Find Marriage Records in Beltrami County

Beltrami County marriage records go back to 1896 and are managed by the County License Center in Bemidji. If you need to apply for a marriage license or request a certified copy of a marriage certificate, the License Center is where you go. You can also search Beltrami County marriage records online through the Minnesota Official Marriage System. This page covers what you need to know about marriage records in Beltrami County, Minnesota.

Beltrami County License Center

In Beltrami County, marriage licenses are handled through the License Center rather than a separate recorder's office. The center is in downtown Bemidji on Minnesota Avenue NW. It handles driver's licenses, motor vehicle registration, marriage licenses, and vital records all in one place. Staff are available during regular business hours.

The main phone number is 218-333-4148. There is a second number, 218-759-4170, that also reaches the office. Go to www.co.beltrami.mn.us for current information on services. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Both people applying for a marriage license must be present.

Marriage Licenses in Beltrami County

Both parties must appear together at the License Center to apply. Each person needs a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID, or passport will work. The fee is $115 for a standard license. Couples who have completed at least 12 hours of approved premarital education pay $40 instead. To get the reduced fee, you must bring a signed, notarized educator's statement on letterhead from a licensed minister or therapist.

Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, the application must include full legal names, current addresses, birth dates, and Social Security numbers. If either party was married before, you need to show that the prior marriage ended. Bring a divorce decree or death certificate. The license is good for six months after it is issued. Minnesota has no waiting period, so you can use the license the day you get it. The license works anywhere in the state.

The application process can start online through MOMS.mn.gov. Filling out the form at home before your visit saves time at the counter. You still need to appear in person to finalize and pay.

After the ceremony, the officiant must complete and sign the marriage certificate. Under Minnesota Statute 517.10, the signed certificate must be filed with the Beltrami County Recorder within five days of the wedding. The certificate then becomes part of the county's permanent marriage records.

Beltrami County Marriage Record Search

To search Beltrami County marriage records online, use MOMS.mn.gov. This is the statewide Minnesota Official Marriage System. It is free to use and covers all 87 counties. Beltrami County records go back to 1896. To search, select Beltrami County from the dropdown or search all counties at once. Enter the last name and first name of either party. A date range helps narrow the results but is not required.

MOMS gives you three ways to search. Exact match works best when you know the full name and correct spelling. Soundex finds names that sound similar, which is helpful for old records with spelling variations. Wildcard lets you use partial names with an asterisk as a placeholder. Results show both parties' names, the marriage date, and which county holds the record. From there, you can request a certified copy from the Beltrami County License Center.

For older records not indexed in MOMS, call the License Center at 218-333-4148. Staff can search older paper records. Marriage records in Minnesota are public data under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Anyone may request access to them.

Certified Copy of a Beltrami County Marriage Certificate

A certified copy of a Beltrami County marriage certificate costs $9. This is the official legal version of the document. You need it for name changes on government IDs, insurance changes, and other legal purposes. A plain informational copy is cheaper but is not accepted for most official uses.

Request certified copies in person at the License Center in Bemidji, or by mail. For a mail request, write to Beltrami County License Center at 701 Minnesota Avenue NW, Ste 100, Bemidji, MN 56601. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of marriage, your name and return address, and a check for $9. Under Minnesota Statute 517.101, the registrar is required to issue certified copies to anyone who pays the fee.

Birth and death records in Beltrami County also date from 1896 and are held at the same office. If you need those records, the License Center can help with those as well.

Cities in Beltrami County

Beltrami County includes Bemidji and several smaller communities. No cities in Beltrami County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All marriage records for the county are handled through the License Center in Bemidji.

Nearby Counties

Beltrami County is in north-central Minnesota. Several other counties border it. Apply for your license in the county where you live.