP provides.

North Dakota Marriage Statistics and Trends

In the U.S., the percentage of married adults decreased from 58% in 1995 to 53% in 2018. On the contrary, the trend of cohabitation has risen, with 7% of Americans opting to live with a partner in 2018, compared to 3% in 1995.

As for North Dakota, the marriage statistics are as follows:

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