Marriage Certificate North Dakota: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Marriage is a special event in the life of a couple. It marks the beginning of a new journey of two people who have decided to spend their lives together. However, marriage also has legal implications, which is why it is important to obtain a marriage certificate. In North Dakota, just like any other state in the US, couples need to obtain a marriage certificate to have their marriage legally recognized. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding marriage certificates in North Dakota.
What is a Marriage Certificate?
A marriage certificate is a legal document that proves that two people are legally married. It is an official record of a marriage that is issued by the government. A marriage certificate includes important information about the couple, such as their full names, date of birth, date and place of marriage, and the name of the person who officiated the ceremony.
Why Do You Need a Marriage Certificate in North Dakota?
North Dakota, like every other state in the US, requires couples to obtain a marriage certificate to have their marriage legally recognized. A marriage certificate is important for several reasons, including:
1. Identification: A marriage certificate is a legal document that identifies a couple as being married. It proves that two people have entered into a legally binding agreement to spend their lives together.
2. Changing Your Name: If you want to change your name after marriage, you need a marriage certificate to prove that you are legally married.
3. Applying for Benefits: Many government, employment, and insurance benefits are only available to married couples. A marriage certificate is required to apply for these benefits.
4. Divorce or Legal Separation: If a marriage ends in divorce or legal separation, a marriage certificate is required to file for these legal procedures.
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in North Dakota
Getting a marriage certificate in North Dakota is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Obtain a Marriage License
Before you can get a marriage certificate, you need to obtain a marriage license. To do this, you need to go to the North Dakota county courthouse in the county where you plan to get married. Both parties must be present to apply for the license. You will need to provide identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and pay a fee, which varies by county.
Step 2: Get Married
Once you have obtained a marriage license, you can get married. The ceremony must be performed by a licensed officiant, such as a minister or judge, and two witnesses must be present.
Step 3: Obtain a Marriage Certificate
After you have been married, you can obtain a marriage certificate from the North Dakota Department of Health. You can order a marriage certificate online, by mail, or in person. To order online, you need to visit the North Dakota Vital Records website and provide the required information, including the full names of the couple, the date and place of the marriage, and your contact information. The fee for a marriage certificate is $15.
Alternatively, you can order a marriage certificate by mail. You need to fill out the Marriage Certificate Order Form and mail it, along with a $15 fee, to the North Dakota Department of Health. The address is:
North Dakota Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
600 East Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
You can also order a marriage certificate in person at the North Dakota Department of Health. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and is located at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage Certificate in North Dakota?
The time it takes to obtain a marriage certificate in North Dakota varies depending on how you apply. If you apply online, you can expect to receive the marriage certificate within 5 to 7 business days. If you apply by mail, it can take up to 2 weeks to receive the certificate. If you apply in person at the Department of Health, you can usually obtain the certificate on the same day.
Updating Your Marriage Certificate
If you need to make changes to your marriage certificate, such as correcting an error or changing your name, you need to file an amendment with the North Dakota Department of Health. To do this, you need to fill out the Marriage Certificate Amendment Form and mail it, along with any required documentation, to the Department of Health. The fee for an amendment is $15. You can also request an amendment in person at the Department of Health.
Conclusion
A marriage certificate is an important legal document that proves that two people are legally married. In North Dakota, couples need to obtain a marriage certificate to have their marriage legally recognized. The process of obtaining a marriage certificate is simple, but it is important to follow the steps correctly to ensure that your marriage is legally recognized. If you need to update your marriage certificate, you can do so by filing an amendment with the North Dakota Department of Health.
A Brief Guide to Marriage Certificates in North Dakota
In order to establish your relationship as man and wife, it is important to obtain all the relevant documentation. Much as you need a marriage license to perform a ceremony, a marriage certificate in North Dakota establishes that a ceremony has been properly performed. Maintaining such documentation will help establish a relationship as need be. For example, you will need copies of marriage certificates in North Dakota if you are seeking a divorce at a later date.
The first step to obtaining this document is to apply for a marriage license. Until you have obtained this document, you will not be able to marry. While this document is a prerequisite to a ceremony, it will also be recorded on any marriage certificate in North Dakota which are issued.
When applying for a license, both parties must present sufficient documentation. For people age 18 or older, all that will be required is a government-issued ID demonstrating that they are of age and valid American citizens. Legal aliens will need to provide government-issued ID from their home country, as well as the visa which allows them to be in the country. Americans age 16 or 17 will need to have their parents present to give their consent to the ceremony.
Neither party can be intoxicated when applying for this document. The same condition applies during the actual ceremony. If either spouse is under the influence, a marriage will not be validated.
Following a ceremony, a marriage certificate in North Dakota must be signed by two witnesses in order to be valid. In addition, the person who officiated the ceremony must sign the document. If this person is a secular official authorized to perform such a ceremony, they must include their full name on marriage certificates in North Dakota. Religious officials must also include their affiliation.
Any marriage certificate in North Dakota must have two copies. One copy will be maintained by the state’s office of Vital Records. This office uses marriage certificates in North Dakota to assemble many statistics related to life in the state. The other copy is yours to retain and should be kept in a safe place if you need it otherwise.
You must return the original of a marriage certificate in North Dakota within five days of a ceremony being performed. Along with this, the original of the marriage license must also be returned to the official who issued it. Failure to return original marriage certificates in North Dakota is a violation of the law and could lead to fines.
Copies of marriage certificates in North Dakota must be obtained from the county in which a ceremony was performed. The official responsible for issuing this document may be a county clerk, a county treasurer, a county recorder, a county auditor or clerk of court. A full list of the counties and officials to contact who can help you obtain a copy of marriage certificate in North Dakota can be found here.
