A marriage license is required to be considered legally married in the state of North Dakota. Licenses are available for purchase from the Williams County Auditor's Office, Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 4:45 pm. A license is $65.00 (cash) or $68.00 (credit card); checks are not accepted.
Once the marriage license is obtained, a ceremony conducted by an officiant, and attended by two witnesses, must occur within 60 days for the marriage to be considered legal. There is no waiting period; you can get married right away. Once the officiant and witnesses sign the license, the license must be returned to the Auditor's Office within 5 business days of the ceremony. If the ceremony does not occur within 60 days, the license will expire and a new one will need to be obtained.
The ceremony can take place free of charge at the Auditor's Office if staff are available; however this is not guaranteed. District Court conducts ceremonies every Friday between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm. Your ceremony must be scheduled in advance by calling 774-4367.
When coming to the Auditor's Office to complete a license application, please be aware of the following:
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Both parties must be present, with photo ID, and be at least 18 years of age
- If either party is under 18 (16 or 17), both parents must be present to provide consent
- A Certified Copy of Divorce Judgment (will not get back) if either party has been previously married
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You cannot have alcohol on your breath or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs (our judgment) to apply for a Marriage License
Certified copies of marriage licenses can also be obtained from the Auditor's Office for $10 per copy. A certified copy of a marriage license is required to complete a legal name change or to prove a marriage occurred.